Bringing the Spirit of Beef Week to Whiddon Casino: Residents vs. Chefs Cook-Off!

Whiddon, a regional aged care provider, is embracing the spirit of Casino Beef Week, a celebration of Australia’s beef industry and rural heritage, by hosting a unique culinary challenge at its Casino Residential Care home on Wednesday, May 22nd.
In this friendly competition, the skilled chefs of Whiddon will go head-to-head against the eager residents, who bring years of cooking experience to the table.
The Cook-Off will unfold at the Whiddon Casino BBQ area, where marquees will be set up for the event.
Schedule:
• 10:00 AM: Whiddon Casino Coffee Club
• 11:30 AM: BBQs prepared for Whiddon Casino Cook-Off
• 12:00 PM: Official commencement of the Whiddon Casino Cook-Off!
During and after the Cook-Off, both participating staff and residents will be available for media interviews and comments.
At Whiddon, chefs often craft special meals to mark significant events or simply to delight residents who have specific cravings. According to Whiddon Area Chef Jason Watterson, the outdated stereotypes about food in aged care are far from accurate.
“Our team is continuously exploring innovative ways to serve nutritious meals made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, freshly prepared at our care homes every day,” Jason explains.
He emphasizes the importance of relationship-based care, stating, “The bonds formed around the kitchen table are truly special.”
Recognizing the significance of food for residents transitioning into care, Whiddon has implemented several tailored practices and programs across its 23 Residential Aged Care homes. These include homestyle kitchens, foodie groups, and cooking clubs.
For the Cook-Off, Whiddon is committed to sourcing local produce, thereby supporting the Richmond Valley and Northern Rivers community.

Casino Beef Week 2024 Feature

Welcome to the 2024 edition of The Casino Food Co-Op Casino Beef Week, a celebration that not only showcases the best of Australian beef but also unites the community of Casino, known as the Beef Capital of Australia. As we embark on our 42nd year, we continue to cherish the tradition that has become a cornerstone of our identity and an annual
highlight for both locals and visitors.
This year, Casino Beef Week, running from May 18th to 26th, promises an array of events designed to entertain, educate, and celebrate our rich agricultural heritage. From our Cattle Competitions, Industry Events, and community fun, we have something for everyone. Our program is packed with over 100 events including industry seminars, art exhibitions, live music, and, of course, our massive Beef Week Saturday featuring the Brenda Armfield Street Parade.
At the heart of Beef Week is our commitment to the agricultural community. We celebrate the hard work and dedication of our farmers, who play a crucial role in our region’s economy and way of life. This festival is an opportunity for them to showcase their top-quality produce, share their expertise, and engage with the public about the importance of sustainable farming.
We are also excited to introduce new events this year focusing on our community. Sunday the 19th is a day of Country Music and Mullets at Casino RSM Club, and Monday night is our brand-new Steaks and Mates Dinner at the Clydesdale Steakhouse with a focus on Men’s Mental Health. This is in addition to brand new classes on our Wednesday and Saturday Cattle Shows, which will now include Heifer Classes with our Led Steers.
I would like to extend a special thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers, and community members who have contributed tirelessly to make this event possible. Your enthusiasm and support reflect the spirit of cooperation and community that Casino Beef Week exemplifies.
Join us in celebrating the pride and spirit of Casino at The Casino Food Co-op Casino Beef Week 2024. We look forward to welcoming you to our town and sharing with you the vibrancy and warmth of our community. Let’s make this year’s Beef Week the best one yet!

Embrace Country Life at Casino Beef Week’s MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers

Casino, 8/4/2024 – Casino Beef Week is excited to announce an extraordinary day of community spirit and celebration at the MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers Presented by ZZZFM. This year’s event is set to surpass all expectations, encapsulating the essence of country life in a morning filled with fun, food, and festivity.

Thanks to the generous support of The MJ Smith Group, our 2024 Major Sponsor, the annual Free Community Breakfast will offer attendees a delightful taste of the local life with complimentary sausage or steak sandwiches, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit, generously donated by Woolworths Casino. This partnership exemplifies The MJ Smith Group’s deep commitment to the local community, showcasing a shared passion for uniting and enriching our region.

Brody Lisha, President of Casino Beef Week, expressed his enthusiasm about the event: “We are overjoyed to have The MJ Smith Group as our Major Sponsor this year. Their dedication to the community mirrors our mission to celebrate our country life and bring people together. This event is more than just a breakfast; it’s a showcase of what makes our community so vibrant and unique.”

Casino Beef Week is excited to announce an extraordinary day of community spirit and celebration at the MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers Presented by ZZZFM.

The event will feature an impressive display of machinery, allowing attendees to witness the remarkable work of The MJ Smith Group firsthand. “Seeing the machinery up close is a testament to the innovation and hard work that drives our local industries. It’s an honour to highlight this aspect of our community at the event,” said Lisha.

Adding to the excitement, the annual Richmond Dairies Cow Pat Lotto, presented by Bently Community Preschool, returns with a larger prize pool thanks to Richmond Dairies and Macdonalds Pharmacy. “The Cow Pat Lotto is a tradition that everyone looks forward to. It’s a fun, quirky way to engage with the community while supporting a great cause,” Lisha remarked.

Butchers from the region will compete in the Verto Sausage Competition, aiming for the titles of Best Beef Sausage and Best Gourmet Sausage. Lisha commented, “Our local butchers are incredibly talented, and this competition is a fantastic way to showcase their skills and the quality of our local produce.”

