Clever Cooks


Past and present students have represented St Stephen’s well through Hospitality Group Training (HGT) recently.

Duncraig alumni Zac Tholen was named WA Apprentice of the Year, taking home three gold medals and overall winner at the finals of the Australian Culinary Federation WA Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Zac’s mouth-watering menu of mushroom risotto with sweet potato crisps for entrée, pan-fried chicken breast with fried thighs served with pumpkin, celery, dried tomato and corn salad for main, and beignets with rum pastry cream, sour lemon gel, hazelnut praline and blueberry for dessert earned him the nod.

Meanwhile, Carramar Year 11 student Naomi Velterop, who is currently doing her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery through the External VET Program as a School-based Apprenticeship was involved in the HGT Showcase last weekend at the Hyatt Hotel. 

The event gives young chefs the arena to showcase their skills and Naomi shone in the kitchen on the entrée team and also working with Zac on the night.

Congrats Zac and Naomi – big things ahead for you both!