Australia Day Award Honour

Committee Members: (L-R) Maria Craddock, Jo Wittorff, Leonie Kershaw, Gary Fitzgerald, Ray Frisina, Margaret Radge, Shane Rooney and Nancy McGregor (Absent: Don Hancey)
Photo and story courtesy of the South Western Times

Tireless efforts Rewarded

The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Chefs’ Long Table Lunch during Saturday’s Australia Day ceremony in Bunbury, recognising the contribution the lunch makes to the community.

The charity event, sponsored by the South Western Times, has contributed more than $90,000 to various community organisations since its inception and this year will direct the proceeds to the South West Refuge’s Outreach Project.

In his acceptance speech, committee member Ray Frisina said the lunch was about bringing the community together and contributing to worthy causes.

“A ship cannot be steered without a committee, I wish to thank them for their efforts,” Mr Frisina said.

“The event could not run without the untiring efforts of the committee, it’s their dedication, commitment and hard work which makes it all possible.”

Mr Frisina said with each year the lunch had grown, as had the generosity of the public.

“We are overwhelmed by the public support for the event, both from people attending and from the sponsors,” he said.

“This will enable us to assist other worthy causes within the South West.”

media release     media release     media release

The Chefs Long Table Lunch Finalist for Major Award

The Chefs Long Table Lunch Inc of BUNBURY reached the finals for the prestigious Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award in the 2008 Regional Achievement and Community Awards. The Chefs Long Table Lunch Inc made the finals from a strong field of nominees and was recognised on Friday night 7th November 2008 at the Parmelia Hilton, Perth. More than 380 guests enjoyed the Gala event including official guest the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, Minister for Regional Development.

The Chefs Long Table Lunch Inc of Bunbury was the brainchild of national award winning caterer, Leonie Kershaw. She wanted to stage a food and wine event that showcased the South West’s award winning chefs and gourmet food and wines but also contributed back to the community. Leonie, together with organising chefs WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey and Bunbury chef Tania Kershaw, worked with a group of outstanding chefs and a committee of volunteers to stage the first charity lunch in 2004 which is now held annually on the Pat Usher Foreshore at the Leschenault Inlet. The event is organised by volunteers and the food and wine served to the 500 guests is largely donated and the proceeds are distributed to local charities.

Winners were presented with a $2,000 bank account from the Commonwealth Bank and a magnificent trophy. A number of Nominees and Semi Finalists also attended and were also presented on stage with framed certificates by the Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, Minister for Regional Development.

The Awards night culminated a tremendously successful year. The 2008 category award winners are:

• YOUTH N MOTION of Geraldton – Department of Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Service Award
• HOTWELD FABRICATION of Bunbury – RSM Bird Cameron Business Enterprise Award
• SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER – Department of Local Government and Regional Development Local Government Best Practice Award
• GERALDTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL – CSBP Water Conservation Award
• DAMIAN DIXON of Donnybrook – Curtin University of Technology Regional Service Award
• LEX FULLARTON of Carnarvon – Horizon Power Leadership & Innovation Award
• BESTFARMS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS of Boyup Brook – LandCorp Environmental Sustainability Award
• SARAH STANLEY of Collie – Australia Post Youth Leadership Award
• FOODBANK GERALDTON – Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award

For further information, please contact the Awards office on 9201 1155, 0417 813 348 or wa@awardsaustralia.com