The culmination of work by so many talented people will enable us to raise funds to purchase another significant artwork for St Margaret’s. Our amazing chef, Scott Johnson created an eleven-course feast that reflected the story of Australian food and all the indigenous and immigrant threads which have contributed over time to a rich fusion cuisine. I suspect that Scott loves the challenges of the Long Lunches as his talent certainly shines in this creative format. Sponsorship by some of his suppliers is testament to his good relationships with them, so we’re enormously grateful to Hillman Meat Company, Quality Food Services and Richards Brothers Seafoods. Another generous sponsor was Stone and Wood whose handcrafted beer was much appreciated!
We were thrilled to have an overview of the theme written for us by 1984 senior student, Diana Phipps née Roberts who is Chef de Partie at Aubergine, a Michelin starred restaurant in California: “Modern Australian cuisine does not possess the constraints of traditional fare, where ingredients and methods evolved from one climate, one people. It encompasses a culinary vision born of local and international spices, meats, vegetables and grains; transformed with techniques that dance outside the rules.”
For each Long Lunch we invite one of our local Brisbane Galleries to exhibit works for sale. This year, the stunning selection of works from Fireworks Gallery created such interest resulting in a number of sales. Directors, Michael and Daniza Eather were great company and generously shared insights into the stories of each of the artists.
The Postcard Project returned to the Long Lunch, with works donated by sixty-two artists. The intention of selling these intimate sized, original artworks is really to encourage the habit of collecting art and to promote a lifelong love of art. The diversity of styles and media ensured that there was something for everyone! We extend additional thanks to Katrina Goldsworthy and Marcel Desbiens of Brisbane Painting Classes for the donation of exciting lucky door prizes.
The school year is full of events such as ours that rely on the expertise and efficiency of many departments. We are indebted to Functions and Catering, Facilities, Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement, Marketing, School Support, IT and the Art Department. Without exception, each person assisted us with generosity and patience.
To the students, led by Arts Captains Lucy Bartlett and Chloe Bloomfield, who worked so enthusiastically as servers, we thank you most sincerely; we couldn’t do it without you.
Last, but most pivotal to the function, is the Friends of MAYO Committee, whose preparations over six months ensure success! Our grateful thanks are extended, as always, to Sally Quayle, Cath Hudson, Elizabeth Peat, Angela Drysdale, Lisa Smith and Lara Pickering. Sharing this Friends of MAYO journey with such lovely people is a privilege.
Postcard Artists: Sally Anderson, Ari Athans, Penny Bell, Graham Bell, Robert Biscoe, Fred Cehak, Amy Clarke, Deb Cohen, Susie Crooke, Ros Curtis, Hannah Cutts, Carol Ding, Marcel Desbiens, Mary Dickinson, Michael Eather, Kaecee Fitzgerald, Nina Forster, Katrina Goldsworthy, Richard Groves, Charlton Groves, Howard Hall, David Henderson, David Hinchliffe, Catherine Hudson, Petalia Humphreys, Gerald Jones, Gio Kim, Mal Leckie, Via Lim, Jenny Lishman, Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Donna Marcus, Bethany Moffatt, Deb Mostert, Claudia Mazzotta, Victoria Nikolova, Jenny Nuebecker, Annie O'Dowd, Abbie Ongheen, Purple, Felicity Parker Gutteridge, Marissa Purcell, Graham Radcliffe, Pia Robinson, Kym Rodgers, Carly Scoufos, Tiel Seivl-Keevers, Wayne Singleton, Pam Smiles, Glen Skien, Miranda Skoczek, Lisa Smith, Ian Smith, Andy Wilde, Marion Wilson.
Jenny Lishman