Melbourne Cup Luncheon the toast of town

November 8, 2023

The glitz and glamour of Flemington came to Launceston on Tuesday, with the Friends of Clifford Craig hosting their annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon.

Now in its 31st year, the fundraising event has been held in support of the Clifford Craig Foundation since 1992, with almost 100 guests attending this year’s event.

Returning to TasTAFE’s Drysdale campus, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch, along with all the race day action including sweeps, lucky door prizes and an auction.

Each year the Friends group help fundraise more than $30,000 for the Clifford Craig Foundation, in support of medical research, equipment and education initiatives at the Launceston General Hospital.

Speaking to The Examiner newspaper, event organiser Angela Medwin said the luncheon offered the community a chance to support a worthy cause, while also enjoying the spectacle of Melbourne Cup Day.

"It's always nice to have a reason to dress up, and it is for a good cause," she said.

"It has always been a very popular fundraiser for us; I think this might be our best yet.

"It raises money that stays here in the North, and it's always good to catch up with your girlfriends."

The Friends’ final event for the year is a Garden Fete at Grindelwald. More information can be found here.