General News
30 October, 2025
Bendigo plan tucks into Loddon delights
INDIGENOUS tucker could be part of a refreshed gastronomical menu promoting Loddon and Bendigo.
Partnerships between Djaara’s cultural tours and cultural experience arm Dumawul and Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon are among key pillars of the new in the new UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plan adopted by Greater Bendigo councillors on Monday.
Loddon Shire is one of eight councils in the UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy and features strongly in the Bendigo plan.
According to Loddon’s manager tourism and economic development David Stretch the plan “introduces a refreshed focus shaped by key themes identified through consultation”.
He said Loddon was consulted by Bendigo last November and had provided input on the previous and current Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plans.
“In February Loddon Shire Council adopted its Visitor Economy Strategy (2025-2030) which strongly references the UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy and a focus to leverage the designation for economic growth in Loddon Shire’s food production, agritourism and related industry sector businesses.
“The actions listed in the 2025-2029 Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plan that imply co-delivery from Loddon Shire Council directly, or as a council partner in Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, will be delivered within existing operational funds or resourcing and in alignment with the Loddon Shire Council plan, Loddon Shire’s economic development strategy and visitor economy strategy.
“Any additional investment to support the actions and objectives of the designation would require council endorsement,” he said.
New themes of Bendigo’s gastronomical plan are to celebrate and elevate first nations culture, creativity and knowledge; recognise creativity, cultural diversity and innovation; improve health and wellbeing particularly through healthy eating and prioritise environmental sustainability.
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