Cairns Convention Centre hires new executive chef as $118.9m expansion nears completion

With a passion for using the best seasonal produce and a food philosophy of simple, fresh and local, executive chef David Hart steps into his new role at the Cairns Convention Centre. Hart comes to the Cairns Convention Centre with leadership experience in luxury hotels including The Stables Resort Perisher, Sofitel Brisbane and the Pullman International Cairns. With 17 years in the culinary world behind him, Hart said he is looking forward to pursuing this new challenge in his career as the Cairns Convention Centre nears the completion of its AUD$176m (US$118.9m) expansion. “It gives me great pleasure to be joining the team as we begin to build momentum coming into 2023,” he said. Hart added that he was looking forward to further developing the culinary team’s creativity and skills to provide our guests with an unforgettable event experience that showcases the very best of what Tropical North Queensland has to offer. “Native ingredients, tropical fruits, vegetables, beef, dairy, coffee, vanilla, tea – we are definitely spoilt when it comes to the range of choice and the products we can use to create truly unique dishes that best represent our region,” he said. Benjamin Boudaud, culinary services director at the Cairns Convention Centre, said the Centre was not just expanding in size but also in different offerings and Hart’s appointment was a welcome addition to the team. “We are currently expanding the team and looking to foster that younger generation coming through. “The expansion allows us to offer new food and beverage solutions, along with beautiful views and event spaces that allow us to be innovative. The new Trinity Banquet Room is going to be a standout feature of the Centre’s new expansion with stunning views over the Trinity Inlet creating a spectacular dining experience unique to a convention centre,” Boudaud said.