Gourmet Mystery to leave Albert Park event venue park operators ‘deeply saddened’

A severe stomach bug outbreak infected more than 140 people at two separate events at the Albert Park function room. The cause is still unclear, but it is business as usual at the venue.

Park operators expressed sympathy Thursday for those affected after a wedding on Saturday sickened more than 70 guests, including at least two who were hospitalized, and more than 70 people who attended a medical conference dinner in the days before the wedding were reportedly sickened.

The state health department, with support from Port Phillip Council, is leading an investigation into the incidents. The Ministry of Health said no progress has been made in identifying the source of the gastroenteritis.

Venue manager Bahaa Harb said they have been conducting preventive deep cleaning. He said council officers had visited the premises this week and had been given permission to remain open.

“We have been in frequent contact with the couple since Saturday’s wedding and have expressed to them how sorry we are that this pandemic has affected their special day,” Harb said.

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“We have the highest standards of health and safety measures in place and are deeply saddened that this outbreak has occurred and is affecting so many people.”

Cost for couples to host a wedding in the park ranges from $166 to $226 per person.

Harb said venue operators would make the findings known to those affected by the outbreak, including the Australian and New Zealand Burns Association, whose conference was cut short due to the stomach bug outbreak.