29/01/2026
Repost from
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A huge congratulations to our friend John Susman on being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the hospitality industry and the seafood sector.
A lifelong champion of Australian seafood, and particularly the Rock Oyster, ’s enthusiasm and generosity for the Festival extend well beyond his roles as host of our Ultimate Oyster Experience and calling the Australian Oyster Shucking Championships.
John’s deep knowledge of merroir, cultivation and oyster species makes every Ultimate Oyster Experience truly transformative. His long-standing friendships with growers and their shucking techniques, and his sharp wit, make his calling of the Australian Oyster Shucking Championships one of the most exciting and compelling races you could witness.
Congratulations, John!
He is currently preparing for another important role, Chair of Judges for the Sydney Royal Fine Food Aquaculture Competition.
Judging takes place on Wednesday, Feb 4 (the same day that festival tickets go on sale!) and across Rock Oyster Country, farmers are readying their finest oysters for harvest, carefully managing the influence of tides, moon phases and freshwater flows to ensure peak condition.
We’re honoured that General Manager Renee Pearce has been invited to serve as an associate judge this year. While tasting Australia’s best oysters makes us giddy with excitement, John, Renee and the judging panel follow a rigorous 100-point blind tasting system, assessing shell shape, meat-to-shell ratio, colour, texture, aroma and more.
We can’t wait to see the results!
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