SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The Hunter Culinary Association is proud of the suite of Scholarships and Awards that support young and aspiring Chefs and Apprentices.
Whilst the Brett Graham Scholarship awards one of the Hunter regions most talented young chefs, our other scholarships are equally important as they encourage and enable younger apprentices to continue with their studies.
Our Front of House Scholarship acknowledges the critical part that professional and committed front of house staff play in the culinary industry.
Hunter Culinary Association Scholarships:
Brett Graham Scholarship - A trip to London to work with Brett Graham valued at $10,000 in partnership with TAFE NSW
Apprentice Scholarships - Awarded to 5 apprentices x $2,000 each
Scarborough Front of House Scholarship - $5,000
Front of House Rising Star
Eustralis Scholarship - Patisserie Masterclass in Sydney including accommodation
UPCOMING AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
New Scholarships to be announced in 2024
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 BRETT GRAHAM SCHOLARSHIP
In a massive year of competition, 12 competitors contested this year’s Brett Graham Scholarship. The top 3 from the first round cook offs progressed to the finals on Tuesday 30th November at Hamilton TAFE
As always, a pressure filled night saw some wonderful food presented by our three Chefs
Lachlan Dowsett from Bistro Molines, Mt View
Nicholas Smith from Saddles, Mt White
Tyler Swinkles from Emelio's, Warners Bay
There can only be one winner, and it was Nicholas Smith from Saddles at Mount White.
Congratulations to Nicholas who was awarded the $10,000 prize co-funded between the Hunter Culinary Association and Hamilton TAFE for a trip to London and a stage with Brett Graham in his two Michelin star restaurant The Ledbury.
Winner Nicholas Smith
2023 SCARBOROUGH WINE CO. FRONT OF HOUSE SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded at this year’s Brett Graham Scholarship finals, Jerome Scarborough was on hand to present this lucrative scholarship which includes $5,000 for the winner to spend on their front of house career advancement objectives as presented to the judging panel.
Ashton Stacey from Brokenwood Wines was a worthy winner. Congratulations Ashton and we hope that your Front of House career continues to flourish with this generous Scholarship from the Scarborough Wine Co.
From left: Jeremie Scarborough, Ashton Stacey & Gus Maher
2023 HCA RISING STAR SCHOLARSHIP
This award is to nurture and encourage a young Front of House professional starting out on their career journey. The successful applicant is awarded a Diploma in Hospitality Management from TAFE, along with local dining opportunities and a WSET wine course with Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
Congratulations to this year’s worthy winner Raya Costello from Jimmy Joans.
From left: From TAFE NSW Glenn Foster, Raya Costello & Gus Maher
EUSTRALIS SCHOLARSHIP 2023
Congratulation to this year’s winner Joshua Hannan from EXP Restaurant. The prize is a 3 day masterclass with Weiss chocolates hosted by chef Richard Hawke.
Charline Barre from Eustralis with winner Joshua Hannan
2023 HCA COOKERY COMPETITION
Our competition was held on Tuesday 22nd August at Hamilton Campus. Well done to all competing apprentices with a very high level of dishes presented for judging.
Congratulations to the winner of Stage 1 Nathan Filetti from Crest Birubi Beach and the winner of Stage 2 Lara Hagan from Margan Restaurant. Knives were awarded to contestants in both categories with Lara also receiving a stage at a top Sydney restaurant and $500 towards travel & accommodation.
2023 HCA EMERGING APPRENTICE SCHOLARSHIPS
Presented at Food Fight 2023, the HCA Emerging Apprentice Scholarships are aimed at 1st year apprentices, to assist with setting up their kit, engaging in the Hunter food scene and encouraging you through to the completion of your apprenticeship. 6 scholarships were awarded at a value of $2,000 each to:
Chloe Hanrahan, The Mighty & Four Pines
Nathan Filetti, Crest Birubi Beach
Nga Tran, Restaurant Botanica
Cooper Stewart, Crystalbrook Kingsley
Rachelle Browning, Opal Aged Care
Dennis Moore, Eremo
