Media release: 28 May 2024

Tommy Prosser from Crustacean Nation in Sydney has been named the Australian Professional Chef of the Year after a tough final series held in Sydney last week. He walked away with the prestigious title, cash and prizes from major sponsors Unox, Anchor Food Professionals and Bidfood.

“I was overwhelmed and exhausted when my name was called. The competition was intense with some amazing chefs in the battle. This was my third attempt and everything went right. It has been a long journey but well worthwhile,” said Tommy.

Head Judge John McFadden says Tommy was consistently good across the heats and final. “Tommy has been here before and knew what was required. He worked confidently and efficiently. Paired with great flavours and presentation it made a winner”.

“Every year the competition gets more intense with more entries and greater preparation” adds McFadden. “It is amazing to see the calibre of chefs entering this competition and just reaching the finals is a big effort.”

Up against Tommy in the Grand Final was Sam Smith from Ponte Bar & Dining which is located in Nowra; Sean Cameron from Elsewhere at Sam which is located in Shepparton; and Oliver Garrioch from Cumulus Inc in Melbourne.

Each chef had to cook two dishes from a mystery box of ingredients in one hour - in front of a panel of expert judges and a huge crowd of cheering onlookers. “This was a real pressure test,” says McFadden. “The mystery box was challenging and all four chefs performed phenomenally well.”

The Australian Professional Chef of the Year competition is one of the most rewarding in the country, with chefs competing for the prestigious title as well as prizes and $10,000 cash. But most say it is the experience that is the real reward.

Competition Director Peter Wright says the competition is made possible by gold sponsors Anchor Food Professionals, Unox Australia and Bidfood. They are supported by silver sponsors Oil2U, Love Buds, Bone Roasters, Glad to be Green, Alsco Uniforms and ICC Sydney.

He adds “this year’s event was the most popular ever with huge crowds watching every heat. Our commentators, Glenn Flood and Tawnya Bahr kept the crowd informed and entertained while the judging panel tirelessly gave their time and expertise. They included George Calombaris, Justin North, Simon Sandall, Clair Van Vuuren, Todd Thorburn, Jamie Gannon and Amanda Fuller.”

The next Australian Professional Chef of the Year will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18-20 May 2025. Entries will open soon. For more information visit the event website at www.chefcompetition.com.au.