VOICE OF HOSPITALITY

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE ACF

At a time of renewal and growth, our vision extends beyond recovery, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of culinary professionals. With a united spirit and a commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment where creativity and individuality thrive, and young chefs are encouraged to explore, create, and lead the way towards a fulfilling and sustainable future. Together, we stand as one team, with one dream, to transform our industry through innovation, ensuring that the Australian Culinary Federation shines as a beacon of progress, inclusivity, and support for all.

The Story of the Australian Culinary Federation

Founded in 1994, the Australian Culinary Federation National Office Inc. was born from the shared vision of a group of passionate industry stakeholders. These forward-thinking chefs sought to safeguard the culinary landscape, championing a more inclusive and representative community for cooks, chefs, apprentices, and culinary students across Australia. Their aim was to establish a unified body that would support the interests and development of culinary professionals and raise the Australian profile of the culinary arts both nationally and internationally.

This founding group set principles of unity, high standards, and professional growth, creating an association that has become a cornerstone of the Australian foodservice industry. The Australian Culinary Federation today stands for innovation, education, and community, advancing the goals of those in the cookery field.

Over the years, the federation has expanded its reach, introducing various programs, competitions, and educational initiatives that foster the continuous development of industry skills and knowledge. It stands as a testament to the collective vision and lasting influence of those pioneering chefs who, nearly three decades ago, envisioned a brighter and more respected future for the culinary profession in Australia.

Today, the Australian Culinary Federation continues to nurture the next generation of culinary talent, championing sustainability, innovation, and high standards. It remains true to its founding values, promoting a culture of inclusivity and advancement that resonates with culinary professionals both in Australia and around the world. 

Meet the board

The board at the Australian Culinary Federation is a team of respected and experienced chefs. They lead with a hands-on approach, focusing on supporting and enhancing the foodservice community across Australia. Their work involves championing the interests of chefs, apprentices, and culinary students, guiding the federation's efforts in education, innovation, and industry standards.

Education Committee

The Education Committee champions the growth and training of our field, advocating for the development of chefs, apprentices, and culinary students at all levels. Our focus is on embracing and sharing the latest industry trends and educational insights, along with celebrating International Chefs Day on October 20th.

Culinary Committee

The Culinary Committee consists of senior judges from each region, focusing on orchestrating successful regional and national competitions in alignment with Worldchefs guidelines. They conduct several regional and one national judging workshops annually to ensure uniform judging standards nationwide and to facilitate a pathway towards Worldchefs Judging credentials.

Young Chefs

All ACF members under 25 are part of Australian Young Chefs, with committees in regions across the country. This group aligns with Worldchefs Young Chefs, embracing Friendship, Education, Cuisine, and Culture pillars. Its goal is to provide a platform for the next culinary generation to learn, network, and promote culinary skills, cultural understanding, and humanitarian efforts globally.

Sponsors

Our association extends its gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support. Their contributions have been pivotal in turning our vision into reality. As our association progresses, we recognise that the partnerships we've formed with our sponsors are essential to our ongoing success.



National Culinary team

We are immensely grateful for the unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions of our Culinary Team. Their dedication to excellence and competitive spirit on the world stage significantly elevate our culinary standards. It's their hard work and achievements in international arenas that continue to put Australia on the global culinary map.

Regions

The Australian Culinary Federation unites our diverse and vibrant regions, each bringing their unique culinary contributions to our national footprint. From the innovative to the traditional, our collective effort is rooted in a commitment to progress and inclusivity.

Networking & Events

Our association offers a suite of professional events and networking sessions, including networking and informative conferences, dinners, lunches plus culinary competitions, workshops, masterclasses, seminars, and webinars. These are designed as creative think tanks, aiming to spark new strategies and ideas within the foodservice community.

Competitions

Continual key competitions are organised and hosted to highlight and develop talent in our industry:
- Secondary Schools
- National Apprentices
- Restaurant Challenge
-Nestle Golden Chefs Hat
These competitions are designed to inspire, challenge, and demonstrate participants' skills and creativity.

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