AnchorTM Food Professionals Uncovers Australia’s Next Top Chefs

AnchorTM Food Professionals, in partnership with Fonterra, is delighted to announce the fnalists for the 2025 Proud to be a Chef program. This premier foodservice mentoring initiative celebrates its 25th year of fostering culinary excellence and inspiring the next generation of chefs across Australia.

Thirty-two of Australia’s most passionate and talented apprentice chefs have been selected to participate in the all-expenses-paid, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience held in Melbourne in February 2025. The transformative program includes exclusive feld tours, hands-on masterclasses, and networking opportunities with some of the industry’s most esteemed leaders. At the culmination of the program, one standout participant will be crowned the 2025 Proud to be a Chef winner, receiving a $7,500 culinary scholarship tailored to their unique professional aspirations – a launchpad for their future in the foodservice industry.

Over four days, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Proud to be a Chef mentor and ambassador, George Calombaris, the program’s frst-ever winner in 1999 and one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs. Joining George are AnchorTM Food Professionals

Executive Chef Mark Normoyle and pastry mentor Angelica Iuliano, Group Pastry Chef at MoVida and Co-Chair of the Victorian Young Chefs Club. Together, they will guide and inspire the fnalists through workshops, fne dining experiences, and personalised mentoring sessions.

Each apprentice chef was evaluated on their passion for the culinary arts, career aspirations, and originality, demonstrated through a recipe submission featuring an AnchorTM Food Professionals product.

The fnalists for the 2025 Proud to be a Chef program are:

1. Amber Vastag, 20yo, Prestons NSW

2. Daniel Yin, 23yo, Arcadia NSW

3. Hyunkyeong Lee, 28yo, St Leonards NSW

4. James Brennan, 29yo, Orange NSW

5. Kira Ann Boulton, 18yo, Grafton NSW

6. Lochlainn Poole, 21yo, Wollongong NSW

7. Nikki Sheppard, 31yo, Tiwi NT

8. Caleb Talbot, 18yo, Cedar Grove QLD

9. Ethan Alborn, 19yo, Oxenford QLD

10. Eunsol Huh, 31yo, Parramatta Park QLD

11. Nasra Ahmed Mohamud, 24yo, Inala QLD

12. Catherine Shane Cordova, 26yo, Camden Park SA

13. Louise Sensi, 45yo, Watervale SA

14. Riana Kinlough, 31yo, Lockleys SA

15. Alistair Best, 24yo, Prospect TAS

16. Danial Bulbrook, 35yo, Summer Hill TAS

17. Semra Peach, 25yo, Wynyard TAS

18. Arabella Christie O’Halloran, 23yo, Rosedale VIC

19. Fatemeh Wafa, 35yo, Melbourne VIC

20. Garam Han, 40yo, Diggers Rest VIC

21. Isabel Nicole Aguas, 23yo, Essendon VIC

22. Katelyn Froebel, 21yo, Fitzroy VIC

23. Liam Ranken,

20yo, Mount Martha VIC

24. Lucas Robertson, 20yo, Lara VIC

25. Lucy Daley, 19yo, Strathfeldsaye VIC

26. Mia Gaunt, 19yo, Warragul VIC

27. Dylan Bernstein, 25yo, Dianella WA

28. Finlay Thorley, 20yo, Kelmscott WA

29. Jeffery Evans, 34yo, Gelorup WA

30. Juan Camilo

Zuluaga Pena, 37yo, Yanchep WA

31. Sok Mei Chieng, 47yo, Innaloo WA

32. Tiger-Lilly Braziuk, 19yo, Mount Lawley WA

Refecting on the milestone year, George Calombaris said, “This program changed the course of my career when I won 25 years ago. Now, being part of it as a mentor, I’m excited to share my journey, give back to this industry, and help these aspiring chefs reach their full potential.”

Pastry mentor Angelica Iuliano added, “Proud to be a Chef is such a unique program. It pushes young chefs beyond their comfort zones and allows them to grow both professionally and personally. I can’t wait to see the talent this year’s fnalists bring to the table.”

Refecting the legacy of 25 years, this year’s Proud To Be A Chef program promises to uncover and nurture the culinary stars of tomorrow, celebrating passion, innovation and excellence in Australian cuisine.

For more details, visit proudtobeachef.com