Australia's culinary pioneers were presented with Lifetime Achiever Awards for their contribution to the country's food and hospitality industry by Federal Small Business Minister Craig Emerson last night.
Dr Emerson, who presented the awards at a Restaurant and Catering Australia's dinner at Parliament House, said each achiever had made an immeasurable contribution to Australia's dining and eating environment.
"These people have brought the tastes of the world to Australia," Dr Emerson said.
"They have fostered good service, great ambience in our restaurants and cafes, hard work and creativity.
"They are worthy recipients of the Lifetime Achievers Award."
Dr Emerson said the recipients were:
- the late Frank Sabbadini, who introduced Italian dining to Perth;
- Gino Merlo, who established the iconic Italian eatery, Milano, in Brisbane;
- Swiss chef Hermann Schneider, an established European chef who came to Melbourne to work during the 1956 Olympics and stayed;
- English-trained Brian Lawes, of South Australia's Regency International Centre for Hospitality, Leisure and Food Studies;
- ACT industry leader Sylvia McCoy; and
- Mal Reid, the association's NSW southern division membership manager and an industry advocate.
Dr Emerson also congratulated SA's Kristian Livolsi, the association's Young Achiever Award recipient.
"His energy appears boundless and encompasses personal achievement as an entrepreneur that contributes to the industry and community," he said.
Media contact: Chris Ward (Minister Emerson's office) 0418 424 654