High tea, good company and ‘Cocktails for a Cause’ were on the menu last night at the annual Women in Tourism & Hospitality event, hosted by the Australian Hotels Association (NSW).



Around 250 key hospitality and tourism identities including several influential and dedicated women attended this event, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.



Master of Ceremonies and well-known comedian and television personality Jean Kittson, welcomed special guests AHA (NSW) President Scott Leach, AHA (NSW) Senior Vice-President Lyn Humphreys, AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke, Hon Virginia Judge MP, Hon George Souris MP and Pru Goward MP.



“This unique and exciting concept event is about celebrating and appreciating the contributions that women have made to the hospitality and tourism industry and about supporting and nurturing more women as they move through the ranks,” said AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke.



“Last year we launched the AHA (NSW)’s Charitable Foundation and raised $40,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This year, we have set up a scholarship fund to support a worthy young lady to get her hospitality career off the ground.”



Minister for Fair Trading and Minister for the Arts, Hon Virginia Judge MP, presented Emily Perrin Lawson from Wellington, country New South Wales, with the 2010 AHA (NSW) Foundation Scholarship. Emily, who has a family background working in pubs, will undertake a three-year course in Bachelor of Business majoring in hotel and resort management, at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.



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Media contact:

Samantha Panigiris 0434 359 741

Photos are available on request

Samantha.Panigiris@ahansw.com.au