Celebrating Local Produce, Community and 15 Years of Flavour

There are moments in business that make you stop, take a breath, and realise just how far the journey has taken you. Being named a 2026 Scenic Rim Food Ambassador is one of those moments for me.

After more than 15 years of sharing the stories, flavours and people of this incredible region through cooking classes, food tours, events and conversations around my kitchen bench, it feels deeply special to officially represent the place I love most — the Scenic Rim.

As owner of Scenic Rim Cooking Classes, my passion has always been simple: bringing people closer to where their food comes from. Whether it’s harvesting herbs from the garden moments before cooking, introducing guests to local farmers and producers, or sharing a long lunch overlooking the mountains of Mount Alford, every experience is about connection.

This region is unlike anywhere else.

Just over an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is home to rich farming country, passionate growers, award-winning producers, breathtaking landscapes and some of the most authentic paddock-to-plate experiences in Australia. 

And now, as part of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, I have the privilege of helping tell those stories on an even bigger stage.

What Being a Food Ambassador Means to Me

Being a Food Ambassador is not just about cooking.

It’s about championing local farmers, mentoring the next generation, celebrating seasonal produce and helping visitors discover the heart behind the food on their plate.

Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working with so many incredible Scenic Rim producers — from local poultry growers and dairy farmers to crayfish farmers, cheesemakers, beef producers and market gardeners. Their passion inspires every menu I create.

In my classes, guests don’t just follow recipes. They hear the stories behind the ingredients. They meet the people behind the produce. They learn why supporting local matters.

That’s the true spirit of Eat Local Month.

This year marks 15 flavour-filled years of the festival, which has grown into Australia’s most authentic food and farming celebration with more than 150 events across the region. 

From long lunches in paddocks and cooking workshops to farm gate experiences and fireside feasts, the program showcases everything that makes the Scenic Rim so unique.

Around My Kitchen Bench

People often ask what makes our cooking classes different.

The answer is easy — heart.

Our classes are relaxed, hands-on, social and full of laughter. Guests might arrive as strangers, but they almost always leave as friends – advisors – employed as part of our team. We cook adventurous food using local ingredients, share stories over a glass of wine and celebrate the simple joy of gathering around a table together.

One day we might be making handmade pasta with local produce. Another day we could be cooking Vietnamese dishes with herbs picked fresh from the garden or exploring modern Australian cuisine using native ingredients and bush flavours.

No matter the cuisine, the Scenic Rim is always the hero ingredient.

Looking Ahead

As Scenic Rim Food Ambassador, I’m excited to continue showcasing our incredible region through classes, demonstrations, collaborations and events throughout the year.

I’m especially passionate about encouraging people to slow down, visit local farms, support regional businesses and experience firsthand the warmth and generosity that makes this community so special.

To everyone who has attended a class, shared a meal, supported my journey or believed in what we do — thank you. This recognition belongs just as much to our local producers, suppliers, friends and community as it does to me.

The Scenic Rim is my home, my inspiration and my pantry.

And I cannot wait to continue sharing it with you.

To explore upcoming classes and events, visit
our upcoming program of cooking classes

To discover the full Eat Local Month program, visit
Eat Local Month