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SALTHOUSE RESTAURANT CULINARY CHALLENGE

Our Salthouse Restaurant Culinary Challenge Sponsors

Hosted by the Business Liaison Association (BLA) in partnership with local schools and community stakeholders in Cairns, North Queensland. 

The Business Liaison Association extends its sincere appreciation to Salthouse Restaurant for their valued sponsorship of the Salthouse Restaurant Culinary Challenge Award.

Through their ongoing support, we continue to strengthen pathways between education, training, and employment, empowering the next generation of students and future professionals across Far North Queensland.

 

Overview

This hands-on culinary competition celebrates Far North Queensland’s vibrant tropical produce. It provides students with an exciting opportunity to develop, present, and showcase their culinary skills within a real-world industry environment.

The competition fosters confidence, teamwork, creativity, and meaningful engagement with industry professionals.

 

Theme

This year’s hands-on culinary competition will celebrate multiculturalism. Far North Queensland is renowned for its diverse cultural influences on cuisine, with restaurants showcasing flavours from around the world. This event provides students with the opportunity to present a dish that reflects their cultural heritage or highlights a cuisine they are particularly passionate about.

 

Categories

  • Year 9 – Prepare one (1) main dish within two (2) hours.
  • Year 10 or Year 11 – Prepare one (1) main dish and one (1) complementary side dish within three (3) hours.

 

Conditions of Entry

Each participating school may nominate:

  • One (1) student from Year 9; and
  • One (1) student from either Year 10 or Year 11.

Students in Years 10 and 11 will compete together in the Senior Category.

 

Prize & Bursaries

Year 9 Category

Best Main Dish                            $200

Best Overall Presentation           $150

Best Adherence to Theme          $100

 

Year 10/11 Senior Category

Best Main Dish                                 $200

Best Overall Presentation              $150

Best Adherence to Theme             $100

In addition, the overall winner of the Year 10/11 Senior Category will be offered the opportunity to spend a full day working alongside the chefs at Salt House, gaining valuable real-world industry experience.

Please note: Final prize amounts may vary from those listed above, depending on sponsorship contributions and the number of applicants.

 

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th May, 2026


Downloads

1. Salthouse Restaurant Culinary Challenge.pdf


For more details, please contact the coordinator shown below:

Coordinator: Amy Sachlikidis

Email: amcgr82@eq.edu.au

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