MARCH 17, 2015: REGIONAL delicacies like sesame pork rice paper rolls, pulled pork sliders, and tartlets of caramelised onions with feta and semi-dried tomatoes took centre stage at Parliament House last night as Federal MPs, Senators and staff were provided with some serious food for thought about the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac region.The occasion was the Regional Showcase Cocktail Party;the location the Main Committee Room of the nation’s House of Parliament;and I joined with the region's mayors, Deirdre Comerford of Mackay, Jenny Whitney of Whitsunday and Ann Baker of Isaac, to play host.[box style="1 or 2"]There were plenty of oohs and ahhs in the room as our guests sipped on cocktails of Sarina Sugar Shed Rum with the wonderful addition of Calen Lemons and Limes, and Espresso martinis made with Whitsunday Gold Coffee.The food as well was superb. Mackay’s Freckle Farm Pork featured in two favourites – the Pulled Pork Sliders and the Sesame Pork Rice Paper Rolls.Isaac region’s Noble Honey was the star of the Duo of Bruschetta, Pecorino, Honey and Fried Capers and beautiful Australian Prawn Farm tiger prawns were amazing in both the Panfried Prawns with Creole Spice and the Kataifi Prawns with Green Mango Salad.I would have to say Mackay region kitchens rule and though I am no Pete or Manu, I give every dish … 10 out of 10.[/box] Among the 70 attendees were Queensland Senators Ian Macdonald, Matt Canavan and Glenn Lazarus, West Australian MPs Luke Simpkins and Ken Wyatt, and Victorians such as Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester to name just a few.The event was put on by Whitsunday ROC (Regional Organisation of Councils) with assistance from my office to increase awareness and understanding of our fabulous region and what we produce.Those who attended the evening were also given sample bags of the region’s produce and travel literature, as well as a Regional Showcase recipe booklet.They were also treated to a video presentation which highlighted the region’s beauty, productivity and diversity.