'The Source Benalla' is an innovative event, to be held on Saturday March 23 2019, that explores our region and connects people with fantastic opportunities available right here in our own back yard. It provides a platform for our great producers, distillers, brewers, makers, and community groups to reach out and connect with the public all in the tranquil setting of the Benalla Botanical Gardens. It also aims to promote Benalla as a regional centre to the North East, the Goulburn Valley, and the Alpine regions showcasing liveability and lifestyle opportunities unique to Benalla.

The Makers' Market will hold many diverse stalls with incredible regional craft and produce. The market will also promote The Benalla Food Coop by holding a designated suppliers’ area, delivering the high quality (and sustainability) that is available to the food coop to the event.

The Source Benalla has spent over $10,000 on music and entertainment.

The headline act will be an intimate acoustic set from world renowned and award winning blues guitarist Geoff Achison. Warming up the stage will be Zac Slater, who this year, raced to number one on JJJ’s unearthed hip-hop charts. Ricki Wood who travels the world playing his guitar will grace the stage for a set as well. An amazing array of young local musicians from the North East and Goulburn Valley regions will support these acts. Music will be playing from midday to the close of the event at 8 pm.

As part of the entertainment the Benalla Scout Group are building a large ninja warrior course for little and big kids to test their skills on. They will also conduct fun activities for kids throughout the day, like making rockets and learning how to make ice cream.

The Source Benalla in conjunction with The Benalla Art Gallery will be conducting a kid’s art workshop. At its conclusion, in the morning, their art will be displayed around the event grounds.

There will also be a fairy trail to lead kids and their families or friends around the beautiful Botanical Gardens where they will find an amazing fairy and maybe a little treat too!
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Workshops will be held covering a wide range of things such as fermenting, coeliac cooking, and smoking meats.

There will be also be artist installations set up around the Botanical Gardens adding an extra splash to the atmosphere.

Unique to this event, the Hurdle Creek Still will be serving their famous cocktails and showing the great products available from their distillery.

​Benalla’s own Black Dog Brewery will be quenching the thirsts of many with their own wide range of locally brewed beers, with Booths winery supplying a variety of local wines.

The Source is also in partnership with EdSpace, an education and training centre in Benalla that is part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. EdSpace is currently looking at catering the event, which will provide its students with an excellent opportunity to complete their learning modules. This is a very exciting as the food is healthy and locally grown.