If the Ballarat Vegan Festival is anything to go by, more locals are willing to give up meat and animal products than ever before.
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It’s so easy to make the swap at the supermarket and instead of reaching for the milk product, reach for the soy product.
“It’s easy being Vegan,” festival attendee Anna Hills said.
Ms Hills and her sister grew up vegetarian but decided to follow in their father’s footsteps and adopted a vegan lifestyle two years ago.
Ms Hills hasn’t looked back.
“Definitely ask someone who is involved in vegan committees if you’re interested,” Ms Hills said.
“It’s so easy to make the swap at the supermarket and instead of reaching for the milk product, reach for the soy product,” Ms Hills said.
The week long festival saw vegans and those interested in the concept meet, share ideas and celebrate with quality vegan products.
Committee member Alison Major said highlights included a yum cha dinner at Chat for Tea, a cocktail party and the final event on Sunday at the Trades Hall.
Pam Ahern, founder of Edgar’s Mission a not for profit Farm Sanctuary that seeks to create a humane and just world for humans and non-humans, was the guest speaker at the final event.
“She spoke about the light bulb moment that most vegans reach, when she realised she couldn’t love animals and eat animals,” Ms Ahern said.
“I’d been a vegetarian for 20 years and I started to look into the dairy industry and the treatment of male calves.” Ms Ahern said.
She said making the switch was relatively easy.
“Definitely the main aim of the festival is to raise awareness and bring knowledge to the community.”
City of Ballarat councillor and fellow vegan Belinda Coates said the event promoted a healthy lifestyle while also bringing economic benefits to the city.
“I’ve been vegan for almost 15 years – (but you) don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian to enjoy good, art, music and cultural events,” Cr Coates said.
“(The event) is a a sign that Ballarat is changing culturally and that there is a lot more on offer in terms of diversity.”
The festival will be back “bigger and better” in 2018.