Travel Play Live Women's Adventure Summit 2017
/An opportunity arose for the adventurous women amongst us!
Four years ago, I was approached by a delightful and talented woman named Amy, enquiring as to whether I'd be willing to contribute recipe content, to a new magazine publication - Travel Play Live - The Women's Adventure Lifestyle Magazine. I said YES!
Issue #1 Spring 2015 arrived in my post box some months later, filled with inspiring stories of adventurous women and fabulous photography capturing the very essence of their adventure. The magazine aims to empower women, inspire them to dream big and to bravely change women's perception of what is possible for them in the realm of adventure. I offered two recipes to be included in each issue and in return I enjoyed the magazine immensely and was challenged to live a more adventurous life myself. I'm thankful for the privilege to be an ongoing contributor, to such a quality magazine. Issue #10 Summer 2018 is out now and the magazine just keeps getting better. You can subscribe here!
In Autumn 2017, the team at TPL mag, dreamed even bigger and organised Australia's 1st Women's Adventure Summit, located on the north coast of NSW in the Great Lakes region. A weekend of outdoor activities, workshops, speakers and camaraderie amongst women who dared to venture outside of their comfort zone. An invitation arrived for me to be involved and together with The Great Lakes Food Trail NSW, I visited local farms and producers, in the NSW Great Lakes region, then showcased their produce in a Live Cooking Show on the closing night of the summit.
Oysters, finger limes, flathead, free range eggs, buffalo mozzarella, buffalo feta and craft beers were just some of the local produce I had to work with.
The aim of The Great Lakes Food Trail NSW is to connect local and ethical producers with the community. Our producers are committed to the humane production of wholesome food and to showcase the wonderful diversity our region has to offer. Whether it’s fresh and ethically grown produce, sweet treats, fine wines or other bounties of the region, the Great Lakes Food Trail is an easy to follow route, visiting local farms, gardens, wineries and cafés. You can take an educational tour (pre-bookings may be required) or simply drop into the many farms along the trail for a tasting experience. The trail is open four times a year, once in each season and the next opportunity is Sunday 22nd April 10am - 4pm. From the coast to the ranges, follow the trail through rolling green hills and stunning lakeside vistas. More info here
Not only did I have the opportunity to cook and showcase the wonderful local produce to the women at the Summit, but I also had the pleasure and fun of participating in the Summit activities, whilst meeting some very inspiring women along the way. A day spent canoeing on the Barrington River and mountain-biking in the World Heritage wilderness region of Barrington Tops in NSW, was such a blast. The opportunities to join a bush-tucker tour, sleep in a bell tent for three nights, SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) on the lake and hear the heart and stories of the key-note speakers were all highlights for me!
Hats off to the two women behind the Travel Play Live magazine and the TPL Women's Adventure Summit, Amy and Kez who are courageous pioneers, creating a space for women to get outdoors and get their adventure on.
The Travel Play Live Women’s Adventure Summit is a groundbreaking event allowing women to experience the joy of stepping beyond their comfort zones in a safe environment. It’s about trying new things, raising personal standards and expectations, letting go and having fun!
— Hayley Talbot. Solo Survivalist and Youth Mental Health Advocate
The Summit brings women from across Australia together to experience adventure of all kinds, in one of the countries most diverse locations. Individuals can choose to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor sessions and talks hosted by some of the countries leading women's adventure coaches, trainers, and female speakers. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded women whilst trying a long list of outdoor activities, in a relatively inexpensive way, all on the one weekend. The Summit will expand your 'Can Do' list well into the future.
To stay up to date with all things adventure you can subscribe to the Travel Play Live mailing list here
All images courtesy of Ben Cirulis