News and Events

‘Order of Australia’ for Charmaine Solomon!

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2007, Charmaine Solomon (nee Poulier) was awarded the “Order of Australia” medal in recognition of her contribution to revolutionising the Australian culinary landscape with her speciality in Asian cooking.

Charmaine’s immense contribution was perhaps best described in an interview she had with George Negus of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before millions of TV viewers in 2003. Negus, echoing the sentiments of all Australians, concluded by saying to Charmaine, “Thank you for coming to this country.”

Charmaine, a Dutch Burgher, immigrated to Australia in 1959 from Sri Lanka with her husband Reuben and only then learned to cook as there were no domestics around anymore! She has since gained world recognition as a culinary expert and author having written more than 30 books. Her book, Complete Asian Cookbook, probably graces the shelves of every Sri Lankan kitchen around the world and has sold over a million copies globally.

Our congratulations and best wishes to Mrs Solomon – we are indeed proud of you!

July 2007