International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is adding another layer to its Legacy Program as Australia’s premier venue introduces new culinary initiative. ICC Sydney recently unveiled Edible Centrepieces – an innovative, community-driven service which allows both clients and the venue to deliver on their sustainability goals and increase their support for the Matthew Talbot Hostel, a service run by the St. Vincent De Paul Society New South Wales.
Edible Centrepieces allow clients to replace floral arrangements with table centrepieces created from seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs, sourced from the venue’s 129 New South Wales-based network of suppliers. These unique arrangements are able to be displayed in complimentary recycled vases. Post-event, the ICC Sydney Culinary Services team uses the produce to donate nutritious meals to the Matthew Talbot Hostel.
With 7.3 million tonnes of food waste ending up in Australia’s landfill each year, ICC Sydney’s new initiative not only reduces waste but helps give back to those most in need, as the Matthew Talbot Hostel cares for men experiencing homelessness.
Vinnies Acting Accommodation Manager at the Matthew Talbot Hostel, Mark Purchase, said: “ICC Sydney is more than a venue. It’s an organisation which makes a huge difference to the community. The high-quality food donated by ICC Sydney goes a long way in supporting the 200 men we serve at each meal at the Matthew Talbot Hostel.”