Leisel Jones named 2024 MBFW Ambassador

Former Olympian and homegrown swimming star Leisel Jones OAM has been named as the 2024 Ambassador for the upcoming Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.

Held at Woody Point over three big days from August 23-25, the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is one of Queensland’s biggest foodie celebrations, with special appearances by celebrity chefs, live cooking demonstrations, unique dining experiences, pop-up bars and restaurants, food trucks, local produce, market stalls, music, hands-on workshops, and more.

As a self-confessed foodie, Leisel says she is thrilled to take on the role and highlight Moreton Bay’s beauty and produce to the wider community.

“I love food, and I love wine, so this is 100 percent the right gig for me,” Leisel says.

“I am really thrilled to be named as this year’s Ambassador because it gives me the opportunity to share not only how beautiful Moreton Bay is to others, but to also talk about the region’s incredible seafood, produce, and products.

“When it comes to seafood, you can’t beat Moreton Bay – the Moreton Bay Bug alone is exceptional and should be on people’s list of foods to try.

“In terms of fresh produce, we also have gorgeous strawberries, pineapples and many other beautiful products that are grown here.

“We are so lucky to have all of this great food grown and sourced within our arm’s reach.”

Celebrity Cook-Off Challenge

As part of her Ambassador role, Leisel will take part in a Celebrity Cook-Off Competition, which will be held on The Kitchen Stage presented by Ausbuild from 10.30-11.30am on August 23.

She will go head-to-head against a who's who of the local media scene from television news presenters to TikTok icons. All will be trying to win $1000 for their chosen charity.

Here's the line-up: 

• Samantha Heathwood (7 News presenter)
• Olympia Kwitowski (4BC Weekend Breakfast host)
• Georgina Hill (10 News presenter)
• Ben Blue (TikTok icon)
• Councillor Jodie Shipway (Moreton Bay City Council Deputy Mayor)

The cook-off will feature three rounds of mouthwatering tasks including creative cakes, a charcuterie board blitz, and a blind taste test. 

The winner not only earns the title of Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival's inaugural Celebrity Cook-Off Challenge Champion, but also secures $1000 for their chosen charity, courtesy of Visit Moreton Bay.

“I am not the greatest cook by any means, but I am looking forward to the Celebrity Cook-Off,” Leisel says.

“My forte is baking, and I am quite good at decorating cakes.

“I love baking and making sweet treats like banoffee pie and sticky date pudding, just to name a few.”

Taking festival to national audience

During the festival, Leisel will also be taking part in a live weather cross for the TODAY Show.

Having experienced firsthand how amazing the festival is, she says there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“What I love most about the festival is you can create your own foodie adventure,” Leisel says.

“With 14 different areas and zones for people to explore and experience, as well as a whole host of celebrity cooking demonstrations and live music, there really is something for everyone.

“You can chill out by the waterfront and take it all in, or you can have a real bougie day and be extra fancy – the choice is all yours!

“Every year the festival site looks amazing, and there is always something new for foodies to enjoy, so if you love food and wine, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing festival.

“I am really excited about watching the celebrity chefs and immersing myself in everything the festival has to offer.

“It is my birthday the following weekend, so I am using the festival as a really chilled way to celebrate.”

About Leisel

Born in the Northern Territory, Leisel and her family moved to Moreton Bay when she was a young girl.

She attended Southern Cross Catholic College in Scarborough and swam for the college before bursting onto the Olympic scene.

Regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever female swimmers, Leisel was the youngest member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Swimming Team and became the youngest ever Olympic medalist in Australia’s history when she won silver in the 100m Breaststroke and 4x100m Medley Relay.

During her career, Leisel claimed 14 individual world records, 9 Olympic medals, 7 World Championship titles, 10 Commonwealth Games Gold medals, and 23 National titles.

She also created Olympic history when she became the first Australian swimmer to qualify for four consecutive Olympic Games – Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), Beijing (2008) and London (2012).

Secure your tickets

Tickets to this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival are on sale now, with a wide range of experiences on offer for foodies of all ages to indulge in!

Festival-goers can purchase a day pass to access the Festival Precinct which includes entry to the cooking demonstrations, as well as access to the live entertainment, pop-up bars, local producers, food vendors, market stalls and more!

Every adult and concession 18+ ticketholder will also receive a free Festival Cup to utilise with our amazing vendors during the festival.

To book, visit the Moreton Bay Food + Wine website.