In an industry dominated by men and plagued by allegations of sexual harassment, Sydney hospitality charity Women and Revolution uplifts and supports women to overcome gender barriers. Led by president Bridget Raffal of acclaimed Marrickville wine bar Where’s Nick , the organisation was the first recipient of the Good Food Guide award for Cultural Change Champion , presented during the 40th annual awards ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Monday night. The award was developed in response to an ongoing The Syd ney Morning Herald and Good Food investigation , which revealed allegations of sexual assault, harassment, drug use and misogyny within prominent Sydney hospitality venues.
“We write about a lot more than food and drink when we write about restaurants. But if the reporting this year has shown us anything, it’s that we – food media, the dining public – also need to engage much more deeply and consistently on how venues are treating their staff,” said Good Food Guide co-editor David Matthews. “The Cultural Change Champion award was brought in with an aim to shine a light on the people advocating for real change.
” Raffal, accompanied by WAR board members Zoe Brunto ( Lil Sis ), Saranya Kundasamy (Human Rights Commission) and Ella Stenning, took the stage to loud applause from a crowd of more than 500. “I am not going to stand here and pretend [the hospitality industry is] anywhere near where we would like [it] to be, but I am encouraged,” Raffal said,.