In mid June, our Chapter hosted 70 members and guests for the President’s Dinner held on Magnetic Island at a family run restaurant named Saltwater. We had amazing North Queensland winter weather in Nelly Bay, with a 3 course dinner served alfresco under a clear star studded evening sky and temperatures around the high teens dropping down to an overnight low of 12-14 degrees.

The Committee requested a “white” party theme where attendees were encouraged to dress or accessorise using white. The restaurant is BYO which allowed beer, wine and spirit lovers to bring and share their favourite “drop”. Large icebuckets were situated on and beside the tables and the restaurant is situated next door to the local bottle shop making it easy for anyone who preferred to purchase on the Island and not from the mainland of Townsville. The restaurant primarily serves seafood, however they were happy to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements. The Chef created four entrees and four mains, followed by two desserts which were alternated around the eight tables. The range of dishes served up was quite spectacular!

We started early just after 5pm and finished up close to 9.30pm before being welcomed next door (on the other side of the restaurant to the bottle shop…location! location! location!) at Smugglers Wine and Tapas Bar. The Committee covered the corkage for all guests and the cost for members was $60 and $65 for guests. We were delighted in how the evening progressed and enjoyed meeting the staff including the Executive Chef and co-owner. If you find yourself holidaying on Magnetic Island, be sure to book ahead as the restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike.