History of the Event

The Chefs Long Table Lunch was the brainchild of Bunbury restaurant owner and award-winning caterer, Leonie Kershaw. She wanted to stage a food and wine event that was not only enjoyable and showcased the South West and West Australian award winning chefs, gourmet food and fine wines, but also contributed something back into the community in which she lived.

Over the last eight years, the Chefs Long Table Lunch events have contributed  $434,393 to various community organisations which include the Bunbury Timber Jetty Restoration and Preservation Society, Bunbury Silver Chain, the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation for its research into Youth Suicide Prevention, the South West Refuge, Foodbank South West, City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club and Milligan: Community Learning & Resource Centre.

Since 2007 contributions have been provided  to smaller charitable organisations as a way of supporting a greater cross section of the community. The Riding for Disabled Association – South West Group received $6000 from the CLTL committee in 2007 to purchase a horse and special saddle to cater for those with disabilities. Further minor beneficiaries shared nearly $19,000 from the 2008 event. St John Ambulance Australind received $15,000.00 from the 2009 event for a defibrillator for their second ambulance.

From time to time and at the discretion of the Committee a special Chefs Long Table Lunch Scholarship is offered to assist a local hospitality (catering) student to travel to the Cambodian Paul DuBrule Hotel School of Hospitality and Tourism. This initiative will assist young students gain international experience and qualifications that might otherwise be beyond their reach.