From the desk of the General Manager
Elisabeth Kerdelhué

Yes, the spring racing season is already upon us - everything seems new again, even the rain that we have had lately, and everyone is busy making plans for the Melbourne Cup weekend. The great thing about the spring racing carnival is that you can experience it in so many ways – from the simple picnic with the family, the backyard barbeque with friends to the extravagant hospitality of the birdcage marquees at Flemington.

At the Chamber, we have also been busy working on several events to suit different tastes and budgets and to ensure our spring programme will offer our members a taste of the good life in Melbourne.

We have also found time to squeeze in a new issue of E-news so we can tell you what we have been up to lately, as well as what is in store for the next few weeks. In this issue you will find the list of our newest members and a portrait of Damien Wurzel, partner with law firm Maddocks, one of our new corporate members. And don’t forget to consult our Wine & Dine directory – new members include Le Petit Gateau and Embrasse Restaurant whose chef Nicolas Poelaert has won the “Best Young Talent” award at The Age 2010 Good Food Guide awards, and the new St Kilda road venture of Shannon Bennett, Café Vue, at 401 St Kilda Road.

Now that our 110th anniversary Soiree de Gala celebration is over, we are putting our energy into organising the 19th Concours des Vins du Victoria. Make sure you have the date in your diary – Thursday 26 November at Zinc @ Federation Square. Last year’s edition was again a sell-out event as members responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to this annual showcase of Victorian wines. This year, we will be staging it in a new venue with a new format. This is all part of the reinvention process and as always our sole focus will be on creating a memorable event for members and their guests.

Meanwhile our business support team is preparing to welcome a delegation from Alsace in November and one from Bourgogne in December. We will also host our annual girls’ night at the Alliance Française Gallery. French bubbles, chocolates, bijoux and much more will be on the menu of this glamorous, not to be missed sparkling event! Yes, there is always something happening at the French Chamber. We don’t believe in resting on our laurels!

We thank you all for your support, enthusiasm and patronage and look forward to sharing a glass of Victorian wine with you next month at Zinc.

Enjoy your spring in Melbourne!

Elisabeth Kerdelhué
General Manager