Anna Polyviou will curate dessert platters to celebrate the 20th International Women’s Day Illawarra luncheon. Photo: Supplied.
Powerhouse pastry chef and author Anna Polyviou will add a sweet touch to the 20th International Women’s Day Illawarra luncheon on 7 March.
The IWD Illawarra lunch has grown to become one of the largest International Women’s Day events in regional Australia, welcoming almost 1000 guests and recognising the achievements of women both locally and nationally. Tickets are now on sale for the event.
To celebrate the 20-year milestone, Anna will curate dessert platters for guests before taking to the stage to reflect on her extraordinary culinary career.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Rosie Batty, the 2015 Australian of the Year and advocate for domestic violence reform.
Funds raised through the luncheon are used to support local women’s services in the Illawarra and to support the annual scholarship program.
Widely known for her colourful appearances on the television series MasterChef and her distinctive hot pink mohawk, Anna honed her talents in the world’s best kitchens.
These include the prestigious Pierre Herme Patisserie in Paris, London’s Claridge’s Hotel and the Sofitel Melbourne before she put the hotel patisserie on the map as Creative Director of Pastry at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney.
During her career she has been awarded best dessert in the UK, Australia’s Hotel Chef of the Year and Pastry Chef of the Year, has released two cookbooks – Sweet Street and Kids’ Corner – and is now the creative director of her own business.
International Women’s Day Illawarra Committee Co-founder and Chair Vicki Tiegs said Anna’s buoyant personality and commitment to helping others made her the perfect fit for the luncheon.
“Anna is a generous, larger-than-life soul who takes great delight in creating magic for others through her incredible pastries. It will be a wonderful way to celebrate our 20th,” she said.
“From the moment she heard about our luncheon she has been keen to be a part of celebrating the remarkable impact women have on their communities.
“We can’t wait to experience her sweet touch on the proceedings and have her share her passion for food with us.”
More than $600,000 has been raised through the luncheon to help Illawarra organisations.
As well, scholarships are awarded each year to women to help them work towards their business, sporting or educational goals. This year eight scholarships worth $2500 each will be presented.
The 20th IWD Illawarra luncheon will be held on Friday 7 March at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster.
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