ARE YOU PART OF THE NEXT CHEF MOVEMENT?
The Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) competitions are the platform for our country’s most creative chefs, apprentices, and foodservice professionals to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for food. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just commencing your career in the food industry, our industry competitions offer a unique opportunity to empower yourself, reach your personal goals, and connect with peers who share your passion for all things food.
2026 COMPETITION SCHEDULE
2026 NATIONAL APPRENTICES COMPETITION
The NAC is the pinnacle of apprentice competitions across Australia, culminating in the final event hosted at Fine Food in Melbourne this September. Throughout the year, top apprentices and culinary students from each state and territory compete in their respective regions. The best from each apprenticeship year and student section are selected to converge and vie for the title of overall winner. The NAC’s reach is extensive, impacting over 4,000 culinary students and educators and linking to more than 10,000 chefs nationwide. State selections for the top four apprentices/students from each category will commence in May. For more details about the competition in your state, contact your Regional Chairman of Judges.
2026 SECONDARY SCHOOLS CULINARY CHALLENGE
In 2026, the ACF will continue to inspire future culinary talent through the Secondary School Culinary Competitions held across all regions. This initiative aims to strengthen the connection between schools and the commercial cookery industry, encouraging more students to embark on culinary careers. The competition is open to senior secondary students in years 10-12 who are studying Home Economics, Food Technology, Cookery or Hospitality. The national champions will experience an incredible reward – to be announced shortly.
NESTLE GOLDEN CHEFS HAT
ENTRIES FOR GOLDEN CHEF’S 2026 HAVE NOW CLOSED
Entries for the 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award have now closed! If you have completed the entry form and meet the eligibility requirements*, we’ll send you all the details about your Regional Cook-Off location and everything you need to know to get started by Monday 25 May.
*Register between 09.03.26 (AEDT) – 15.05.26 (AEST). AU/NZ res. 18+ & culinary employee/student. For entry details, eligibility, exclusions, limits, prize details and T&Cs visit https://nes.tl/kotkgk5s. Promoter is Nestlé Australia Ltd and Nestlé New Zealand Limited.
2026 CULINARY CHALLENGE
The 2026 Culinary Challenge returns to Fine Food Australia at MCEC Melbourne from 31 August to 3 September. Entries are open now.
Four days of live competition where chefs, apprentices and students from across the country cook against the clock in front of a live audience and a panel of ACF accredited judges. Every competitor is judged to World Chefs standards, with medals awarded at every level. It is the most direct way to test your trade, benchmark your skills against your peers, and put your name in front of the industry.
This year’s program includes:
- ACF National Apprentice Competition
- ACF Most Outstanding Chef
- ACF Team Challenges
- Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award Final Series
Plus live masterclasses in the demo kitchen across all four days.
Presented by the Australian Culinary Federation and ACF Victoria, the Culinary Challenge supports chefs at every stage, from first year apprentices through to experienced competitors chasing national selection.
Read the rule book, pick your classes, and enter below.
We will see you in Melbourne.