2017 Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship Winner and Legends Announced
2017 Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship Winner and Legends Announced.
The 2017 winner of Melbourne Food and Wine’s scholarship and inductees into the Legends hall of fame were announced last night at the Legends & Rising Stars Awards.
The past, present and future leaders of Australia’s food and wine industry were toasted at the dinner at The Point Albert Park hosted by Jill Dupleix. The awards were conferred by the City of Melbourne’s Cr. Susan Riley, together with Hostplus CEO David Elia and Melbourne Food and Wine CEO Natalie O’Brien.
THE WINNERS Hostplus Hospitality Scholarship: Caitlyn Rees
Caitlyn is Head Sommelier at Charlie Parker’s and Fred’s in Sydney. She was an instrumental part of the opening team that launched Fred’s in 2016. Prior to that she worked in some of Sydney’s most respected restaurants including Momofuku Seiōbo and Mr Wong. Caitlyn’s passion for product knowledge stood out to the judges as well as her strong desire to foster and share knowledge within the industry.
Caitlyn will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to work across the world at three world-class venues and wineries along with a year-long mentorship on her return.
“We congratulate Caitlyn on her remarkable achievement and hope this scholarship propels her further in establishing a formidable career in hospitality,” said Umberto Mecchi, Group Executive, Strategy, Marketing and Client Services at Hostplus.
Legends
Joining Victoria’s most prestigious group of chefs, producers, culinary educators, wine producers and restaurateurs, the 2017 inductees are:
Food Producer/Retailer/Advocate: Syd Weddell Founder of The Essential Ingredient. He has inspired thousands of home cooks with his beautiful stores full of top line equipment, cookbooks and hard-to-find ingredients.
Communicator/Educator: Bruce Pascoe A member of the Bunurong clan of the Kulin nation. Author of nine books, Bruce has had a varied career as a teacher, farmer, fisherman, barman, lecturer, Indigenous language researcher, archaeological site worker and editor.
Beverage Producer/Retailer/Advocate: Sandra de Pury As fourth-generation winemaker at Yeringberg, Sandra views her art as “the perfect combination of intellectual, physical and sensory engagement.”
Chef/Restaurateur/Hospitality Professional: Guy Grossi A leading chef, presenter and media personality. Guy is the owner and head chef of Grossi Restaurants and has authored five esteemed cookbooks.
Local Hero: Melissa Connors Inspired by her friendship with retired farmer Noel Jenner, Melissa founded the initiative ‘This Farm Needs a Farmer’ to connect those new to farming with the more experienced.
Hostplus Trailblazer Award: Matt Stone and Jo Barrett Passionate advocates of zero-waste cooking and ethical food, Jo and Matt co-head the kitchen at Oakridge Wines, creating a destination dining room in the Yarra Valley.
Jo Greggains, MFWF T: + 61 3 9823 6105 | M: 0415 485 284 E: joanne@foodfest.com.au
