SIZZLING with culinary excitement, GOTAFE in Shepparton played host to the grand finale of the Murray River Culinary Challenge on Monday, September 11th. Hosted by the Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN), this annual cooking competition for secondary students has been a hotbed of talent and ambition for over a decade.
This thrilling culinary contest, divided into three tiers, involved over 15 schools from across the region. It all began at the school level, where students showcased their gastronomic prowess individually, vying for a coveted spot in the regional final. The cream of the crop then paired up to represent their schools, competing in the regional showdown. And for the lucky few, it was a ticket to the Grand Final.
The competition wasn’t just about cooking; it was a platform for young talent to shine, fostering dreams of becoming future chefs in the hospitality industry. Local industry legends like Phil Barca, Brett Dobson, Kristopher Bech Howley, and others had graced the event as judges, offering valuable feedback.
This year, the culinary battlefield saw Notre Dame College, Echuca College, and St. Mary MacKillop College go head-to-head, each vying for the coveted trophy. As the aroma of ambition filled the air, these young chefs served up a feast of talent and determination, leaving everyone craving more of the sizzling showdown.
