Launch of 'Good Living - Western Australia' promotion in UK

17/5/97

Western Australia launches its biggest push into the British market next week, with a wide-ranging program of events under the banner 'Good Living - Western Australia'.

Britons will be able to sample WA wine and food and marvel at the State's unique wildflowers.

They will be entertained by gourmet chefs, including television's Ian Parmenter, and enjoy floral design from Linda Lukies, Australian Global Florist of the Year.

"Never before has WA had so much to offer the rest of the world," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said.

"'Good Living - Western Australia' brings together the efforts of a number of WA Government agencies to promote the State in ways that have not been attempted before," Mr Cowan said.

Events and functions include:

·      the Kings Park and botanical Gardens will be participating in the Chelsea Flower Show, representing WA floral exports, May 19-23;

·      WA wines will be presented at the London Wine Trade Fair;

·      importers, food and drink representatives and media will be entertained at a 'Good Living - Western Australia' event at the Hyatt Carlton Towers Hotel. The event, on May 22, will feature cooking demonstrations by Ian Parmenter, of ABC TV's 'Consuming Passions';

·      Mark Sainsbury, chef at the Hyatt Regency Perth; Aboriginal art and performances and education and tourism displays;

·      Linda Lukies, Australian Global Florist of the Year 1996, will present a workshop and seminar demonstrating innovative designs, and incorporating WA-grown flowers and wildflowers to a trade audience;

·      a WA products dinner will be held at the Hyatt Carlton Towers on May 20; and -

·      a 'Good Living - Western Australia' theme at the Hyatt Carlton Towers top Rib Room restaurant for a week May 18-25. Food available will include emu, kangaroo, wallaby, crocodile, prawns, scallops, meat, fruit juices, game, breads, olive oils and cheeses.

The WA Tourism Commission would also be releasing WA's first ever brochure dedicated to wine tourism within the State. This will be complemented by eight WA wineries, which will be at the exhibition to demonstrate their products.

Also on show will be displays of Aboriginal dancing and art.

Chef Mark Sainsbury will be preparing the 'Good Living - Western Australia' menu.

Singapore Airlines and British Airways World Cargo are supporting the efforts of WA companies participating in the events.

"I am confident that these events will continue to raise WA's profile in Europe, which remains an important market for our quality goods and services," Mr Cowan said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9222 8788