Griffith: The country town nourishing the nation
Resting among the rich farmlands of the Riverina, Griffith is a culinary and cultural beacon that melds the warmth of country life with the zest of city charisma.
This regional city blends its agricultural heritage – notably its celebrated vineyards and wineries – with an effervescent multicultural community.
A melting pot of traditions and cultures has helped shape the region’s rich cuisine, festivals and cultural celebrations.
Luke Papandrea was born and raised in Griffith, and says he can’t envision raising his children anywhere else.
As the director of the Griffith Real Estate agency, he champions the area daily.
“Griffith is home to young professionals, new families and those who’ve called it home for generations, and it’s this blend that breathes vitality into the city,” Papandrea says.
“The locals are compassionate and community-centric, the food and wine scene is ever-evolving, and nothing is ever more than a 15-minute drive.”
Natasha Dal Bon of Morella Grove is a third-generation resident whose family has been deeply rooted in Griffith’s agricultural scene for over seven decades.
Her father, Frank, laid the groundwork for Morella Grove Olive Oil 20 years ago.
“I think it’s incredible how our small locality nourishes the nation with so much of its dietary intake – rarely a day would pass without Australians eating something harvested from our local grains, fruits and vegetables,” Dal Bon says.
“There are so many household names that [hail] from our region, and it’s always special to find yourself sitting next to members of those families at a cafe.”
Eat & drink in Griffith
Griffith’s vibrant dining scene speaks to its community’s rich diversity. In the art deco splendour of the former Rural Bank building, Zecca breathes new life into age-old Italian recipes, while 99 Spices on lively Banna Avenue serves traditional Indian cuisine.
The town’s legacy as a wine haven shines through the cellar doors of surrounding wineries like De Bortoli, Yarran Wines and Calabria Family Wines. Scattered across town, vendors like the cherished Bertoldo’s Pasticceria – a family-run bakery since 1952 – enchant with Italian treats from fresh bread to biscotti, and cannoli to gelato.
See & do in Griffith
Each October, the spirit of Griffith’s diverse communities shines during the Multicultural Festival, a highlight of the Spring Fest. This lively celebration offers a feast of varied cuisines, traditional performances and spirited events, from spaghetti-eating contests to flag ceremonies.
Art and architecture lovers are bound to delight in the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, housed in a striking pink 1930s art deco building. As for families, City Park promises endless joy for little ones with its towering rope-climbing frame, splash pads and fenced toddler playground, together with green spaces for strolls and picnics.
(Source: Domain)
