TV show cooking up something big in Bendigo

FIRE UP!, cooking reality TV show MasterChef is in town.

With the filming of two episodes for next year’s series getting underway this week, Member for Bendigo East and Primer Jacinta Allan said it was a great way to highlight the region’s food and drink offerings.

“MasterChef Australia will show off our region’s quality produce against the beautiful backdrop of Bendigo, inspiring visitors from right around the country to visit here when the show airs next year,” she said.

Filming locations include Bendigo Art Gallery and Town Hall, with some ingredients used by the show’s contestants coming from local growers and suppliers.

MasterChef Australia host Andy Allen welcomed the production’s visit to town that’s officially designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

“This week MasterChef Australia is hitting the road, and Bendigo is such a great place for a challenge, from what I’m learning there’s heaps of variety,” he said.

“It’s known for chefs that are doing some amazing stuff with top notch food producers and wine makers, so I’m really looking forward to the fresh air, and experiencing everything Bendigo’s got to offer.”

The local production of MasterChef first hit Australian airwaves in 2009 and launched the careers many cooks and chefs that have gone on to become household names, including new season 16 judge Poh Ling Yeow.

In 2021 the show filmed in regional locations like Apollo Bay and Daylesford.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said now it was Bendigo’s turn to show MasterChef participants what the region had to offer.

“The judges and contestants will have the opportunity to taste local ingredients in our heritage goldrush city, something that attracts visitors to Bendigo year-round,” she said.

The Bendigo episodes of MasterChef will screen on 10 and 10 Play in 2024.