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WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Proud to be a Chef is Australia and New Zealand's leading culinary mentorship program, and 2027 marks our 27th year.

Every year, 32 apprentice and trainee chefs head to Melbourne for four days that change the way they cook and the way they think. Masterclasses with chefs at the top of the trade. Real kitchens, real pressure, real feedback. And a crew you will still be talking to years later.

For 26 years this has been the springboard young chefs jump off. Next year, that could be you.

meet your mentors

Pastry Rebel

Anna Polyviou is one of Australia’s most celebrated pastry chefs, renowned for her bold creativity, infectious energy and boundary-pushing desserts. As our Sweet Mentor, Anna will inspire finalists to back their skills, think outside the box and bring their sweetest ideas to life.

Head Honcho

Mark Normoyle has helped shape generations of chefs through his leadership, experience and passion for the industry. As Resident Mentor, Mark is there every step of the way: guiding finalists through the competition, sharing practical insights and helping them stay focused when the pressure is on. Game on, chef.

Gastronomy Guru

Joachim Lim is a respected chef, educator and mentor who knows what it takes to perform under pressure. As our Savoury Mentor, he'll help finalists sharpen their technique, elevate their flavour thinking and bring confidence to every plate they present.

what you are in for

Master classes

Learn straight from chefs at the top of the trade. Technique, plating, and working under real pressure - the stuff no textbook teaches you.

Culinary experiences

Dining experiences that show you what great actually tastes like, and get you thinking about why it works.

Field trips

Get out of the kitchen and see where it all starts - the growers, the producers and the people behind what lands on your plate.

STRAIGHT FROM THE ALUMNI

Dan Yin 2025
Overall Winner 2025
Alfred Barretto 2024

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Alumni 3

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THE PTBAC JOURNEY

Step 1

Apply - get your dish, your story and your video in by 19 October 2026.

Step 2

32 finalists are selected across Australia and New Zealand.

Step 3

Finalists experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity across the program dates 31st Jan 2027 - 3 Feb 2027 in Melbourne (all expenses paid for!)

Step 4

Could you take home the $10,000 scholarship?

Step 5

Join a network of PTBAC alumni who continue to learn, connect and support each other.

Know a chef with serious potential?

Know a chef who deserves a shot at this? Put their name forward and we will take it from there.

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THEY MADE THEIR MOVE

Brooke Moore

Overall winner 2026

Emily Morgan

Sweet Winner 2026

Stephanie Vuletich

Savoury Winner 2026

Sean Muller

Accelarator Award Winner 2026

Patrick Garcia

Social Media Winner 2026

BACKED BY THE BEST