CapRescue is thrilled to announce the resounding success of the 2024 CapRescue Degustation presented by QMAG, which took place over two extraordinary nights on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th September at Headricks Lane. Now a beloved annual tradition, the Degustation has become a standout feature of the Capricorn Food & Wine Festival since its inception in 2015, raising much-needed funds for CapRescue’s vital rescue services.
As always, this year’s event was headlined by acclaimed chef and regional food advocate Matt Golinski, who crafted an exquisite six-course degustation menu using the finest local ingredients. Paired with carefully selected wines from Brockenchack Winery and spirits from Clovendoe Distilling Co., the dinner showcased Central Queensland’s rich culinary landscape in a truly memorable fashion.
Graham Sheppard, General Manager of the QVC Group, praised the night, saying, “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Degustation Dinner. Great to see so many local people turn up to support and donate to such a worthy lifesaving service”
The festivities didn’t stop there – guests were entertained by Mitch and Nick from Dr. M’s Quizzology Services with a lively session of Music Bingo that had everyone on their feet, even breaking out into an unexpected conga line! It was a true celebration of community spirit, fun, and the support of a cause that touches so many lives.
Chris Hayes, Dealer Principal at DC Motors, who proudly sponsored a table at the event, shared his thoughts: “An enjoyable night had by the DC Motors team who were a proud table sponsor at the CapRescue degustation. Fantastically organised, with huge local support for such a lifesaving cause!”
The 2024 CapRescue Degustation was presented by QMAG and served as more than just a culinary experience; it was an evening of gratitude and appreciation for the incredible support CapRescue receives from its sponsors, partners, and the wider community. Together, attendees and sponsors raised over $43,000, an incredible contribution that will directly help keep the Rescue300 helicopter in the air and ensure the continuation of CapRescue’s life-saving operations across Central Queensland.
Trudy Mace, who attended the event, highlighted the importance of CapRescue’s service for rural communities: “The Degustation dinner was a fantastic showcase of beautiful food by Matt Golinski and his team and great entertainment by Dr M’s Quizzology. As rural people we are ever so grateful for the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service and its continuation is vital to us.”
With CapRescue needing to raise over $4 million annually to sustain its operations, the funds generated from the Degustation Dinner will significantly contribute to ensuring the “Angels of the Sky” continue to watch over the 350,000 km2 region, every hour, every moment, every day.
Visit our Facebook page @CapRescue to relive the night’s magic and see how your support makes a difference!
**Save the Date!**
Mark your calendars – the CapRescue Degustation will return on 4th and 5th September 2025. We look forward to welcoming you once again for another year of fine dining, community spirit, and support for our life-saving mission.