Peter Wright to run Queensland Chef of the Year

Media release: 20 November 2020

Peter Wright to run Queensland Chef of the Year

Well known chef Peter Wright has been appointed as Director of the Chef of the Year Competition, taking over from Gary Farrell who ran the event for the past decade but was tragically lost to a heart attack last month.

Peter says “it is important we keep this exciting event not only running but getting bigger and better every year. We will be building on all the hard work done by Gary to get the competition to the current level and take it even further. The competition is a great place for chefs to test their skills and support each other in improving their craft.”

Peter started his career as an apprentice chef in 1980 working at the Melbourne Hilton and Menzies at Rialto. He then moved to Spotless Services including senior roles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Olympics, Grand Prix, Stadiums and Commonwealth Games. He is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading foodservice experts and as a global event specialist.

Peter has constantly supported Australian chefs and the food service industry through participation in training programs, charity events and competitions. He has been President of the Australian Culinary Federation and a judge at previous Chef of the Year competitions.

“I believe competitions are important for the development of every chef. They give you the chance to test your skills against the best in the business. You can also learn from the other competitors and build a powerful network. They give you profile and can be a lot of fun.”

John McFadden continues as Chairman of Judges and has endorsed the appointment. He says “it was a huge shock to lose Gary as a friend and as a key part of this event. However I cannot imagine a better person to build on the legacy than Peter Wright. He has the organisational skills and the respect in the industry to make it happen.”

John also announced the winner’s trophy would be named in honour of Gary Farrell. He says “he put so much work and passion into the event. He had a vision to make it the best in Australia and he achieved that. It will help to inspire chefs and be an ongoing tribute for Gary and his family”.

This year the Queensland Chef of the Year competition will be running as part of the Food & Hospitality Queensland exhibition at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 1-2 August. It is proudly presented by Unox Australia and Alsco.

Entries are now open. All professional chefs are eligible to enter with the top 28 selected to compete live at the show. John says the rules have been modified this year to allow chefs between jobs to be involved.

Media information
Ruby Blake, Specialised Events
Telephone 03 9999 5460
ruby@specialisedevents.com.au