Mentors & Judges

Manfred Supper

Chef Lecturer - Hospitality and Food Trades - South Metropolitan TAFE - Mandurah & Bentley Campus

I was born in Austria, where I completed my apprenticeship as a chef and began my career in the hospitality industry. My passion for food and culinary excellence led me to work and travel throughout Europe, gaining valuable experience as a chef in Spain, Switzerland, and Germany. 

For the past 30 years, I have lived and worked in Australia, building a diverse and rewarding career in hospitality management and vocational education. During this time, I have managed several restaurants in Perth and held leadership positions overseeing catering and accommodation operations at remote mining site camps. 

Since 2016, I have been employed with South Metropolitan TAFE, where I am committed to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals. I am passionate about skills development and industry excellence, which has led to my involvement with WorldSkills. I have served as a judge on WorldSkills competition panels and am currently organising the 2026 WorldSkills VETiS and Open Competitions at South Metropolitan TAFE. 

My career has provided me with extensive experience across international culinary operations, hospitality management, and vocational education. I take pride in contributing to the growth of the hospitality industry and supporting students and apprentices as they develop the skills needed for successful careers. 

Courtney Short

My name is Courtney Short, I am a young chef from Perth, Western Australia. In 2023, I completed my apprenticeship where I obtained a certificate III in Commercial Cookery, I then went back to Tafe to complete a certificate III in Patisserie which I completed in June of 2025. From a young age I was always in the kitchen—if I wasn’t cooking, I was watching and learning. My passion for becoming a chef comes from the way food brings people together. Sharing a meal creates connection, and memorable experiences, and being able to contribute to that is something that inspires me every day. 

My culinary journey so far has been filled with many achievements, including being awarded the 2021 WA Apprentice of the Year at the WA Training Awards, which recognised my dedication, skills and passion for the industry. However, one of my proudest achievements has been being selected for the National Australian Culinary Junior Team. Through the National Team, I had the privilege of representing Australia while competing in the 2022 Culinary World Cup and the 2024 IKA Culinary Olympics, as well as other culinary competitions. These experiences have been an important part of my growth and development as a Chef.  

In 2021, I completed my first competition which was the Apprentice of the Year. I remember thinking to myself just give it a go. On the day of the competition, I walked into the kitchen thinking to myself my aim is to just get six plates of food up within the allocated time as the competition went on all my dishes were served on time and I received a bronze medal. After another 10+ competitions I can say I’m hooked and I love the challenge a competition brings.