The who’s who of Australian television will be the first to indulge in the golden, sweet taste of local ‘sugarbag’ native bee honey thanks to an exquisite chocolate being created for The 61st TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Held at The Star Gold Coast for a second year running, celebrities and other A-listers staying overnight for the glitzy event will discover the bespoke and local honey-infused treat in their hotel rooms and suites as a VIP gift.
It comes after The Star Entertainment Group in April committed to an exclusive long-term supply partnership with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), representing the Traditional Owners of North Stradbroke Island – the Quandamooka People – following a 16-month trial.
The deal enables up to 140 hives to be established on the island, with The Star Entertainment Group being the only company outside of the Quandamooka People to access the honey. The Star will receive 50 per cent of the honey supply.
The partnership is also creating exciting jobs and training opportunities for the Quandamooka People – both on the island and through exposure and training opportunities with The Star Entertainment Group.
With his sights set on a career in tourism and hospitality, 15-year old Quandamooka tourism trainee and cultural guide Tu Wai McDonald has been learning how to make the handmade chocolates from The Star Gold Coast’s chefs.
“The honey means a lot to me as I’m currently helping our lead bee keeper monitor the hives we currently have on the island – making sure they continue to be in a good and stable condition, and insect-free,” Tu Wai said.
“Through the partnership, it’s awesome that I get to meet and learn from many of The Star Gold Coast chefs – they’ve taken me on a tour of their different restaurants and cuisines, and I’ve learnt some of the different cooking techniques they use such as tempering the chocolate for the TV WEEK Logie Awards.
“I’ve always loved cooking with my dad, who comes from Quandamooka country, especially stews and curries.
“I’ve already completed a food safety and food handling certificate, and am currently halfway through a Certificate II in Tourism, so this opportunity is giving me another taste of the possibilities I can explore in the future.”
The Star Gold Coast Executive Sous Chef Sarah Jewell said the flowing, golden native bee honey with an almost citrus-like tone will deliver a unique and local bush flavour to complement the handmade dark chocolate.
“It’s always a chef’s dream to work with native ingredients and we are delighted that this product has come from North Stradbroke Island, literally on our doorstep,” Chef Jewell said.
“We are pleased to involve Tu Wai in the process – he’s been learning a few cooking techniques from our Executive Pastry Chef including how to temper the chocolate and inject the native bee honey into the moulds.
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