It sounds like you should be thinking in terms of providing your own catering, it will save your players a lot of money.
You still have to pay for food (which might cost around $15-$25 per person for the weekend, depending on whether you go shoestring), and you should probably budget for paying your volunteer cook. Sooner or later, most cooks want to be paid something, even if it’s not full pay for the hours worked it’s a token of the time they’re giving, and their fee is divided among all your players (and crew).
But still, it will work out massively cheaper than $60 a head. And you’ll get to make food that’s appropriate for your game.
I think the standard in Auckland has been for everyone (including crew) to pay a base cost that covers their accomodation and food, and for players to pay extra to cover props, costumes, and any other incidentals needed for the game. It seems fair that players pay a bit more to be the centre of attention and entertainment, although crew often have just as much fun.