MAX’S RESTAURANT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

19th March 2011

Max's at Red Hill Estate has taken top honours at the 26^th Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held by the National Tourism Alliance (NTA) in Perth on Friday 11^th March.

 Four Victorian businesses; Max's at Red Hill Estate, Mornington Peninsula Tourism, Destination Gippsland and the Bendigo Visitor Centre were presented with the awards recognising business excellence in tourism.

 Congratulating the winners, Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher said the awards demonstrate Victoria's outstanding performance and achievement at a national level.

 "These awards recognise the drive and innovation of individual businesses to remain at the forefront of the industry," Ms Asher said.

 Max's at Red Hill Estate was presented with the award for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services, competing against seven other state winners.

 "Seventeen years ago when I had the idea to establish the first winery restaurant in Red Hill, I was told by many that it wouldn't work.  This award is testament to the hard work myself and my team have done over these many years to increase awareness of the Mornington Peninsula, and in particular, Red Hill, as a tourism destination" says Max Paganoni, owner, chef and director of Max's.

 "Winning a national award is a significant achievement and acknowledges your team's excellent reputation for delivering a high quality dining experience in a beautiful setting", Todd Blake, Chief Executive of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council says.  "It is also due recognition of the contribution you make to the tourism industry."

 The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the NTA on behalf of the Australian tourism industry.

For more about the 2010 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, visit http://www.tourismalliance.org/tourismalliance/TourismAwards.html

For more about Max's at Red Hill Estate, visit www.maxsrestaurant.com.au