James Brown, CEO of Pearls of AustraliaCredit: Pearls of Australia
James Brown, CEO of Pearls of Australia named as ‘Australian Farmer of the Year’ 2020-21. James is a third-generation pearl farmer, with his grandfather founding the Pearls of Australia operation in the 1950s.
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Australian Farmer of the Year
James Brown, CEO of Pearls of Australia Credit: Pearls of Australia
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Third-generation pearl farmer, James Brown of Pearls of Australia, is the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2020-21 Australian Farmer of the Year.
James is also the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Telstra.
James, together with his family, farm for pearls across two operations: Cygnet Bay, north of Broome, and at the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the NSW Central Coast.
James is a driving force not only within his own farming enterprise which has expanded under his leadership, but also within the Australian pearling industry via his dedication to research and development and advancing Australian pearls as a premium product around the world.
“Our family has been pearling since the 1950s and while it hasn’t always been easy, farming is in my blood and to know I can make a difference in the industry, and ensuring it has longevity and stability, means everything to me,” James said.
The award comes after a tumultuous decade for our nation’s pearl industry, which has suffered the effects of an aquatic disease, several natural disasters and COVID-19.
Ben White, General Manager of Research at Kondinin Group, said it was James’ forward-thinking approach to farming and ‘never give up’ attitude that impressed the Judges and secured him with the award wins.
“James has a strong family farming legacy behind him but it is clear that he is crafting his own way forward in farming,” Ben said.
“Pearling is a valuable agricultural industry in Australia. We commend James on his innovative work ethic and outstanding determination to forge a path for the survival of his business and for the sustainability of the industry as a whole.”
Broken Bay Pearl Farm ‘Shellar Door’ Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm ‘Shellar Door’ is NSW’s only pearl farm, based at Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast. James Brown, CEO of Pearls of Australia named as ‘Australian Farmer of the Year’ 2020-21.
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm ‘Shellar Door’ Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm ‘Shellar Door’ is NSW’s only pearl farm, based at Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast. James Brown, CEO of Pearls of Australia named as ‘Australian Farmer of the Year’ 2020-21.
James has a deep passion for the marine environment, studying Marine Biology at James Cook University before returning to the family pearl farm, Cygnet Bay, and taking over the helm in 2000. James has since purchased the majority shareholding of Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the NSW Central Coast, bringing his innovative approach to Australia’s ‘newest’ pearling region located one hour north of Sydney.
It is James’ affinity with the marine environment that has provided him with the knowledge and tools to confront the challenges the pearl industry has faced over the last two decades.
“Between 2007-2009, the pearl industry encountered a bio-security challenge in the form of a suspected virus. Over a decade later, we still do not know what the causative agent is, but it is most likely an artefact of significant sea surface temperature increase,” James said.
“Add to that the Global Financial Crisis restricting traditional wholesale markets upon which Australian pearl farmers depend, and we witnessed the demise of many pearling companies. The industry was really suffering. To experience production and market failure at the same time was an extremely challenging point in my life.”
James’ approach was inspired. Instead of folding the family farm, he committed to diversifying their operation, prioritised and invested in research, and developed innovative strategies for survival.
Broken Bay Cruise, Pearls of Australia Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm is NSW’s only pearl farm. They offer boutique tours including seeding and harvesting demonstrations followed by pearl grading and valuing.
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Broken Bay Cruise, Pearls of Australia Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm is NSW’s only pearl farm. They offer boutique tours including seeding and harvesting demonstrations followed by pearl grading and valuing.
“During 2009 we opened up the family farm to not only share our family’s pioneering farming story, but to bring awareness around the ancient connection between Australia’s First Nation people and pearl shell,” James said.
“This gave the public an opportunity to experience a fully-operational, commercial pearl farm, meet the many people behind the process, and have the chance to purchase pearls farm-direct. It allowed us to achieve full vertical integration while raising consumer knowledge of the Australian pearling industry and its incredible cultural heritage, as well as increasing tourism in the Kimberley region.
“Ultimately, it helped us connect directly with consumers and position Australian pearls as the unique and premium product they are.”
James also introduced a new seafood product to market—the Akoya Pearl Oyster.
“We found a niche market with this new pearl oyster, which is incredibly fresh and tender, and it has proved really popular.”
Another key part of James’ sustainability plan was to deepen scientific understanding of the environment in which he operated. Particularly in relation to the major disease outbreak during 2006-2007 which saw mass juvenile pearl oyster mortality syndrome (JPOMS), supressed growth rates of oysters and the eventual reduction in the quality and value of pearl crops.
During 2009 James founded the Kimberley Marine Research Station (KMRS), which is an operational marine science hub for independent research on the Kimberley bioregion. The KMRS facilitates numerous monitoring projects and experiments for various marine species including Kimberley corals and rock oysters.
In addition to the KMRS, James has supported research into the un-named virus that has affected the pearling industry. James has been a major contributor and collaborator in the development of an industry recovery research program involving the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) involving Cygnet Bay Pearls (WA), Autore Pearling (Northern Territory, formerly Ellies Pearling) and James Cook University.
The project’s objective is breeding pearl shell in specifically designed hatchery facilities to increase resistance to JPOMS while gathering essential knowledge to instigate a selective breeding program targeting resistance.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Pearls of Australia Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm is NSW’s only pearl farm located in Mooney Mooney, NSW.
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Pearls of Australia Credit: Pearls of Australia
Broken Bay Pearl Farm is NSW’s only pearl farm located in Mooney Mooney, NSW.
National Farmers' Federation president Fiona Simson said James’ resilience and innovative thinking stood out to this year's judging panel for the ABC Rural and Kondinin Group award.
Dr Ben Gursansky, Head of Rural and Regional Affairs at Telstra, said James’ innovative attitude to farming, and in particular his approach to the bio-security challenges his industry has faced, were incredibly impressive.
“James has survived the highs and lows of pearl farming and is now taking his business to a whole new level with his resourceful management,” Dr Gursansky said.
“James demonstrates the importance of diversification and innovation in farming and reminds us how thinking outside the box can not only transform a business but facilitate sustainable change within an entire agricultural sector.”
The strength and fortitude that James has shown in his farming was put to the test during March 2021, with his NSW Broken Bay Pearl Farm suffering considerable damage due to the well-publicised floods.
“Our farm took a serious hit during the March floods, with the force of the water damaging infrastructure and the change in water conditions flowing downstream impacting our oysters,” James said.
“But we are optimistic that we can restore the farm and ensure our oysters are in the best environment again. We won’t let it get us down.”
James is the 11th winner of the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural Australian Farmer of the Year award. The annual awards program has been running since 2010 and continues to recognise excellence in farming and farming communities across rural and regional Australia. The 2020-21 Awards are supported by Platinum Sponsor WFI.
For more information on Pearls of Australia, please visit www.pearlsofaustralia.com.au
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Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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A line-up of globally renowned chefs will feature across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tickets on sale from Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com
Imagery: here
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.
This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.
Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.
This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said:
“After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.
“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said:
“Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”
Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said:
“Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
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Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
Vivid Residence
Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.
Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”
Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
Vivid Chef Series
The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.
The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.
London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
Chef collaborations include:
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.
- Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.
Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.
Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.
Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”
Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.
Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
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Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
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Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Media contacts:
Hannah Fedeli, +61437166571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency
Shannon Blanchard, +61432543377 or shannon@thecru.agency
James Toovey, Vivid Sydney PR Manager, +61407828310 or james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 14th year in 2024, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney attracts domestic and international visitors, fuelling economic growth while fostering a cultural celebration across Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.