2019 Appetite for Excellence - Applications are OPEN!

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Established in 2005, Appetite for Excellence is Australia’s most prestigious awards program for young talent working in hospitality, judged by the best in the industry.

Through a program of application and judging, educational workshops and leadership mentoring activities, Appetite for Excellence identifies Australia's top young talent, puts them through their paces, challenges them to develop their skills and provides them with mentoring and education to nurture their success in becoming Australia's next generation of inspiring leaders.

Apply now for your chance to meet industry leaders, engage with like-minded peers, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone, gain constructive feedback from the judges, visit one of Australia’s leading food-growing regions and learn about agriculture & viticulture, and, if you are the 2019 winner, travel overseas and experience a stagiaire at a world-renowned restaurant.

Appetite for Excellence is led by a community of Australia’s top industry talent as judges who give their valuable time to mentor the next generation. Judges, past & present, include Peter Gilmore, Dan Hunter, Dan Puskas, Mark Best, Lyndey Milan, Christine Manfield, Ross Lusted, Peter Doyle, Guy Grossi, Troy Rhoades-Brown, Lisa van Haandel, Danielle Gjestland, Nick Hildebrandt, Sam Christie, Marilyn Annechini, Richard Ousby, Simon Denton, Dan Hong, Troy Rhoades-Brown, Analiese Gregory, Kylie Javier Ashton, Duncan Welgemoed, Luke Ashton and more!  

We have also had the honour of welcoming leading international chefs as guests of honour, including Brett Graham, The Ledbury; David Thompson, Nahm, Long Chim; and, David Pynt, Burnt Ends, Singapore. 

We'll be revealing the 2019 judging panels and international guest chef over the coming weeks. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the 2019 judging panel announcements!

6^th February 2019