300 Melbournians to get taste of reconciliation on Sandridge Bridge

MA Media Release, 16 February 2011 

Sandridge Bridge and the surrounding area is significant to Aboriginal history in Melbourne and has been a meeting place of peoples and cultures for centuries including the Indigenous Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples.

Guests from 1pm to 4pm will be treated to a four-course meal of contemporary Australian cuisine infused with native flavours, while local Indigenous leaders share their stories.

Charcoal Lane’s Head Chef Craig Hicks said the Taste of Reconciliation: Bridge Lunch is set to be an unforgettable dining experience.

“The historic significance of Sandridge Bridge will set the scene for a unique celebration of Indigenous culture and food,” Mr Hicks said.

“We will start with canapés in Queensbridge Square before moving to Sandridge Bridge for the remaining courses, which will be served with matched wines.”

The event will be held as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and is supported by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and The City of Melbourne.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Susan Riley said: “The City of Melbourne is pleased to partner with Mission Australia for this wonderful event.”

Tickets for the four-course lunch are $120, with all proceeds going towards Mission Australia’s Charcoal Lane for programs to provide hospitality training and personal development for young Aboriginals and other disadvantaged youth.

More information about the event can be found at: www.TasteOfReconcilation.org.

Booking enquiries can be made through Charcoal Lane, contact: eat@charcoallane.com.au or (03) 9418 3400 between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Taste of Reconciliation: Bridge Lunch

WHEN: 1pm to 4pm on Sunday 6 March 2011

WHERE: First course to be served at Red Stairs in Queensbridge Square, Southbank, before moving to Sandridge Bridge.

WHY: To celebrate reconciliation in a unique dining experience, as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

About Mission Australia

Mission Australia is one of the nation’s leading community services charities. It has more than 450 services across metropolitan, rural and regional Australia – in every state and territory – and last year assisted more than 300,000 people. Mission Australia has been helping change the lives of individuals and families in need for more than 150 years and makes a real difference by working with people through their challenges and enabling them to pursue positive and independent lives.

Interview and photo opportunities:

• Craig Hicks – Head Chef at Charcoal Lane
• Paul Bird – Mission Australia’s State Director for Victoria
• Charcoal Lane trainees

Media contacts:

• Emily Lehmann, Fenton Communications on (03) 9600 0006 / 0421 852 501 or emilyl@fenton.com.au
• Rachael Nightingale, Fenton Communications on (03) 9600 0006 / 0449881980 or rachael@fenton.com.au

Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.