A fresh chapter for Barwon Park Mansion – a new partnership with Catering HQ

As the first dedicated onsite caterer in the Mansion’s history, Catering HQ’s appointment represents a considered step forward. It is shaped by high expectations, a shared respect for heritage, and a clear ambition to see Barwon Park realised as a place of gathering, celebration and regional pride.

Located near Winchelsea, the 42-room bluestone mansion built for Thomas and Elizabeth Austin has long been associated with hospitality, from the grand 1871 housewarming ball to decades of community engagement. This partnership builds on that legacy with a curated event programme for 2026–27 already in development.

Early indicators show strong enquiry interest for:

• Heritage-inspired long-table dinners
• Seasonal produce-led banquets
• Corporate retreats and strategy offsites
• Private weddings and celebrations
• Community-focused daytime events

A public program of ticketed dining experiences – including winter feasts, spring garden lunches and twilight dinners – is planned for release later this year.

A distinct Barwon Park food identity.

Catering HQ is developing a bespoke ‘Barwon Park Menu Series’, grounded in Western District produce, artisanal meats, regional dairy and seasonal garden ingredients. Heritage-inspired dining experiences will reinterpret Victorian-era banquets and long-table feasts within the stable’s courtyard and surrounding grounds.

Steve Sidd from Catering HQ says, ‘A minimum of 70% of all ingredients will be sourced from within the Western District and Greater Geelong/Surf Coast region, reinforcing regional authenticity while reducing food miles.’

Sustainability and heritage stewardship underpin the partnership. Catering HQ’s operational planning aligns with conservation requirements and low-impact event delivery, consistent with the Trust’s long-term responsibility to protect and activate significant places. Their broader sustainability framework –

including waste reduction targets, local sourcing commitments and climate-positive planning – aligns closely with the Trust’s values.

The partnership includes:

National Trust Member Benefit
Members will receive priority access to ticketed events and a complimentary upgrade on selected private event packages.

Local Resident Initiative
A ‘Winchelsea First Look’ preview event will provide Surf Coast and Western District residents with early access to experience the new culinary direction ahead of the public launch.

This partnership signals a confident step forward; honouring Barwon Park’s layered past and creating contemporary reasons to gather and connect within one of Victoria’s most significant heritage places.

Collette Brennan, CEO, National Trust of Australia (Victoria), said:

“Barwon Park Mansion has always been a place of ambition, hospitality and vision. In appointing Catering HQ as our first dedicated onsite catering partner, we are honouring that legacy and ensuring the Mansion remains relevant and accessible for contemporary audiences.

This partnership enables us to activate Barwon Park Mansion in ways that are heritage-sensitive, commercially sustainable, meaningfully connected to the regional setting, and supportive of new programs that provide the community with more ways to engage with this incredible heritage place. We hold high expectations for what this collaboration can achieve, in terms of creating memorable events, and in strengthening capacity for the long-term stewardship of Barwon Park for future generations.”

Established in 1996, Catering HQ is an award-winning hospitality group delivering premium event catering and venue partnerships across Australia. Known for culinary excellence, operational professionalism, and community focused collaboration, Catering HQ specialises in creating memorable event experiences in culturally significant and architecturally unique locations.

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