Thank you for taking the time to reply, Chris...you certainly have some "all round" experience in Oz, from what you have let us in on, of your time spent Dunnunda in those "formative years".
There seems to be a twinge of good ole Aussie homesickness - and a desire to "do something" for your birth country, in your posts.....perhaps THAT goes towards explaining your willingness to meet the extra out of pocket expenses (that) you have so graciously dismissed with "...a very small catering bill, which I certainly don't mind kicking in for."
Your obvious knowledge of that unique aviation employee psyche of ALWAYS looking for a "free feed" (but happy to donate mercilessly to less fortunates) is evident.
If you don't mind - at the risk of being boringly repetitive - may I ask, again, "Besides Dick Smith, WHO are the other major players you can guarantee will be there?"