Wedding venue ‘deeply saddened’ by gastro mystery

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The cause of a major gastro outbreak that hit more than 140 people from two separate events at an Albert Park function space is still unknown, but it’s business as usual for the venue.

Operators of The Park on Thursday expressed sympathy for those affected, after a wedding on Saturday left more than 70 guests sick, including at least two in hospital, and more than 70 people who attended a medical conference dinner were reported ill days before the wedding.

Operators of The Park have expressed their sympathies to those affected by a gastro outbreak linked to the venue.Credit: Simon Schluter

Investigations into the incidents are being led by the state Health Department with support from Port Phillip Council. There have been no developments in identifying the source of the gastroenteritis, the Health Department said.

Venue manager Bahaa Harb said they had undertaken a precautionary deep clean. Council officers had visited this week and the venue had been permitted to keep trading, he said.

“We are in frequent contact with the couple from the wedding on Saturday and have expressed to them how sorry we are that this outbreak has impacted their special day,” Harb said.

“We have the highest standard of health and safety practices in place and are deeply saddened that this outbreak has occurred and affected a number of people.”

Weddings at The Park cost couples between $166 to $226 per person.

Harb said venue operators would keep people affected by the outbreak informed of the investigation’s findings, including the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association, whose conference was cut short due to the gastro outbreak.

“We will continue to work closely with the City of Port Phillip to determine the cause of this outbreak and will keep our customers and impacted parties notified of the investigation’s findings,” he said.

The Health Department confirmed at least 70 attendees at each event – held on September 13 and 16 – had reported feeling unwell.

Acting Mayor Andrew Bond said council officers had attended the venue on Monday, immediately after being notified about the outbreak, and returned on Thursday.

Bond said officers had supervised the cleaning and disinfection of the venue to ensure it was done in accordance with state guidelines for outbreaks of gastroenteritis and reviewed the food production processes.

He said officers would support the health department to ensure appropriate infection prevention measures were in place.

The Australian and New Zealand Burn Association were contacted for comment.

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