The 2026 Hospitality Group Training (HGT) Taste of the Future Schools Cooking Competition
concluded in June 2026 at Woodvale Secondary College (formerly Woodvale Senior High School), showcasing an exceptional standard of culinary talent from Western Australia’s top Year 11 and 12 hospitality students. The annual high-stakes event challenged young chefs to step into a professional, MasterChef-style environment. Each participant was required to craft an innovative, future-focused dish using a specific and demanding hero protein: skin-on chicken breast with the wing portion attached.
Rising Stars Conquer a Technical Protein
Cooking skin-on chicken breast with the wing attached requires precise technical execution to ensure the skin remains perfectly crisp while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The high school competitors handled the pressure seamlessly, transforming premium local poultry supplied by Mahogany Creek distributors into restaurant-quality masterpieces. Accompanied by fresh produce from Morley Growers Market, the students demonstrated a mature understanding of flavour balance, texture, and sustainable, modern plating.
Winners
1st Place – Rachel Daunoco (Byford secondary college)
2nd Place – Angela Moran (Dianella secondary college)
3rd place – Zac Foster (St Stephens school Duncraig)
Exceptional Talent Wows Industry Judges
The kitchen floor was evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including prominent local culinary figures:
- Josh Vears ( former HGT apprentice and Head chef at the stirling arms Guildford)
- Melissa Palinkas (renowned WA chef and sustainability champion)
- Garth Cleveland (Hospitality Group Training executive)
The judges expressed immense praise for the finalists, noting that the depth of skill and professionalism displayed by these high school students was of an exceptionally high standard. The creative boundaries pushed by the competitors made determining the final placements an incredibly tight decision.
The Prize
Rachel wins a Chef Apprenticeship position with Hospitality Group Training once she finishes school and all TAFE fees covered for 3 years, valued at approx $6,000. Rachel and the second and third place winners also won a cash prize.
