The Scenic Rim’s celebrated Eat Local Movement has marked its 15th anniversary with a major accolade, taking out the Excellence in Collaboration Award at the Local Government Managers Australia awards.
The recognition comes as Eat Local Month returns this June with more than 120 events showcasing the region’s farmers, producers, chefs and food artisans. The award was particularly significant, with Scenic Rim Regional Council’s submission judged against 22 entries from 15 councils across Queensland.
Mayor Tom Sharp said the honour reflected the dedication and collaboration of the region’s agricultural and tourism sectors over the past 15 years.
“Our region’s Eat Local Movement has evolved from a unique collaboration between council, the community and agribusinesses into one of Queensland’s leading food tourism initiatives,” he said.
What began as the inaugural Eat Local Week, featuring just 10 events, was launched to support seasonal produce sales and later expanded following flood recovery efforts. In 2023, the event grew into a month-long celebration due to its ongoing success.
Today, Eat Local Month attracts visitors from across the state and beyond, offering authentic paddock-to-plate experiences throughout the Scenic Rim.
The latest award follows the movement’s Gold Award for Excellence in Food Tourism at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards, adding another achievement to its growing list of state, national and international recognitions.
Image source: scenicrim.qld.gov.au