The Top End’s centre of special events, Darwin Convention Centre, hosted Variety NT’s inaugural red carpet dinner on Saturday October 1 which was a star-studded evening showcasing the talents of Australia’s master chefs whilst raising much-needed funds for sick and disadvantaged children.

Held on October 1, Darwin Convention Centre hosted Variety of Chefs-Variety NT’s star studded, red carpet dinner event showcasing Australia’s master chefs

Dubbed Variety of Chefs, the function is a hallmark in the children’s charity’s events calendar and is making its mark as one of the country’s most glamorous fundraising events. Now a much-awaited annual affair in other key cities, Variety of Chefs was held for the first time in the Darwin to celebrate Variety NT’s 20 years of community support.

The night was kicked off with cocktails and canapés by Darwin Convention Centre’s executive chef, Jock Mitchell, followed by a feast prepared by top celebrity chefs. Ben O’Donoghue of Brisbane’s South Bank Surf Club Bar & Restaurant, Melbourne chef Ian Curley of The European and local star Jimmy Shu of Hanuman, donated their time and talent, each preparing a delicious dinner course live on stage.

Variety of Chefs was held for the first time in the Darwin to celebrate Variety NT’s 20 years of community support

Wine guru, Tim Story helped keep up the convivial mood, while the night’s entertainment was rounded out by host, Channel 7 television presenter Amanda Pernechele and bands Half Skarlett and Capricornia.

Sharon Winks, chief barker(chairman) of Variety NT praised the local community for its outstanding show of support. Funds raised from the evening will go towards Variety’s ongoing children’s programs: from providing reading glasses, to coaching, to running adventure camps, the lives of Territory kids in need will continue to be enriched.

“We’re thrilled to have hosted such a great night, for a great cause,” says Darwin Convention Centre’s general manager, Malu Barrios. “It was an evening of great entertainment, sensational food and fun- and the support for Variety NT was enormous. Being a part of important community events such as this is what the Convention Centre is all about.”