VOICE OF HOSPITALITY

CONGRATULATING THE 2024 CULINARY CHALLENGE AWARD WINNERS

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DISCOVER THE WINNERS AND HIGHLIGHTS

The Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) proudly celebrated the 2024 ACF Awards during Fine Food Australia in Melbourne, recognising the remarkable talent and dedication of apprentices, chefs, and food students across the country. The event honoured those who have shown creativity, skill, and commitment to their craft, highlighting the achievements of Australia’s rising and established food professionals. The 2024 ACF Awards recognised excellence across a range of categories, from the National Apprentice Competition to live food challenges.
With competitors from various states showcasing their best work, the awards were a true testament to Australia’s thriving food industry.

A special thank you goes to our sponsors and partners, including Nestle Professional, Moffat, and Fine Food Australia, whose contributions made this event possible. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performances.

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Wins

In this image, two chefs are standing together in front of a backdrop that displays the Australian Culinary Federation logo. The chef on the left, dressed in white kitchen attire with a chef's hat, is wearing a gold medal around their neck. The chef on the right is also in full chef's uniform, including a tall white hat, and has a badge and lanyard, which seems to indicate a professional event or competition. Both are smiling and standing side by side, possibly celebrating an achievement related to a culinary event or competition.

This year’s Champion Apprentice is Mei Chieng from WA, impressing the judges with her outstanding skills in the Bega National Apprentice Competition.
Kirra McClenahan (VIC), Mei Chieng (WA), and Garam Han (VIC) all took home Gold in their respective categories in this prestigious competition.

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Honours

A big congratulations to Remold Fernando (VIC) for being named Most Outstanding Pastry Chef for the second consecutive year. Neel Sebastian (ACT) took home the title of Most Outstanding Apprentice Chef, and Bivushan Bhandari (VIC) secured Most Outstanding Chef, thanks to a brilliant performance earning multiple medals.

Live Challenge Highlights

A vibrant yellow dessert featuring a dome-shaped mousse, garnished with a delicate butterfly-shaped sugar decoration, citrus slice, and bright green pearls. The dessert sits on a sponge base, with artistic elements surrounding it, creating a visually stunning presentation.

From street food to dessert creations, this year's live challenges saw some amazing results. Stephen Lunn & Jordan Murphy earned Silver in the Street Food Challenge, while Liam Jones (NSW) claimed Gold in Petit Four Pralines. The talent on display was nothing short of inspiring!

HIGHLIGHTS

Principal Partners

Nestle Professional Logo
Moffat Logo

Partners

Supporting Sponsors

Fine food Australia
Caterhire
Mak
Foodservice Australia
Queen Professional Logo
Food Radio
Community Clubs Victoria
Le Cordon Bleu

Competition Sponsors

Straight to the Source
FoodLogic
TAFE NSW Logo: "TAFE NSW logo in blue gradient font with a stylized red lotus emblem representing the NSW Government on the right-hand side."
Global Hospitality Group Logo
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