The day will also feature live entertainment from Sam Handford and the grand finale of the CiCom Busking Championships on the Jack Links Stage. “The talent we have in our community is astounding, and the Jack Links Stage is the perfect platform to showcase it. It’s going to be an unforgettable day,” Lisha added.

Casino Beef Week invites everyone to join in celebrating our country life, embodying the community spirit that makes our region so special. Don’t miss this outstanding day of free food, fantastic entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

The Breakfast will be lived streamed via ZZZFM and 2LM.

Embrace Country Life at Casino Beef Week’s MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers

Casino, 8/4/2024 – Casino Beef Week is excited to announce an extraordinary day of community spirit and celebration at the MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers Presented by ZZZFM. This year’s event is set to surpass all expectations, encapsulating the essence of country life in a morning filled with fun, food, and festivity.

Thanks to the generous support of The MJ Smith Group, our 2024 Major Sponsor, the annual Free Community Breakfast will offer attendees a delightful taste of the local life with complimentary sausage or steak sandwiches, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit, generously donated by Woolworths Casino. This partnership exemplifies The MJ Smith Group’s deep commitment to the local community, showcasing a shared passion for uniting and enriching our region.

Brody Lisha, President of Casino Beef Week, expressed his enthusiasm about the event: “We are overjoyed to have The MJ Smith Group as our Major Sponsor this year. Their dedication to the community mirrors our mission to celebrate our country life and bring people together. This event is more than just a breakfast; it’s a showcase of what makes our community so vibrant and unique.”

The event will feature an impressive display of machinery, allowing attendees to witness the remarkable work of The MJ Smith Group firsthand. “Seeing the machinery up close is a testament to the innovation and hard work that drives our local industries. It’s an honor to highlight this aspect of our community at the event,” said Lisha.

Adding to the excitement, the annual Richmond Dairies Cow Pat Lotto, presented by Bently Community Preschool, returns with a larger prize pool thanks to Richmond Dairies and Macdonalds Pharmacy. “The Cow Pat Lotto is a tradition that everyone looks forward to. It’s a fun, quirky way to engage with the community while supporting a great cause,” Lisha remarked.

Butchers from the region will compete in the Verto Sausage Competition, aiming for the titles of Best Beef Sausage and Best Gourmet Sausage. Lisha commented, “Our local butchers are incredibly talented, and this competition is a fantastic way to showcase their skills and the quality of our local produce.”

The day will also feature live entertainment from Sam Handford and the grand finale of the CiCom Busking Championships on the Jack Links Stage. “The talent we have in our community is astounding, and the Jack Links Stage is the perfect platform to showcase it. It’s going to be an unforgettable day,” Lisha added.

Casino Beef Week invites everyone to join in celebrating our country life, embodying the community spirit that makes our region so special. Don’t miss this outstanding day of free food, fantastic entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

The Breakfast will be lived streamed via ZZZFM and 2LM.

For more Casino Beef Week news, click here.

Bindaree Food Group Industry Dinner Elevates Casino Beef Week 2024

Casino, NSW – Casino Beef Week 2024, a pinnacle event in the Australian beef industry’s calendar, proudly introduces the Bindaree Food Group Industry Dinner as one of this year’s festival highlights. Set for Thursday, 23rd May, at The Clydesdale Motel and Steakhouse, this event promises an evening brimming with gourmet cuisine, insightful discussions, and unmatched networking opportunities, starting at 6:00 pm.

The evening will commence with a welcoming reception featuring sophisticated canapes and a welcome drink, setting the stage for a night of celebration and camaraderie. Attendees will then be treated to a three-course gourmet dinner spotlighting Bindaree’s premium beef products, a testament to the company’s commitment to flavor and quality.

A highlight of the dinner will be an address by Andrew McDonald, CEO of Bindaree Food Group, who will share the company’s achievements and its forward-looking vision. Adding to the evening’s allure, Larry Anthony, former Federal Minister and MP for Richmond, will host an industry panel discussion. This session aims to explore the current and future state of the beef industry with insights from renowned industry leaders.

Brody Lisha, President of Casino Beef Week, emphasised the dinner’s significance, “The Bindaree Food Group Industry Dinner is more than an event; it’s a homage to the heart and soul of our industry. It’s a showcase of innovation and community spirit.”

Andrew McDonald reflected on the deep-rooted connection between Bindaree Food Group and the Casino region, stating, “Our operations began here at the Casino Food Co-Op in 1981. Though we’ve expanded, our bond with Casino remains integral. This dinner celebrates our 43-year relationship with the community.”

Tickets for the event are available at $70 each from 2nd April, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the beef industry’s vibrancy and connect with peers in a prestigious setting.

The Casino Food Co-op Casino Beef Week is renowned for celebrating the beef industry, its contributors, and rural lifestyle, drawing attendees from across the nation. Bindaree Food Group, a key player in the Australian protein solutions sector, continues to invest in the region, demonstrating a commitment to its heritage and community. With extensive operations across Australia and investments in facility upgrades, Bindaree stands at the forefront of the global market while maintaining its local ethos in the Northern Rivers region.

As Casino Beef Week 2024 approaches, the Bindaree Food Group Industry Dinner is set to be a memorable event, reinforcing the strength and unity of the beef industry in Australia.

For more Casino Beef Week news, click here.