Melbourne and Olympic Parks’ CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park, has firmly secured its place as one of Australia’s premier events and conference destinations thanks to a strong and successful first eight months.

Since it opened in February 2022, the venue has held more than 92 events, welcoming almost 31,800 guests through its doors across all types of events including weddings, galas, conferences, private meetings and dinners, and many more.

Proving itself a top pick for both local and national events, CENTREPIECE has hosted the AIME Welcome event, Carlton in Business luncheon, Destination Australia National Tourism Conference, SportNXT Summit, RANZCOG Scientific Symposium, and Sir Jackie Stewart Race Against Dementia Tribute Event.

With its strong local-first approach reflected in everything from its architectural design (shortlisted for the 2022 Victorian Architecture Awards) to its supplier partnerships, the venue is proudly committed to celebrating and highlighting the best of Victoria’s sustainable design, food and beverage.

The food menu, curated by culinary leader and Executive Chef of Delaware North, Asif Mamun, highlights locally sourced seasonal produce, driven by a paddock-to-plate philosophy which sees produce, meat, and dairy hailing from Victoria’s famous farming regions, including Gippsland and the Yarra Valley.

“Our vision for CENTREPIECE plays on the strengths of its location. It is distinctively Melbourne, and the food is intrinsically linked to place —physically, culturally and emotionally. Our food is at the heart and centre of the hospitality experience we provide,” Mamun said.

“Food brings people together, and in Melbourne, this means that our food is in the centre of a culturally-diverse place, and we reference this, not just through a careful assortment of cuisine, but also through our local produce.”

Melbourne & Olympic Park’s head of food and beverage, Rachel Dolan said the Victoria-first partnerships and approach was at the heart of the CENTREPIECE concept.

“Partnering with brands and producers who have a rich local heritage is a key pillar of our values and homegrown focus,” Dolan said.

“We knew we wanted to create a venue synonymous with our location and offer up event experiences that embody all the things that make Victoria and Australia great.”

A Victoria-first approach also extends to design elements, with the colours and materials selected for the interior of CENTREPIECE chosen to celebrate Victoria’s natural landscape – its table setting, glassware and crockery partners are all based in the State.