By XAVIER SMERDON
Guests at this year’s Werribee Cup race meeting can expect a world-class dining experience after the arrival of new top chef to run their function centre.
Sean Cummings is set to cook up a storm after arriving at Werribee having spent 13 years working for the Hyatt chain of hotels and managing hotels in London, India, New Zealand and the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Cummings was even offered a job at Crown Casino before starting at the Werribee Racing Club, but turned it down.
He said the idea of a challenge and an opportunity to transform the Werribee Function Centre persuaded him to take the job.
“This is going to be a big challenge,” Mr Cummings said.
“There is a lot of untapped potential here, particularly when it comes to the local region.
“It’s been neglected over the last few years which is a shame because a venue like this could really be the cornerstone of the community.”
Mr Cummings has been tasked with running the entire function centre which means on a busy night he could be in charge of 40 staff.
The five star chef said he wanted to give Werribee the function centre it deserves.
“We’ve looked at it from the ground up and we’re taking it back to basics,” he said.
“Previously a lot of events that were held here were lacking that consistency and wow factor.
“We’re trying to deliver high quality standards and not just meet our clients expectations but exceed them.
“We want to be recognised as the market leader in this area, particularly when it comes to food and beverages.”
And while he has cooked for the likes of Lady Gaga, Billy Joel and Whitney Houston, Mr Cummings said he was most excited about rebuilding the function centre and using local ingredients in his cooking.
For more information on packages or events at the function centre visit www.werribeefunctioncentre.com.au
