Supporting our industry and chefs’ teams as we head toward 2024

International Chefs Day was celebrated once again on 20 October – bringing together culinary professionals worldwide to promote the art and science of cooking. This year’s theme “Growing Great Chefs” exemplifies a passion for mentoring young minds and nurturing culinary talent: see https://worldchefs.org/internationalchefsday/

ACF is developing a lot of exciting programs and collaborations for 2024, including a series of training and educational opportunities such as leadership and management, sustainability practices and training – for example working with The National Allergy council on educating our members on the importance of allergen recognition.

Some exciting partnerships have been launched this year, including a collaboration with The Australian Truffle Industry Association for Culinary Truffle Tours. A small sample occurred this year in South Australia – The Adelaide Hills Truffle Company and South Queensland – Folly Truffles, and 2024 will include Truffle Hunts in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, ACT and WA. This is a great initiative for both front and back of house to have an educational hands-on experience.

Safe working environments and the mental health of our industry continue to be a major focus of the association and we are welcoming the Burnt Chef Project to speak to members so as to help make the hospitality profession healthier and more sustainable by focusing on people's wellbeing – the first occurred in Brisbane during Food and Hospitality Queensland.

The Australian Retail Institute has teamed up with the Australian Human Rights Commission to introduce a brand new training module titled "Understanding and Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment for Retail and Hospitality Managers". The course is designed to enhance your understanding of workplace sexual harassment, and the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. At only $99 this course will be a valuable part of your staff training: https://tinyurl.com/2c2xenna

In the coming months the National Culinary Teams are fundraising across Australia for their journey to compete at the 2024 Culinary Olympics. Australia has a proud history of competing in Germany and the current teams are seeking your support to follow in those footsteps. For more information and to book tickets go to https://www.austculinary.com.au/pages/events

We look forward to seeing you there and thank all our sponsors and supporters who have made the journey possible to date. Upcoming fundraising dates are:

  • NSW ACT & Regions – 6.30pm 8 November Ambassador Restaurant TAFE NSW Ryde Campus, 250 Blaxland Rd Ryde 2112 $95pp

  • NSW ACT & Regions 12 noon Thursday 16 November Rubics Restaurant William Angliss Institute 11 Bowden St Alexandria $44pp

  • Victoria – 6.30pm Friday 17 November Crittendon Wine Centre 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana 3936 $90pp

  • Western Australia – 6.30pm Sunday 19 November Frasers Restaurant, 60 Fraser Ave, West Perth 6005 $100pp Email chefwa@iinet.net.au

  • Victoria – 6.30pm Friday 8 December, Wonder Pies 113 Newlands Rd, Coburg North 3058 $90pp

ACF is looking forward to sending a large contingent to the 2024 Worldchefs Congress Singapore in October next year, including young chefs from all regions and Australian competitors in global competitions representing the Pacific Rim.

Worldchefs Congress and Expo will bring together chef delegates and professionals from across the five continents and 110 chef associations to network and expand their professional ties. The Singapore Chefs have built a program of presentations and workshops from industry experts, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, and specialised events to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the Global Chefs Challenge culinary competition, an international trade exhibition and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.

To start the fundraising to send off our young chefs, the Victorian Young chefs have arranged a fundraiser on 20 November at Kura in Brunswick East: a five course shared menu for $135. More info at https://tinyurl.com/5dxejwvc

We thank all our members, sponsors and supporters as we roll towards the end of 2023 – there are some great events coming up across Australia and we look forward to continuing the networking, camaraderie, positivity and passion for our industry.