Angliss students excel at 2026 AUS-TAFE Culinary Trophy State Finals
Four Angliss commercial cookery students have won three Gold Medals, one Silver Medal and the title of State Champion at the 2026 AUS-TAFE Culinary Trophy State Finals, competing against 48 apprentice chefs and culinary students from TAFEs across Victoria at Holmesglen Institute.Run by the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF), the annual competition challenges apprentice chefs and culinary students to prepare a two-course menu under industry-standard judging giving apprentice chefs and culinary students the opportunity to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals.
Angliss students achieved outstanding results across three competition categories:
- Lachlan Shearer – Gold Medal, First Year Apprentice Category
- Julia Matlioski – Gold Medal, First Year Apprentice Category
- Zetong Zhang (Alexis) – Gold Medal, Best Culinary Student and State Champion (Overall Best Competitor), Non-Apprentice Category
- Alvino Fernando – Silver Medal, Non-Apprentice Category
“The outstanding performances of our students are a testament to their dedication, hard work and professionalism,” says Angliss cookery teacher Abhishek Roy.
“We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to seeing their continued success.”
From passion to podium
Among the standout performers was Zetong Zhang (Alexis), who not only won a Gold Medal but was also named Best Culinary Student and State Champion.
Before studying at Angliss, Alexis worked in marketing and hospitality photography. After years of creating her own menus and hosting dinner parties for friends, she decided to turn her passion for cooking into a career.
“Almost every friend who worked in the culinary industry recommended William Angliss Institute, so I applied. I am so happy to see myself grow from someone who simply loved cooking as a hobby to someone who is gradually mastering a wide range of professional techniques and skills,” she says.
Competing in the AUS-TAFE Culinary Trophy State Finals for the first time, Alexis impressed the judges with her award-winning performance.
“Hearing my name announced was a very emotional moment. Winning the Gold Medal was already a huge honour, but then being named Best Culinary Student and State Champion made all the hard work, preparation and dedication worthwhile.”
Her award-winning menu featured:
- Main: Chicken ballotine with black garlic sauce
- Dessert: Vanilla bavarois with green apple veil and litsea cubeba oil foam
Beyond her Gold Medal, Alexis says the competition challenged her to grow while learning from fellow competitors.
“I loved meeting competitors from diverse cultural backgrounds and seeing more women pursuing careers in the culinary industry. Competitions push me to keep improving and reflect on my own abilities. My mentor, Chef Abhishek, always reminded me, 'You only live once. The experience is more important than the result.'"
She also credits her training at Angliss with giving her the skills and confidence to compete.
"My training at William Angliss Institute played a huge role in my success. The professional knowledge and practical skills I gained from my teachers provided the foundation for everything I did."
If you’re considering a career in cookery, she encourages you to embrace the journey.
"There will be plenty of unexpected experiences and challenges along the way, but that's what makes the journey so rewarding. The unknown can be the most exciting part."
Inspired by these award-winning students? Start your culinary journey with Angliss.
Contact enquiry@angliss.edu.au, call +613 8595 5334 or book an Advisor Catch Up, including a campus tour, to learn more.
