Pictured: Relish the artistry of Women's Work like Madeleine and Kristina at OBF's Taste of Wisemans this September.
Women's Work is a family-owned business dedicated to sharing, honouring, and preserving the stories and artistry of women's work. They make small batch relishes from recipes passed down through generations of creative, skilful women.
What are you showcasing or selling?
We are selling and showcasing our small-batch relish. Our relish is made naturally, locally, and sustainably using passed down recipes perfected over time by generations of creative, clever women. Much of the fresh ingredients in our products we grow ourselves or source from our neighbours in the Hills and Hawkesbury regions of NSW.
Why should people visit the Women's Work stall?
Visit our stall to not only taste delicious artisan relish, but also to participate in the preservation & protection of the valuable skills needed to make these preserves so they are not lost. Visit us to celebrate the joy of great tasting food and remember the remarkable women who have for generations shared their recipes, skills and preserves with us.
What does it mean for local artists to be part of this event?
We exhibit all over the country and take with us a small piece of the Hawksbury and Hills District when we do. It's so great to be able to represent our region from within. We are so often asked where we are based and it's going to be fantastic to be able to say, 'right here!'
Was Women's Work impacted by the floods? How?
It's impossible to live in this area and not be impacted by the floods, when your neighbours hurt, you hurt. Fortunately for Women's Work the impact was inconvenient not devastating. Much of the fresh produce we source from our area was no longer available and prices soared, but these troubles were insignificant compared to those growers who lost their livelihoods, and the people who lost homes and animals.
What is the Women's Work business? Why did it begin and what was the inspiration behind it? How long has Women's Work been around for?
Women's Work exists because stories (especially women's stories) can be lost unless they are told and re-told. Through our product and platform, we remember the skills and life stories of women who mastered these recipes over many generations. In repeating the processes of making the traditional recipes of women, we are re-telling the stories with a different ending. Even today the proceeds of women's work are being given away for free, many women do not believe their work or skills have commercial value and often lack the confidence to put a price against their work. It is necessary to build this business so the traditional work of women can be given back to women so they can enjoy the proceeds of their own work.
What do you love about the rural north of The Hills?
In the 1990's our family arrived to a Glenorie of few houses and abundant orchards. Nectarines, peaches, persimmons, and citrus orchards brought life and colour to the area. This whole area is known as the fruit bowl of New South Wales with its blossoming trees and plentiful produce thanks to its famous loam soil. From the beginning we loved the air, the ground, the escarpments, the rivers of this precious area. Our third generation is being raised on this soil and we are grateful.
This September, visit the Women's Work stall at a Taste of Wisemans as part of the Orange Blossom Festival celebrations.
When: 10am to 3pm on Sunday 29 September 2024
Where: Wisemans Ferry Park, Wisemans Ferry
For more information about a Taste of Wisemans, visit the Orange Blossom Festival website.
