31/08/2026
We’ve just attended what I believe was one of the most significant foodservice industry events we’ve seen in Australia.
Tonight, the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA), together with the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB), held their second Gala Dinner at the Lakeside Pavilion in Melbourne.
What made the evening particularly significant was not simply the calibre of those in the room, but what was being said.
Five politicians representing Federal and State Governments and Oppositions attended — and, importantly, they made direct policy statements that recognised the value, scale and importance of the foodservice industry to Australian society and the economy.
For an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Australians, supports an enormous supply chain of growers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers, and plays such an important role in our communities, that recognition matters.
For too long, foodservice has often been viewed as a collection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and hospitality businesses rather than as a major economic sector with its own distinct challenges and policy needs.
Tonight felt different.
It was a powerful demonstration of why strong, focused industry associations matter.
These relatively new organisations such as ARCA and AFAB give the industry a collective voice — identifying the issues that matter now, putting them in front of decision-makers and actively engaging with governments at Federal, State and local levels.
Industry representation is not just about having an association. It is about having a seat at the table when decisions are being made.
Tonight, Australian foodservice had that seat.
And that is an important step forward for the entire industry.
