Celebrity chefs from Sydney's Aqua Dining, Nick's Seafood, Garfish and Coast will cook-off for Caritas Australia's "Fish Friday" tomorrow in a fundraiser for its newly-launched Project Compassion 2010.

The cook-off at Martin Place, Sydney, will involve the auction of four unique gourmet meals to the highest bidders. Seafood restaurant Peter Doyles @ The Quay will also prepare fish and rice meals for 1,000 people at the location until 2pm, Caritas said in a statement.

"By donating the same dollar value as the cost of a typical lunch, diners will stand in solidarity with the millions of people who survive on a staple diet of fish and rice, and support Caritas Australia's long-term development projects in 32 countries," the statement said.

"We're not asking a great deal of people. Leave your lunch at home on Friday and come down to Martin Place to share in a delicious lunch, be entertained by our celebrity chef cook-off, and learn how Caritas Australia is working to tackle poverty amongst the poorest communities in the world," said CEO Jack de Groot.

Caritas launched its annual Project Compassion across Australia yesterday.

Cardinal George Pell celebrated Ash Wednesday mass and the launch in Sydney, while the Governor of Queensland Ms Penelope Wensley, with Archbishop John Bathersby, launched the project in Brisbane. It was launched in Ballarat by Bishop Peter Connors, Caritas said.

Money raised from Project Compassion 2010 will support Caritas Australia's work in the poorest parts of the world and provide health, education, water and sustainable agriculture in communities that need it most.

Project Compassion 2010 aims to beat last year's fundraising effort, raising over $8.7million around Australia.

FULL STATEMENT

Fish Friday puts Justice on the Menu (Caritas Australia)

Caritas Australia launches 2010 Project Compassion (Caritas Australia)