In celebration of International Seafood Day the 2021 Great Australian Fish and Chip Awards, organised by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), have been launched, marking the start of the search for the country's best fish and chip businesses.
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"In every town, across every state and territory, people spruik their fish and chips as number one, so let's put them to the test and crown Australia's best fish and chippers," said SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta.
"The aim of the awards is to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses around the country, while we celebrate our great Australian seafood, and the fishers who produce all of our favourite seafoods."
And right in the mix is well-known local Seafood Restaurant and Café, Pelican Rocks at Greenwell Point, who won both the judge's award and people's choice award for NSW in 2019.
In fact, Pelican Rocks has tasted considerable success in the competition, winning the people's choice award for NSW in 2018 and the state's best judged fish and chips in 2017.
The state and territory winners announced at a virtual event on December 14.
And you can vote as many times as you want to support the locals.
"Consumers can visit www.fishandchipawards.com.au and vote for their favourite fish and chip shop to take out the title," Ms Papacosta said.
"If you can't pick just one store, don't worry, you can cast your vote each day."
There's even a live leaderboard on the website so fans can keep an eye on their favourite store's position.
Pelican Rocks is currently second on the leaderboard behind The Trident Fish and Grill at Alstonville.
"The awards also highlight the importance of buying fresh, local seafood and supporting our Australian fishers and the foodservice industry who've had a rough 18 months," she said.
"The good news is, it's easy as to support our fishers and foodservice providers and it can be done by just eating some great Australian fish and chips.
"Buying Australian seafood supports Australian fishing families and regional communities they operate in.
"The awards are also a good opportunity to highlight the importance of asking for Aussie seafood - even why you're buying fish and chips.
"Australian seafood is one of the most sustainable protein sources in the world and our fisheries management is world-class.
"But, with close to 70 per cent of seafood eaten in Australia imported, it's important you chat to your server about where your seafood is from.
"As Australia's lockdowns begin to lift and we welcome in the summer months, we encourage everyone to take a night or two off from the kitchen, get together with your friends and family and support your local takeaway store and your fishers, as you enjoy some great Australian fish and chips."
For more information visit: www.fishandchipawards.com.au
The 2020-21 Fish and Chips Awards 2021 is supported by funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government.
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