King Jarrah - it is not just a big tree

Manjimup's 'King Jarrah' is located approximately 3km out of town.  The aptly named 600 year old Jarrah tree stands at 47m high and has become a focal point for Manjimup locals and visitors.   

A newly constructed dual use path makes for a fantastic walk, run or ride to King Jarrah, with the trip back into Manjimup offering spectacular views across the outskirts of town.

This iconic location is not just about visiting the ‘big tree’ - it is an accessible heritage trail, an undercover picnic area with gas barbecues for public use and a mountain bike track.   

King Jarrah is also the venue for the increasingly popular weekly 'Parkrun’ event — a 5km walk or run for all ages that takes place at 8am all over the world!  Anybody can take part in this community event - register via www.parkrun.com.au.

Food of the Southern Forests

Last week I attended a book launch for Sophie Zalokar’s Food of the Southern Forests.  How does this relate to the hidden gems of the southern forests, you ask? Several reasons, actually. 

Sophie Zalokar is a renowned food writer and chef, who in 2005 moved to Pemberton with her partner Chris and two children and launched Foragers Field Kitchen and Chalets.  This, in itself, is a hidden gem, nestled in the pristine farmland that surrounds Pemberton, placing Ms Zalokar in prime location for sourcing produce fresh from the farm gate.

This genuinely southern forests produce is the reason for the recently formed ‘Southern Forests Food Council’ (SFFC) – a SuperTowns initative funded by the State Governments Royalties for Regions program.  In less than a year, the SFFC has developed a brand for consumers to look out for which denotes that produce has come from this region, and has been working hard at promoting the variety and quality of the produce globally.     Genuinely Southern Forests produce = hidden gem(s). 

The venue for the book launch was the Old Coolroom at Newton Orchards in Manjimup, a wooden clad structure designed to keep fruit fresh in the days before air conditioned coolrooms were invented.  It was a befitting location for the book launch, as the history of places like these are featured in the book as an exhibition of the adaptability, dedication and stoicism of the producers of the Southern Forests.  With the pristine growing conditions of the Southern Forests, coupled with the knowledge and hard work of our producers, it is no wonder the produce is as good as it is.

This brings me to the book - Food of the Southern Forests – a deserving and valid tribute to the genuinely southern forests produce, and the result of more than two years worth of dedication and hard work.  This book showcases hidden gems marvellousely, through the unique photographic style of Craig Kinder, to the essence of it – the recipes. 

Congratulations to everyone involved. 

For book sales, please visit the Southern Forests Food Council or purchase the book online via:

http://uwap.uwa.edu.au/collections/sophie-zalokar/products/food-of-the-southern-forests

 

To sample genuinely southern forests produce, look out for the branding in-store, stay tuned to the SFFC website and facebook page to see what events are coming up to showcase the produce and/or visit the Manjimup Farmers Market – every second Saturday in Manjin Park, Manjimup.  

Pictured above: Nicole Giblett - Newton Orchards, Craig Kinder - Photographer, Sophie Zalokar - Author and Bevan Eatts - Chairperson of the Southern Forests Food Council. 

 

Northcliffe Understory

The day was overcast, with patchy rain, when I visited the Northcliffe Understory.  Some would be put off from going anywhere in this weather, but I ventured out anyway. It certainly proved that the weather doesn't always have to be perfect sunshine to make a day out in the Southern Forests enjoyable. 

It is only a short  drive to Northcliffe from Pemberton or Manjimup.  There are a few routes to choose from, and farm gate sales and stalls are scattered along the way - great for anybody who is keen to pick up some of the Genuinely Southern Forests produce that the region is renowned for.  

This amazing sculpture trail, known as the Northcliffe Understory, is located at the Northcliffe Information and Visitor Centre.  It is, by far, one of the region’s most unique visitor experiences.  The friendly staff offered me headphones and an mp3 player, so that I could listen to the audio of each artist talking about their sculpture - how the piece came about, what it means to them and what it means to the region.  "To listen, or not to listen?" I thought to myself, before quickly deciding "yeeeeh why not!" - I highly recommend taking this offer up. 

The Understory is a pleasant 1.2km, sculpture lined walkway, that winds through native forests.   The sculptures have been designed and built by both local and international artists, and every one of these sculptures tells a story.  The audio is in synch with the order of the sculptures, and as you proceed on your stroll, you're given valuable insight into each individual piece. There are even sculptures that are purposely placed in obscure locations, and I could figure out if this was to create a sense of mystery, or make it treasure-hunt-like.  Either way, it works. 

 

I feel like if I say too much more I'll give it all away.  I will say that I enjoyed it so much, that I did a second lap without the audio; almost as necessary as doing it with the audio, so the real sounds of the forest can be appreciated too.  I also took a lot of photos - some of which are pictured above - but they don't do any of the sculptures, or the general vibe of the Understory, any justice.   

It is something that can be experienced as a family, in a group or even on your own. Take your time and enjoy it - it deserves to be relished - and you'll see why this place touches so many hearts. 

Coming soon to the Understory is a new interactive sound sculpture! Denmark artist/musician Peter Keelan has recently taken part in community workshops to gather ideas, and develop a design concept, and he will be returning in November to start his sculpture.  Community members are encouraged to get involved by taking part in the build.  If you are interested, please contact Fiona Sinclair via info@southernforestarts.com.au. 

For more information on the Understory, visit  www.southernforestarts.com.au.