Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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Five Chef's Dinner at MCEC Raises Funds to Grant 40 Life-changing Wishes for Seriously Ill Children

By Swan Li Chew|

The Starlight Children’s Foundation Five Chefs Dinner raised enough funds to support Starlight’s delivery of hospital programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital for over two months and grant an incredible 40 life-changing Starlight Wishes.

It also celebrated 11 years of the partnership between MCEC and Starlight helping to bring fun, joy, and laughter to sick kids and their families.

The event featured a five-course degustation designed by leading Victorian chefs including: Alejandro Saravia (Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters), Guy Grossi (Grossi Restaurants and proud Starlight Ambassador), Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin), Jacqui Challinor (NOMAD), Josep Espuga (Pt Leo Estate) and Peter Haycroft (MCEC).

A lineup of five cheerful chefs, standing side by side and proudly holding up a crisp white shirt between two of them. They pose in front of a photo event backdrop, exuding a sense of camaraderie and professional pride.

MCEC donates close to $100k in event space, food and beverage, and marketing each year. Starlight host a ticketed cocktail gala where guests raise money for sick kids and enjoy a unique collaboration from some of Victoria's best chefs.

Guests were also treated to delicious canapes, showcasing the talents of MCEC’s Executive Chef, Peter Haycroft and his team of chefs, who said the evening is always a memorable event that has a huge impact.

“Starlight’s Five Chefs Dinner is a highlight in the calendar for all our kitchen team at MCEC, it provides the best of both worlds for us, we get to support an amazing cause and work with some of Australia’s best chefs.

“Everyone works really hard on the night to make it special, because we know our work makes a difference and raises money to bring joy to children who need it most.”

Starlight CEO, Louise Baxter said she is truly thankful for the dedication, passion, and continued support of MCEC in the event, on behalf of the entire Starlight team.

“Our Starlight Five Chefs Dinner always has and always will be about the theatre of fine food and wine,” Louise Baxter said.

“The team at MCEC are simply wonderful in helping us deliver this and helping us share the life changing impact of Starlight with our guests. The energy in the room at was palpable. I’m constantly amazed at how generous people are. And when you ask appropriately, people love to give.

"We sincerely thank the entire team and CEO Peter King for an amazing 11 years of support and we welcome Natalie O’Brien AM as the new CEO. We look forward to many more years of amazing partnership,” she said.

For more information visit www.starlightfivechefs.org.au/melbourne .