Melbourne Cup Luncheon a 'Verry Elleegant' affair

November, 2021

The glitz and glamour of the Melbourne Cup returned to Launceston on November 2, with Northern Tasmania’s hospitality and health sector given a significant boost.

More than 100 guests attended the Friends of Clifford Craig Melbourne Cup Luncheon, with the event raising more than $8700 for the Foundation, in support of Launceston General Hospital.

Now in its 29th year, the popular social event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but returned to TasTafe’s Drysdale campus in style on Tuesday.

Fashions on the Field winners:

• Best Dressed Filly: June Coxal

• Best Dressed Stallion: Phill Frith

• Best Dressed to Theme: Karen Stallard

• Best Hat: Kathryn Harding

Raising funds for the Clifford Craig Foundation to support medical research, education, equipment and facilities at the Launceston General Hospital, the luncheon also provides TasTafe hospitality students the opportunity to put their skills into practice.

Preparing a delicious three-course meal, hospitality teacher Matthew Conroy said it was an valuable experience for the students.

"It really gives them an idea of what a busy environment, similar to what they would experience in the industry, is really like," he said.

Launceston Friends of Clifford Craig member Kath Alford said it had been a great day, for a great cause.

"Nobody knows when they could end up in hospital, so this is just a win-win for all involved," she said.

Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup Luncheon and to mark the occasion, the day will be dedicated to the late Toni Maloney who was the instigator of the event.

See more photos from the day, courtesy of The Examiner, here.