Women in Foodservice Charity Event returns

Fine Food Australia has announced the fifth Women in Foodservice Charity Event and the 2018 Women in Foodservice Awards will take place on 12 September in Melbourne.

Held at Aerial on Dukes Walk, the gourmet brunch will provide a platform for attendees to network with peers and discuss what it means to be a successful woman in the food industry. It will be facilitated by Australian journalist and food author Dani Valent and feature the following speakers: Sharlee Gibb, Founder of Fully Booked Women, a social community which celebrates women in the food and drinks industry; Shannon Martinez, non-vegan Head Chef and Co-Owner of vegan restaurant Smith & Daughters; Melissa Leong, television and radio presenter, and food and travel journalist and editor; Katy Barfield, Founder of Yume Food, an online marketplace which allows food suppliers to sell their quality surplus products to commercial food buyers; and Jo Barrett, award-winning Co-Executive Chef of Oakridge Wines.

According to Minnie Constan, Fine Food Australia Event Director, the event “encapsulates everything that Fine Food Australia is about: learning, discovering, exploring and networking. We’re thrilled to be celebrating the women in our industry for a fifth year as we continue to drive the discussion of what’s important for our industry’s development.”

It will also see the return of the Women in Foodservice Awards, which recognise women who have shown dedication, passion and excellence in the industry. Run by foodservice and hosted by Editor Anita Connors, the awards will cover six categories: Outstanding Service, Restaurant Manager of the Year, Chef of the Year, Rising Star, Leadership in Foodservice and Legend of the Industry.

All profits from the event will be donated to two charities: Feed Melbourne, which helps suburban food relief charities such as soup kitchens, community food banks and free school breakfast clubs, and Eat Up, which provides school lunches to students in need.

Fine Food Australia is the country’s largest food and hospitality event offering educational classes, demonstrations and competitions showcasing the latest in food, bakery, catering and hospitality equipment, food packaging, beverages, fit-out and design, and retail technology.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Photographee.eu