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Founder ‘overjoyed’ at the success of Long Table Lunch

Kate FieldingBunbury Herald
2017 Chef's long table lunch
Camera Icon2017 Chef's long table lunch Credit: South Western Times

It was a “full house” when the Chefs’ Long Table Lunch took over Pat Usher Foreshore in Bunbury on Sunday afternoon.

Organisers have hailed the 14th instalment of the annual event a big success and praised the dedication and impressive culinary skills of the chefs involved.

Illusionist Adam Murby
Camera IconIllusionist Adam Murby Credit: South Western Times

Event founder Leonie Kershaw said she was “overjoyed” the event was sold out, which resulted in beneficiary targets being met.

“Considering the economic times, I am overjoyed to have such support and a complete sell-out for 2017,” Mrs Kershaw said.

“This enabled us to reach out beneficiary goals, which is what the Chefs’ Long Table Lunch is all about.”

Yours or Mine chef Brooke Cochrane prepares lamb for her course of this years Chefs’ Long Table Lunch.
Camera IconYours or Mine chef Brooke Cochrane prepares lamb for her course of this years Chefs’ Long Table Lunch. Credit: South Western Times

Make-A-Wish Foundation, Sail Into Life and Royal Flying Doctor Service are among the beneficiaries to reap the true rewards of this year’s event, but on Sunday it was the more than 500 guests who benefited from the region’s top chefs.

An eight-course banquet prepared by 14 culinary geniuses wowed the guests and was the obvious highlight of the event, according to Mrs Kershaw.

2017 Chef's long table lunch.
Camera Icon2017 Chef's long table lunch. Credit: South Western Times

“It amazes me what they do every year, it goes up and up a notch,” she said.

“The continual dedication of chefs and additional staff always makes me very humble as these highly qualified people working in a very demanding industry of long hours are always the first to put their hands up.”

2017 Chefs long table lunch
Camera Icon2017 Chefs long table lunch Credit: South Western Times

She said feedback, including on the new location, from guests was positive and the atmosphere at the event was “vibrant”.

Mrs Kershaw also thanked volunteers and sponsors, in particular Lonsdale Party Hire which had been involved “from day one”.

2017 Chefs long table lunch
Camera Icon2017 Chefs long table lunch Credit: South Western Times

“There is a huge group of volunteers who work before, on and after the event to bring this jigsaw together,” she said.

“Our volunteer committee beg, borrow and work the whole year with our sponsors and suppliers.”

She said planning for the 2018 Chefs’ Long Table Lunch had already begun and the “last Sunday in February is ours”.

More pictures from the event:

Royal Flying Doctor’s CEO Graham Marshall and partner Bianca Wheeler with professor Stephen Langford and wife Elizabeth.
Camera IconRoyal Flying Doctor’s CEO Graham Marshall and partner Bianca Wheeler with professor Stephen Langford and wife Elizabeth. Credit: South Western Times
Sherylee and Trevor Robinson of Bunbury.
Camera IconSherylee and Trevor Robinson of Bunbury. Credit: South Western Times
Andrea Cavanagh of Wellard and Daphne Cavanagh of Mandurah.
Camera IconAndrea Cavanagh of Wellard and Daphne Cavanagh of Mandurah. Credit: South Western Times
Michelle Durrant and Ashley Hastie both of Bunbury.
Camera IconMichelle Durrant and Ashley Hastie both of Bunbury. Credit: South Western Times
St AIdan's Chef Julie Lawrence lends a hand with the meatballs.
Camera IconSt AIdan's Chef Julie Lawrence lends a hand with the meatballs. Credit: South Western Times
Laura Relph of Australind and Jo Hawke of Millbridge.
Camera IconLaura Relph of Australind and Jo Hawke of Millbridge. Credit: South Western Times
The West Australian Regional Newspapers South West regional manager Geoff Beard, Colin King of Bunbury and South Western Times Group Editor Wayne Vitali.
Camera IconThe West Australian Regional Newspapers South West regional manager Geoff Beard, Colin King of Bunbury and South Western Times Group Editor Wayne Vitali. Credit: South Western Times
Leanne Beard of Busselton, Michelle King of Bunbury and Josie Host of Bunbury.
Camera IconLeanne Beard of Busselton, Michelle King of Bunbury and Josie Host of Bunbury. Credit: South Western Times
Bachelor star Blake Garvey.
Camera IconBachelor star Blake Garvey. Credit: South Western Times

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