WA Students Bring Home Gold and Silver While Showcasing the Stories and Flavours of Western Australia
Western Australia's next generation of culinary talent has returned from Melbourne with outstanding results at the Australian Culinary Federation National Secondary Schools Competition, earning both Gold and Silver medals while proudly representing their state on the national stage.
Armadale Senior High School students Catherine Mwamba and Adam Montallana secured a Gold Medal in the Dessert Category, while Mason Hofman and Mason Nicholas were awarded a Silver Medal in the Main Course Category.
Behind their success is the innovative work of Prepare Produce Provide (PPP), which has transformed traditional school culinary competitions through the WA Secondary School Bushfoods Competition, creating a uniquely Western Australian pathway that connects students with industry professionals, local custodians, Elders and the rich food stories of Country.
Developed as an extension of the national competition framework, the program is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, providing students with opportunities to integrate bushfoods, cultural knowledge and regional food stories alongside high-level culinary skills.
PPP has been the driving force behind the initiative, working in partnership with Australian Culinary Federation WA (ACF WA) to create meaningful pathways for young people through food, culture and industry. Together, PPP and ACF WA are inspiring students to explore the unique flavours, ingredients and stories of Western Australia while developing a deeper understanding of culture, Country and community.
Through the program, students work alongside highly skilled chefs, trainers, bushfood educators, local custodians and Elders, learning how food can be a vehicle for cultural understanding, storytelling and connection. PPP has also played a significant role in raising funds and creating opportunities for students from metropolitan, Pilbara and Kimberley regions to participate in experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.
The competitors spent months refining their dishes, practising weekly and learning to perform under pressure.
Winning Dishes from WA Students
The national competition forms part of a broader PPP pathway that includes the WA Secondary School Bushfoods Competition, Djinda Ngardak, regional culinary workshops and international opportunities such as Terra Madre and Kitchen Without Borders.
By connecting schools, industry and community, PPP is helping young people turn a passion for food into pathways for education, employment and leadership while celebrating the stories, cultures and flavours that make Western Australia unique.
WA Students Enjoying Melbourne
Quotes
"We are incredibly proud to work alongside ACF WA to create opportunities that celebrate the people, places and flavours of Western Australia. This program builds a bridge between industry, education and community, allowing students to learn from chefs and hospitality professionals while also learning from custodians, Elders and local communities."
"Food is so much more than what appears on a plate. It carries stories, culture, history and connection. By creating these opportunities, we are helping young people develop industry-ready skills while celebrating the unique knowledge and ingredients that make Western Australia extraordinary."
- Cath MacDougall - Prepare Produce Provide Founder
"Representing Western Australia was already an incredible achievement, but meeting other young chefs from across Australia and learning from industry professionals was unforgettable. We spent months practising, improving our dishes and supporting each other. The competition taught us teamwork, resilience and confidence, and showed us what is possible when you are passionate about food."
- Student Competitor quote
“These results reflect months of dedication, commitment and teamwork. Through the partnership between PPP and ACF WA, our students have gained far more than competition experience. They have built confidence, developed professional skills, strengthened their understanding of Western Australia's food culture and learned from some of the best people in the industry. Watching that growth has been just as rewarding as the medals themselves."
- Armadale Senior High School teacher Michelle Tilly
More creative dishes from the competition
To learn more or get involved, visit:
https://www.prepareproduceprovide.org/wa-secondary-schools-bush-foods-competition/overview