More than 250,000 oysters to be savoured during month-long Western Sydney Shell-ebration
It may be more than 60 kilometres away from the nearest oyster farm, but West HQ expects its inaugural Western Sydney Oyster Festival will become a key event of the Australian aquaculture calendar and place the region on Sydney's culinary map.
In a bold move that "flips the coastal monopoly for festivals honouring the Mollusc on its shell", West HQ - along with Australia's very own Oyster King, Sean Connolly, who partners with the venue's Steak & Oyster Co outlet - developed the Western Sydney Oyster Festival concept based on the success of its Oyster promotion over the past two years.
West HQ Chief Executive Officer Richard Errington said Connolly had been a strong advocate for supporting the NSW Oyster Sydney Rock Oysters industry and, in the past two years, has led a month-long promotion in August to make the silky delicacy an affordable luxury.
"The promotion we ran over the past couple of years at Steak and Oyster Co by Sean Connolly was a hit - with more than 175,000 oysters devoured in August last year alone - and made us realise we could do more to support Aussie Aquaculture and help further promote Western Sydney as a culinary destination", Mr Errington said.
"That's why we're bringing the Western Sydney Oyster Festival to life, which has events, information displays about the delicious Bivalves and a range of limited-edition dishes across our premium food brands right here in West HQ, the Heart of Western Sydney."
Aligning with World Oyster Day, the Western Sydney Oyster Festival is supported by Sydney Rock Oyster Specialist East 33 (part of the Yumbah Aquaculture Group), who are supplying NSW-grown Sydney Rock Oysters for the Festival.
Mr Errington said, based on strong visitation from people travelling from outside western Sydney for the previous years' oyster specials, the Festival would see thousands of additional visitors who made their way from the inner west and beyond.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Western Sydney's vibrant restaurants, festivals and fresh produce were elevating the region as Australia's new gourmet gateway.
"NSW is home to some of the finest oysters on Earth and it's great to see West HQ shining a spotlight on local farmers and culinary talent," Mr Kamper said.
"Seasonal events such as Western Sydney Oyster Festival show that Sydney has something to offer all year round. The region is a leading destination for both domestic and international visitors, with foodies travelling in droves to taste the finest and freshest produce Australia has to offer."
East 33's Head of Farming, Matt Toan, said the Western Sydney Oyster Festival was a welcome initiative to demonstrate the support the industry had from the community after a challenging year.
"Despite the wild weather impacting the industry this year, we are excited to be showcasing the beauty of the Sydney Rock Oysters, which are rich in flavour, with that signature salty-sweet balance it is known for," Mr Toan said.
The month-long Western Sydney Oyster Festival promises a shucking good time for the whole family and will include:
- East 33 Sunday Sessions: Meet oyster experts Matt and his colleagues every Sunday in August as they share how to farm, source, shuck, and serve oysters;
- Affordable Luxury Oyster Deals Across West HQ: 13 Sydney Rock Oysters for just $18 will be available Sunday to Thursday across all West HQ signature dining brands, including Steak & Oyster Co by Sean Connolly, CHU Restaurant by China Doll, Pizzaperta Manfredi and New Town Thai - each with their own bespoke flavours;
- Educational Displays: Learn oyster facts and aquaculture insights throughout the venue.
