We want Masterchef!

Imagine the camera zooming in on the red and blue teams standing in front of a stunning Porongurup backdrop.

They are chopping and sizzling premium Great Southern produce – seafood, vegetables, dairy, fruit and meat.

Picture: Albany chef Daniel Sharp

Judges Matt, George and Gary sip on glasses of Denmark’s finest wine before challenging contestants to feed hungry Middleton Beach board walkers as they finish scenic afternoon strolls.

The Great Southern should be the setting for a MasterChef episode, say some of the region’s leading food and wine producers.

The hit television show was in WA’s South West recently for three episodes expected to generate $9 million in publicity exposure for that region, according to Tourism Minister Kim Hames.

Tourism WA is using material filmed in Margaret River, Busselton and Yallingup in radio promotions, television commercials, magazine editorials and digital marketing.

Albany Farmer’s Market co-ordinator Ian Haines said he would like the show to visit the Great Southern to get that type of exposure.

“MasterChef is one of the highest-rated shows, its magazine is the best-selling food magazine in Australia, so it would give a profile to the area,” he said.

“The Great Southern often seems to be in the shadow of Margaret River.”

Mr Haines said the Great Southern was an appealing tourist destination because of its wineries, surfing, farmer’s markets, scenery, whale sightings and history.

“The Great Southern has a fantastic track record of local producers growing really top-quality produce,” he said.

“The choice and the range and the quality are world class.”

Pepper & Salt owner and chef Silas Masih, based in Denmark, said an episode filmed in the region would be positive.

“I’m a big advocate for local produce, it would be awesome to get that on television, to show what a fantastic spot we have,” he said.

“Here, the food literally goes from paddock to plate.”

Denmark’s Lake House Wines manager-owner Leanne Rogers said she would love MasterChef to be filmed at her winery.

“The Great Southern always seems to miss out a bit,” she said.

“When people say the ‘wine region of WA’, it won’t just be Margaret River.”

Bartholomews Meadery owner Careena Kellie said high rainfall in the area created lush pastures, ideal growing conditions and a diversity of food.

Denmark Farmhouse Cheese manager Matt Lewis said he thought an episode would be good for Great Southern tourism.

Albany chef Daniel Sharp said for MasterChef to visit the Great Southern would be great for the show as well as the region.

A spokesman for MasterChef production company Fremantle Media said they would consider filming in any region with fresh produce.

“If you’re looking to promote an area you should approach the show’s producers and tell them about the produce and the restaurants in the area,” he said.

“We start planning six to nine months in advance for a season, so planning for the next season will start soon.”

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