Culinary Champions Shine at Gascoyne Food Festival
Central Regional TAFE (CR TAFE) Geraldton’s Certificate III in Cookery and Certificate III in Patisserie students served up more than just delicious dishes—they delivered an unforgettable culinary experience at the opening events of the 2025 Gascoyne Food Festival.
Lead by Chef Lecturers Mitch Mitchell and Emil Skrutvold Central regional students teamed up with internationally renowned chef Ben Ing and catering experts Heyder & Shears. The students played a key role in preparing and presenting gourmet meals for the festival’s signature Long Table Dining experience. From searing steaks to crafting delicate desserts featuring locally grown bananas, the students displayed their skills in dynamic, outdoor cooking environments that pushed their creativity and professionalism to new heights.
Guests were treated to a series of mouth-watering meals, each one a testament to the head chef’s and students’ dedication and talent.
Adding a unique touch to the event, the students also baked dozens of spent-grain sourdough loaves in CR TAFE’s commercial kitchens—using grain generously provided by Whalebone Brewing. These loaves, fermented and baked over several days, were a crowd favourite and a proud example of sustainable, locally inspired baking.
Chef Lecturer Mitch Mitchell praised the strong industry partnerships with CR TAFE that made this opportunity possible, highlighting the value of real-world experience for aspiring chefs.
“I was proud to see our students step up to the challenge and present themselves and our college as consummate professionals,” said Mitchell.
“It’s always refreshing to see our choice local produce prepared in many different ways, not always seen in local dining rooms. Over the weekend students were able to grow their real-world experiences in a meaningful way.”
“This was our second opportunity to work with Ben Ing as a class, and the students knew exactly what was expected. They were focused, collaborative, and committed to making the event truly special for everyone involved.”
The Gascoyne Food Festival continues to be a platform where local talent meets world-class culinary artistry—and this year, CR TAFE Geraldton students proved they are ready to take their place among the best.