This year’s program is no exception, with something for everyone including those who wish to venture to the Middle East from their very own kitchen.

Be sure to come along to the official launch of Mon`s Mediterranean Kitchen cookbook, to be held at Club Taree on Saturday, June 23 at 2pm.

With afternoon tea and entertainment, tickets are now on sale at the club.

Proceeds will go to the festival and Can Assist Manning Valley, supporting local cancer patients and their families.

Known to many as “Mon,” Mounira Saad’s culinary expertise evolved over years of teaching people who wanted to cook Mediterranean food but did not know where to start.

She presents Middle Eastern cuisine that is easy to cook, modern, full of flavour and bound to please. Recipes feature traditional mezze and salads as well as signature dishes and desserts.

The cookbook was co-authored and published by Mon’s daughter, Tanya Saad, a former Manning Winter Festival Ambassador and author of the acclaimed biography, From the Feet Up.

Mon grew up in the Middle East, migrating to Australia when she was 16 years old.

She has lived in the Manning Valley for the past 40 years.

For many of those years, she and husband Michel have been valued contributors to local business and community development.

For further information visit the website www.manningcomwinterfestival.weebly.com or email manningwinterfestival@gmail.com.