One of the region’s most beloved expos, Seasons of New England, returns this weekend with a clear purpose: to put the region’s makers where they belong, front and centre.
For founder Tara Toomey, the idea has always been about creating a platform for those who make what they sell.
“I really wanted to give everyone who makes what they sell an opportunity to shine on an even platform,” she told NBN News.
“It’s so hard when you make what you sell to line up against mass produced, particularly imported products.
That philosophy has shaped the expo into a curated showcase of New England talent, bringing together producers, artists and small businesses who share a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The event is now a full weekend of indulgence in high quality locally made goods, beginning tonight, March 27, with the Expo Eve Dinner, and then two days of markets, 9am to 4.30pm both Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28, at Jim Mackay Park in Uralla.
“These are really high quality worthwhile discovering products, and really extraordinary, resilient, creative business people.”
Among them this year is The Seasonal Companion, a small-batch preserves and pantry goods brand based on a rural property in the Dumaresq Valley.
Owned and operated by Richelle Chandler, the business grew from a desire to preserve seasonal produce and reduce food waste into a developing brand built around flavour and integrity.
“The Seasonal Companion is a small-batch preserves and pantry goods brand focused on seasonal, locally inspired flavours,” Richelle said.
Each product is made by hand using traditional methods, without preservatives, fillers or shortcuts. The range includes jams, chutneys, relishes, sauces and seasonal specialty products, all produced in limited batches.
“Each product is handcrafted using traditional methods, without preservatives, fillers, or shortcuts,” she said.
Working from a property in the Tenterfield Shire, Richelle draws inspiration from the seasons and the ingredients available, developing new combinations as produce comes into its peak.
“What makes our products different is our focus on flavour depth and ingredient integrity,” she said.
“We avoid artificial additives and instead rely on careful preparation, balancing sweetness, acidity, and spice.
“We create products that pair well with both everyday meals and premium grazing experiences.”
That emphasis on balance and experimentation means customers can expect something new with each batch.
“Many of our products are developed around seasonal availability and small-batch experimentation, meaning customers regularly discover something new and unique.”
For visitors, that sense of discovery is a key part of the Seasons experience, whether it is tasting a new flavour, meeting a maker or understanding the story behind a product.
Tara knows that experience well, not just as organiser but as a maker herself.
Through her business, The Humble Cook, she will also be at the expo with a range of handmade sweets, hot chocolate blends and chai.
Her journey began with nougat at local markets more than 20 years ago, and it has been her full time work since 2008. Over time, the range has grown into a diverse collection of small-batch products.
“The range soon evolved into hot chocolate blends with real flavour, brittles made using Australian peanuts and pecans and old fashioned caramel,” she said.
“My full range is an evolving one though, including seasonal fruit cake runs, chai blends, dukkah and a few creative surprises.”
That idea of constant evolution mirrors the broader ethos of Seasons of New England, where businesses are encouraged to experiment, grow and connect with customers directly.
The expo is just one part of that vision. Tara also operates the Seasons of New England retail shop at 31 Salisbury Street in Uralla, along with an online store, giving locally made products a year-round presence.
But it is the in-person experience that brings everything together, with Seasons of New England Expo offering the chance to meet the makers, hear their stories and explore a diverse range of goods created across the region.
(And yes, they’ve checked, and there’s plenty of fuel in Uralla.)
Were celebrating all things made in New England! Read more Made in New England stories here.
It’s not too late to nominate your locally made products or business – find out more here.