Fine Food Australia returns to Melbourne from 31 August to 3 September, uniting 25,000 professionals and 900+ exhibitors. New for 2026: expanded Taste of Australia pavilions, a first-ever USA Country Partnership, a hospo tech breakfast and curated show tours.

Foodservice Rep takes a look at some of the opportunities which exist for professional development and further education among chefs – from participation in culinary competitions like the long-established Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award and Chef of the Year, to the industry’s leading foodservice mentoring program for apprentice chefs, Proud to Be a Chef - this year marking its quarter-century milestone.