VenuesLive

VenuesLive and Scott Pickett Group Join Forces to Elevate Old Melbourne Gaol’s Event and Dining Experiences

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has today announced VenuesLive, in collaboration with the Scott Pickett Group, as the new catering partner for the iconic Old Melbourne Gaol.

This exciting partnership promises to enhance the dining and event experiences at one of Melbourne’s most historic venues.

Old Melbourne Gaol, a site rich with history and intrigue, has long been a favourite for visitors and event hosts alike.

With its unique blend of historical significance and architectural grandeur, it offers a truly distinctive setting for a variety of events, from corporate functions to weddings and private celebrations.

VenuesLive, renowned for managing and delivering world-class event experiences, brings a wealth of expertise to this new partnership. Awarded the prestigious title of Caterer of the Year at the National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence in November 2023, VenuesLive’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the event industry will ensure that every occasion at Old Melbourne Gaol will be executed with the highest level of professionalism and creativity.

Partnering with VenuesLive is the Scott Pickett Group, led by one of Australia’s finest chef-restaurateurs. Known for their exceptional culinary craftsmanship and dedication to using the finest local ingredients, the Scott Pickett Group will deliver bespoke dining experiences filled with the theatre and progressive talent they are known for. Each event tailored to the unique ambiance of Old Melbourne Gaol, delivering the flavours of a truly Melbourne dining experience.

Old Melbourne Gaol has been an integral part of Melbourne’s history since its establishment in the mid-19th century. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, providing a compelling backdrop for events that demand both elegance and character.

With this exciting new partnership, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) continues its commitment to preserving and celebrating the historical and cultural significance of Old Melbourne Gaol, and ensuring it remains a premier destination for exceptional events.

Philip Martins, Interim CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), said: “This partnership with VenuesLive and the Scott Pickett Group marks an exciting chapter for Old Melbourne Gaol.

“Their combined expertise will enhance our heritage site and deliver extraordinary experiences for all our guests.

“This collaboration ushers in a new era for the National Trust of Victoria, where heritage is seamlessly integrated into the modern Melbourne story.

“The National Trust is committed to being progressive and visionary, showcasing that our rich history provides a terrific foundation for immersive and unforgettable events. We believe VenuesLive and the Scott Pickett Group are the partners to help deliver this goal.”

VenuesLive Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: “We are delighted to partner with Scott Pickett, one of Australia’s finest chef-restaurateurs, to bring to life one of the nation’s most unique and spectacular dining venues.

“Old Melbourne Gaol is a building of great significance and a famous Victorian landmark. Working closely with the National Trust of Australia, our commitment is to deliver world-class restaurant-quality experiences in this unique and amazing function and event setting.”

Chef Scott Pickett, said: “I’m a pretty bold guy and that runs through my food philosophy. I love to present bold events that are truly memorable.

“At the Gaol, I’m excited to work with Daryl and the VenuesLive team to present restaurant-quality food with a focus on locality.

“The best bit is that we get to do what we love with the National Trust as an amazing landlord in an incredibly unique venue, with VenuesLive’s strong event pedigree and catering expertise to help bring our vision to life.”

For more information about hosting events at Old Melbourne Gaol with VenuesLive and the Scott Pickett Group, please visit www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/venue-hire

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

VenuesLive to provide Catering & Hospitality services at Industree Group Stadium on the NSW Central Coast

LEADING Australian management company VenuesLive is expanding its footprint on the Central Coast – now providing catering and hospitality services at booming Industree Group Stadium, the Home of Live Sport, Entertainment and Community Events on the Coast.

Central Coast Council appointed VenuesLive operator of the Gosford-based venue in July 2022 and the Stadium has hosted an increased number of events, including the recent A-League Grand Final won by the Central Coast Mariners, which broke the all-time crowd record for the ground.

VenuesLive’s catering arm, now branded VL Catering, is the reigning Caterer of the Year in Australia, awarded the title at the prestigious National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence last November.

VL Catering will assume Catering and Hospitality responsibilities at Industree Group Stadium ahead of the next event – an NRL blockbuster featuring the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday 22 June.

VenuesLive Managing Director Daryl Kerry said delivering a new and improved food and beverage service was an important step in ensuring Industree Group Stadium reaches its full potential.

“Industree Group Stadium has become part of the social fabric of the Central Coast and, in many ways, is a defining image of the region for local, national and international audiences,” Mr Kerry said.

“We are thrilled with recent successes in hosting major sport and entertainment events in Gosford and now look forward to our team of catering experts bringing a new standard of food and beverage offerings to the Stadium.”

VenuesLive General Manager Food & Beverage, Mark Adler, said VL Catering was committed to meeting market price sensitivity without compromising on quality and would showcase local produce and support Central Coast suppliers and growers at every opportunity.

“Industree Group Stadium will feature all the footy food staples that fans demand in a regional venue and we will have an absolute commitment to keep it local wherever we can, both in the produce we use at the stadium and in our staff who deliver it,” he said.

“There will be an exciting range of food and beverage options that promotes the region and its local providores, while also showcasing the best of NSW growers, producers and winemakers.”

Industree Group Stadium Venue Manager, Kath Casey, said one of the many benefits of the new catering model was that it would enable the Stadium team to offer a more integrated approach to Customer Experience.

“Our catering staff will be better able to collaborate with venue staff, which in turn will help the Stadium respond to enquiries faster and more efficiently as one team,” Ms Casey said.

“It has been a whirlwind of events so far in 2024 and everyone on the Central Coast has been buoyed by the amazing run of success achieved by local football team the Central Coast Mariners, who recently became the first club in history to win all three major titles in the same season.

“Now we have an exciting winter of footy ahead and we are planning a diverse range of events for the coming summer.

“As we saw with the A-League Grand Final, successful events at the Stadium help drive the visitor economy and are great for local business and employment.”

With its iconic palm trees allowing stadium patrons to look out over Gosford’s majestic Brisbane Water, Industree Group Stadium was described as “one of the world’s most picturesque sporting grounds” when it was training base for FIFA Women’s World Cup Finalist the England Lionesses last year. The venue has hosted the Matildas in two recent international matches.

Last February alone, the venue hosted seven events including A-League and NRL games and a Freestyle Kings motocross spectacular.

The Stadium has hosted Mariners men’s and women’s home games this year, including semi-finals for both teams and the historic A-League Grand Final on 25 May.

Coming soon are NRL games Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Sat 22 June) and South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers (Sat 20 July), and NRLW games Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers (Sat 10 Aug) and Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys (Sun 15 Sep).

A ground record attendance of 21,379 was recorded at the A-League Grand Final at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford on Saturday 25 May.

VenuesLive