Matilda makes her mark at culinary competition

WHEN Matilda Payne decided to make professional cooking her career, she moved to Bendigo and signed up at TAFE.

Now the up-and-coming chef has just claimed silver at the AUS TAFE State Culinary Competition, impressing judges with a standout lamb dish inspired by her team at local restaurant Ms Batterhams.

The first-year apprentice faced off against some of Victoria’s most promising student chefs in the high-pressure cook-off.

Her winning dish was a lamb rump with celeriac puree, pan-fired Brussels sprouts, fried leek, and a beef red wine jus.

“All the chefs I work around, they’re very good at what they do, and I got inspired by some of their dishes and taking parts of what I’ve learned here (at the restaurant) to put towards my dish,” Ms Payne said.

Ms Payne’s journey into professional cooking began in aged care, where she worked as a food service assistant and helped in the kitchen.

That early experience sparked her passion and she made a move.

“I was working in aged care as a food service assistant, helping in the kitchen here and there,” she said.

“I really wanted to start my apprenticeship so I moved to Bendigo.”

Ms Payne’s love for cooking runs in the family – her sister, a third-year apprentice, is a state champion in the same competition.

“In 10 years, I’m hoping me and my sister can open up a restaurant together,” she said.

Ms Payne credited her TAFE teacher for helping her stay focused and confident throughout the competition.

“My teacher Nicole was very good at supporting me during the competition, making sure I was prepared for the whole day and getting my dish ready,” she said.

“We did plenty of practice together; she has a lot of knowledge.”

The competition brought together top apprentice chefs from across Victoria in July, showcasing their skills in a high-pressure, professional environment.

Ms Payne’s achievement continues Bendigo TAFE’s strong performance at the competition. Last year, students Ash Coles and Damian McCarthy were bronze medallists.

Over the past five years, the institution has trained more than 575 cookery, hospitality and baking students – building a skilled workforce that reflects Bendigo’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status.

“Matilda’s win, following last year’s success, shows the calibre of talent we’re nurturing right here in Bendigo,” Bendigo TAFE CEO Sally Curtain said.

“It’s also a credit to our teaching team – their expertise and mentorship continue to shape standout talent.

“Bendigo TAFE students aren’t just learning, they’re leading the future of regional gastronomy.”