William Angliss Restaurant was a-buzz at 6:30pm on Wednesday November 20th, 2019.
The Royal Australian Regiment Association members had arrived for their annual dinner.
Each year the members, their partners and friends get together for a night of good food, good wine and a chance catch up with those who shared the honour of serving their country in times of need.
The association is formed by veterans and battalions of the Australian Army from wars such as World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war and more recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
This year, purpose of the dinner was more than a social gathering; it was also with the hope of recruiting some younger blood to the association. A table of current service men had joined in the celebration of the year that was.
After some arrival drinks, guests were seated by 7pm and the night began with a short welcome speech from association organiser Peter Fraser.
Mains were served shortly, followed by a delicious dessert of Spiced gingerbread cake and roasted pear accompanied by candied almond ice-cream.
In between, there were a few short speeches by members of the association who wanted to express gratitude and share information with the crowd. Including an address from association president John James.
As is the nature of the events industry, there were changes throughout the night that our ‘Eventure’ team of five was able to adjust to and work with.
Silvana Madia, the stage one events Functions leader was there to assist and guide each student in their roles as well as being the security you need when you run your first event.
Front of house co-ordinator Jorja Wernert was able to lead the floor and work with the chef to ensure a smooth service.
The bar was buzzing with members buying and adding to tabs as Beverage coordinator Georgia Thomson kept a cool, calm and collected attitude to the demands.
Stefan Ong, the team’s protocols coordinator was our man on the night ensuring all moments were captured and organised a smooth-running registrations process for members.
Catherine Deng, the team Administrator made sure the organisers felt at home and worked closely with association member Peter Fraser to deliver the envisioned guest experience.
Finally, the room was a vision in commemoration as designed by team Stylist Elizabeth Lingard. Taking inspiration from the Anzac commemorative poppies and rosemary plant as well as the association badge colours, the room was an elegant vision of white, red and green.
Special mention to the WAI hospitality students led by teacher Sandra Garland who could not have been any easier to work with, giving guidance to our events students where needed.
Members of the Royal Australian Regiment Association and students could be seen mingling and laughing the night away. In the end, the night was the perfect ending to the year for both client and students who have worked collaboratively for the last few months to create this experience.
