The 2012 Gastronomic Lunch of the Year held in Newcastle on Sunday raised more than $134,000 for medical research, making it the most successful year on record.

Organised by Newcastle restaurateur Neil Slater with support from other harbour-front eateries, the event attracted a full house of 165 diners at Fort Scratchley Function Centre.

A six-course meal matched with Hunter Valley wines was provided by chefs from Scratchleys, Harbourviews, Paymasters Café, Nor East, Silo and Sea Salt.

The funds will help a Hunter Medical Research Institute team led by Dr Bruce King* to develop a meal management system for children suffering Type 1 Diabetes. It will ultimately enable a new-generation closed-loop insulin pump to function with optimum consistency, eliminating the potential for glucose spikes.

HMRI’s new Director, Professor Michael Nilsson, commended Mr Slater and the organising team for creating an event that celebrated the best of Hunter food, wine and medical research.

“On behalf of HMRI I must sincerely thank Neil and all his team for their efforts. I would also like to acknowledge those who generously contributed to the auctions, either by donating prizes or by placing successful bids,” Professor Nilsson said.

“It was a wonderful day, with exceptional food and wine, and to raise in excess of $134,000 is just tremendous. The money will go towards a project of vital importance to young diabetics and their families, one that could revolutionise the management of Type 1 Diabetes and change the lives of sufferers forever.”

The Dining for a Cure series proved popular in the live auctions, with a winning bid of $8500 being placed to enjoy a 3-course meal with Knights coach Wayne Bennett, while Newcastle-born professional golfer Nathan Green attracted a bid of $6000.

* Dr Bruce King is a Staff Specialist, Paediatric Endocrinology, at John Hunter Hospital and Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University School of Medicine and Public Health. HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.