Gallery | New format Longest Lunch great success

Record raised for Mossman Hospital

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Nova Austin and Kristy Valelly were having a great time at this year’s Longest Lunch. Image: Mary Banfield

A local collective of hospitality businesses in Port Douglas got together this year to organise the new format Longest Lunch with a clear goal; giving back to the local community.

This year the Longest Lunch returned to its original home at the marina with local restaurateurs collaborating together utilising the best available local produce to bring guests a truly Far North Queensland experience during the Carnivale weekend. 

The 250 tickets available for the event sold out in just 72 hours, which certainly shows the popularity of the yearly luncheon.

CEO and co-founder of Hemingway’s Brewery, Tony Fyfe, said that the idea for the new format was to have it run by locals so that any money that is generated flows back into the community.

“I got together with Rhys from Salsa and we said let’s put a group of local restaurants together that might be interested in participating in the Longest Lunch and in giving something back to the community,” Mr Fyfe said.

“The local restaurants involved in delivering the menu on the day were Kai restaurant, La Cucina, Zinc, Salsa and Dining with April. The drinks were provided by Hemingway’s Brewery and Devils Thumb Distillery

“The Longest Lunch used to be held at the marina and over the years the locations have changed so we wanted to bring it back to the original spot at the marina. We arranged a large marquee which we also utilised for a new event called the Gin Fest on Saturday.”

Money raised

Mr Fyfe said that they wanted to raise money during the event and donate this to a local community organisation. “We identified the Mossman Hospital as they required six patient monitors at $10,000 each, used to measure, record, and display various patient parameters.

“We were hoping to raise around $30,000 on the day but above all expectations we secured funds in excess of $55,000. The money was raised with a big raffle and an auction emceed by Darryn Lyons.

“In addition to the raffle and the auction we received cash donations from Bidfood, Salsa, Port Produce, Bolt Burchill Tranter, Hemingways, Port Hospitality, HR Dynamics, Sidcor, Newsport, Choo Choos, Century 21, Raine & Horne, Ray White, Carnivore, Simon George, Tropic Now and Marano’s fuel.

“It was a spectacular day with lots of positive feedback from locals and visitors. I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Sharon Trish and Lesa. Image: Mary Banfield
Lynda and Ian Stewart & Stuart Peny and Anne Taylor. Image: Mary Banfield
The Longest Lunch legends, the group has been coming to the lunch every year for over a decade. Image: Mary Banfield
Annette Christensen, Lou Madden, Joe Wekwerth, Karen Whelon and Donna Fisher. Image: Mary Banfield
David Birrell, Saalia Meastrom and David Osborne. Image: Mary Banfield
Robin and Mike George & Lisa and John Valvis. Image: Mary Banfield
Gail and Ian KcKerehar celebrated Ian's 70th birthday at the Longest Lunch. Image: Mary Banfield
Pedro and Belinda. Image: Mary Banfield
Andrew Henly with Monty the python and Louise. Image: Mary Banfield
Valentia Berboili and Saalia Meastrom. Image: Mary Banfield
Matt Lang and David Little. Image: Mary Banfield
Daniel and Diana Keech. Image: Mary Banfield
DJ Bart. Image: Mary Banfield
Darryn Lyons and Tara Britain. Image: Mary Banfield
Andrew Bischof. Image: Mary Banfield
Tricia Griffin. Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield
Jodene Wilton, Jackie Byrant and Jenny Fulton. Image: Mary Banfield
Alaina Anderlini and Grant Woolcock. Image: Mary Banfield
Lee Emma and Mark Norman. Image: Mary Banfield
Stuart and Andrew. Image: Mary Banfield
Donna Fisher, Kim Menzies, Susie Cunningham and Christine Mahoney. Image: Mary Banfield
Sophie de Kanlzow and Ian Auulerzark. Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield
Image: Mary Banfield

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