The Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards had its gala presentation on July 25th hosted at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Guests were treated to an exquisite sit down dinner in the Lighthouse Gallery during which awards were presented to businesses and individuals who had excelled in the industry. Celebrity chef, Adam Liaw, compered the ceremony, sharing anecdotes and salty humour.
The evening began with a welcome to country by Uncle Allen Madden, followed by a formal welcome from SFM general manager, Bryan Skepper. Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW, Hon. Adam Marshall gave an address and then assisted Liaw in giving out the awards. Sydney Fish Market Chairman, Grahame Turk AM, gave a mid-evening address in which he shone a light on the high standards of service, produce, and ethics in the local seafood industry.
Notable award winners included Fins Seafood Restaurant (Best Seafood Restaurant), Pelican Rocks Restaurant and Cafe (Best Fish and Chips – People’s Choice and Judges), Sea Urchin Harvest (Excellence in Environmental Practice), and Pittwater Seafood (Best Seafood Retailer). The “Gold Logie” of the evening, The Star Of The Sea award went deservedly to Bryan Skepper. This highly prestigious award is “given to an individual who is an ambassador for the seafood industry and who has made a significant contribution to the development of the NSW seafood industry,” and that is virtually a summary of Skepper’s bio. He was given a standing ovation as he was presented with the award and he made a heartfelt, gracious speech.
It’s the first time the biennial award was held off-site and the Maritime Museum was an apt choice for a very successful night.
For the full list of winners and a selection of photos, visit: https://seafoodexcellenceawards.com.au/