Celebrating culinary excellence: highlights from our National Culinary Teams

Our National Culinary Teams recently competed at the Culinary Olympics in Germany, with a bronze and a silver medal for both the junior and senior teams. Their success is a testament to their skill, dedication and resilience, and the industry’s support has been their inspiration — thank you to each and all. This achievement not only places Australia on the global culinary map but also serves as a beacon, inspiring over 100,000 culinary professionals across the nation.

We are so proud of our Victorian Young Chefs — more than $16,000 was raised to assist their attendance at the Worldchefs Congress in Singapore this October. This will be such an incredible experience for them and their professional development, helping to foster a new generation of chefs equipped to tackle the culinary challenges of tomorrow.

May is set to be buzzing with the Chef Success workshop on May 19, held as part of Foodservice Australia in Sydney which runs from May 19-21. The conference is not just about learning; it will also deliver laughter, shared stories and yes, a bit of cheeky banter. The restaurant challenge and our ACF stand are your go-to spots for a chat and check-in. Hope to see you there!

Continuing our support for rising stars, the National Apprentice Competition and the Secondary Schools Culinary Challenges are currently rolling out across the nation. These platforms have been instrumental in discovering and nurturing talents who have gone on to fulfilling careers and creating memorable dining experiences, contributing to Australia’s reputation as a culinary hotspot.

This month we’re spotlighting our Cooking for Dietary Requirements course because who doesn’t love expanding their skillset in a no-fuss, all-gain manner? Plus, receiving the digital badge is always a nice touch. Our commitment to education extends beyond the kitchen, with our courses reaching over 2000 chefs last year alone, enhancing their abilities to cater to the diverse needs of our society.

While International Women’s Day has rolled by for another year, the respect and admiration we hold for the women in our industry remains steadfast.

In closing I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to you all. The strength of the Australian Culinary Federation lies in its people — passionate, skilled and ever-ready to push the envelope. Together we make magic happen in kitchens across the nation and beyond. Here’s to continuing our journey, one dish at a time.

Catch you soon,

Karen Doyle
President, Australian Culinary Federation