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“I really wanted to start my apprenticeship so I moved to Bendigo.”<\/p>\n
Ms Payne’s love for cooking runs in the family \u2013 her sister, a third-year apprentice, is a state champion in the same competition.<\/p>\n
“In 10 years, I’m hoping me and my sister can open up a restaurant together,” she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Payne credited her TAFE teacher for helping her stay focused and confident throughout the competition.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We did plenty of practice together; she has a lot of knowledge.”<\/p>\n
The competition brought together top apprentice chefs from across Victoria in July, showcasing their skills in a high-pressure, professional environment.<\/p>\n
Ms Payne’s achievement continues Bendigo TAFE’s strong performance at the competition. Last year, students Ash Coles and Damian McCarthy were bronze medallists.<\/p>\n
Over the past five years, the institution has trained more than 575 cookery, hospitality and baking students \u2013 building a skilled workforce that reflects Bendigo’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“It’s also a credit to our teaching team \u2013 their expertise and mentorship continue to shape standout talent.<\/p>\n
“Bendigo TAFE students aren’t just learning, they’re leading the future of regional gastronomy.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n