The Ambassador of France in Australia, His Excellency Pierre-André Imbert, has accepted an invitation to join the Bailliage of Canberra Regions of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Norm Harrison, Bailli Délégué of Australia who is a Member of the Conseil Magistral, invited His Excellency to attend a cocktail party and information evening at the Commonwealth Club on Monday 11th August to promote the Chaîne in Canberra, Australia’s capital city.

The Ambassador told some 50 members and invited guests that he would be honoured to join the Chaîne. “With a history dating back to 1248, the Chaîne is the oldest French order I have ever been involved with. The Chaîne represents a significant part of France’s culinary history and I am delighted to see it taking such a leading role in Australia,” the Ambassador said.

Prior to his address, His Excellency Pierre-André Imbert presented two Commandeur Awards to Canberra members Chef Daniel Hiltbrunner (20 years membership) and his wife Katrina Hiltbrunner (10 years membership). Conseiller Culinaire Honoraire Daniel and Chargée de Missions Katrina operate a very successful restaurant, Melange, at Bilpin in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.

Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison and Bruce Mackie, Bailli of Canberra Regions, hosted the event to promote the Chaîne’s activities and plans for expansion in the region. Early indications are that it was a very successful function with several people submitting applications to join on the night and many others requesting application forms.

As well as local members, the Chaîne contingent included South Australia Bailli Serena Harrison-North, Victoria Bailli Ian Halliday and Western Australia Bailli Robina Coppin.

The Ambassador of France will be inducted as a Chevalier d'Honneur along with other new members at the Australian AGM and Chapitre in Canberra on February 7, 2026.

Deborah Mackie
Vice-Chargée de Presse of Canberra Regions