SYDNEY FISH MARKET HOSTS OYSTER-FILLED FUNDRAISER TO HELP NSW FARMERS DEVASTATED BY FLOODS

5 May, 2021

• As the NSW oyster industry is rocked by extreme weather and flooding, Sydney Fish Market announces its fundraiser auction to help rehabilitate the industry
• NSW oyster farmers face up to three years of stock loss, so Sydney-siders are invited to dig deep to help the embattled farmers 
• The unique auction takes place 11 May, held in conjunction with OceanWatch Australia and The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room
• Auction items include an exclusive bespoke sketch from Australian artist, Ken Done, and a year’s supply of oysters

Sydney Fish Market is delighted to announce its fundraising cocktail event and auction raising cash to help protect the NSW oyster farming industry. Taking place 11 May, the event will see proceeds go towards much needed rehabilitation of the local oyster economy.

Recent extreme weather conditions and severe flooding, coupled with the bush fires of 2020, have caused extensive damage to oyster farming infrastructure. As the industry faces potential years without viable stock, the fundraiser – held in conjunction with OceanWatch Australia and The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room – aims to encourage Sydney-siders to dig deep, and help support local farming.

Sydney Fish Market CEO, Greg Dyer, said: “As the biggest seafood trader in the southern hemisphere, it’s important that we help support an industry that supports us. The oyster takes 2-3 years to mature, and any interference can be devastating. It’s now crucial that we work to ensure vital habitat and farming infrastructure is protected and supported for recovery and a sustainable future, so we’re delighted to host this auction raising funds to help tackle that.”

Money raised at the auction will go to OceanWatch Australia, a national not-for-profit environmental company that works to advance sustainability in the Australian seafood industry. Working with Sydney Fish Market, OceanWatch will help to distribute the money raised to support marine farming infrastructure across the NSW coast.

Lowri Pryce, CEO, OceanWatch Australia, said: “Australia is surrounded by one of the world’s cleanest marine environments, with an enviable reputation for producing clean and green seafood. Our role is to help protect this, for a sustainable future within the seafood industry. This event is a wonderful initiative to help support the struggling NSW oyster farmers, helping to protect their industry and the environment on which they rely for a sustainable future.”

On a night filled with oysters, champagne, and charitable generosity, attendees are invited to take home one of the many highly desirable auction items available at the event – but they will only go to the highest bidder.

Among the generously donated items is a Ken Done sketch – exclusively created for the event – which takes inspiration from the oyster. Further, a year’s supply of oysters – generously donated by The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room – is another auction item to tantalise the taste buds.

Overseeing The Morrison’s kitchen is industry veteran, chef Sean Connolly. As one of Australia's most recognised and respected chefs, Sean will curate the night’s delicious oyster fare. Of the event, Sean said: “The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room really is the home of the oyster for Sydney-siders, having sold 14 million oysters in the past seven years alone. It was really important for us to get involved in this event, giving back to the industry when it’s in need of our support.”

With proceedings overseen by honorary auctioneer, radio broadcaster, Ray Hadley, the event follows a recent fundraising auction held at Sydney Fish Market where over $23,000 was raised.

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For more information, please contact:

Lara Jones
Sydney Fish Market | Media and Communications Coordinator
Mobile: 0421 399 301
Email: laraj@sydneyfishmarket.com.au