Sous chef Ashleigh Handsaker reflects on her six-year journey through the Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award, culminating in her 2026 Golden Chef of the Year win, as judge Elke Travers praises the standout talent on display, while Proud to Be a Chef mentor Mark Normoyle shares how the program continues to expand professional development opportunities for apprentice chefs.

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.