SMUDGE PUBLISHING

About the authors

The unique bond of mother and daughters has inspired a series of books showcasing regions of Australia.  With a passion for food, wine and all things local, Jonette George and her daughters, Daniele and Kaitlyn Wilton have built a publishing house that reflects this.

Smudge Publishing showcases the regions of Victoria in a series of Produce to Platter books, covering regions such as The Mornington Peninsula, The Bellarine & Surrounding Regions, The Yarra Valley, and Daylesford & The Macedon Ranges, Ballarat & The Pyrenees.  They have also highlighted the unique café, restaurant and bar culture in Melbourne in their two books, Flavours of Melbourne, and Flavours of Urban Melbourne.  Produce to Platter High Country, and Flavours of Sydney are being produced.

The girls' efforts were recognised last year in New York with an International Award for their Flavours of Melbourne book.  Jonette took her 83 year-old mother for the trip, and to share the honour of the International recognition.  Jonette says that while researching the laneways and rooftops of Melbourne, it became obvious that seated beside the wonderful food and wine culture, was another culture that needed attention.

The girls were saddened to find Melbourne children living on the streets.  At the same time, Jonette discovered STREAT in Godfrey Street, and was so impressed with their work that she decided to launch the Flavours of Melbourne book with a fund-raiser to help the organisation.  The outcome was sufficient funds to start on the production of STREAT's own book, which is now produced to raise more funds for Melbourne street kids.

Jonette says that she loves discovering new ways to demonstrate the need to support local.  She says that in a maddening world one small step can make a difference.  She says, "If everyone in Australia just spent one day per week eating what they grew or purchased from a local farmer, the multi-national supermarkets would have to listen.  It is all very well being the fresh food people, but when the fresh food is not in season and flown in from overseas, at the expense of our local farmers, you have to question where the organisations are headed."

Caring for their local environment shines throughout the girls' works.  "Local, green and ethical are the three ingredients needed to repair a chaotic world," says Jonette.  "Compassion for our neighbours and caring for our local environment, can and will make important changes to the way we live our lives."

"It comes back to two simple rules: Love thy neighbour, and respect this earth."
Daniele and Jonette each hold a degree in Communications and are both avid writers, designers and publishers.  Kaitlyn has studied Fashion Design and is currently helping the business with her graphic design skills while studying photography under the tutelage of Smudge Publishing's Head of Photography, Paul Fletcher.  Jonette says that she is proud that the girls have built the business together from scratch.  She says that although they have lived life's ups and downs, they have learnt to hold their heads high and follow their passions with love and pride.

dani@smudgepub.com.au

jonette@smudgepub.com.au

katie@smudgepub.com.au

Daniele 0438 361085

Jonette 0403 680571

Office 03 9525 1112

 

16 Macquarie Street, Prahran, VIC, 3181.