Event details
Event: Melbourne CEO CookOff
Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Time: 3:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: 3/49 Bertie St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Join us in Melbourne!
Join us for an extraordinary night, as our Port Melbourne warehouse transforms into a buzzing event space where business leaders join culinary master Alejandro Saravia from Farmers Daughters Restaurant and long-time OzHarvest supporter Jacqui Challinor, in our kitchen to cook, connect and create change.
This unique fundraising event is where aprons replace suits as the city’s most influential leaders cook up a storm with Australia’s top chefs to create a delicious dinner which is then served and shared with special guests from the charities that receive OzHarvest food.
This immersive evening will be filled with sizzling pans, shared stories, community spirit and real impact. As the warehouse hums with energy, music, and laughter, you’ll be part of something truly powerful — a movement that goes beyond charity, creating meaningful change through the simple but profound act of sharing a meal.
With demand for food relief higher than ever in Victoria, there’s never been a more important time to support our cause. To join the event, participants pledge to raise crucial funds for OzHarvest to feed people in need. Every plate served is a reminder of what’s possible when community, compassion, and leadership come together.
So, roll up your sleeves, bring your heart to the table, and help create an unforgettable night for those who need it most. All funds raised will help feed people in need in the local community.
Our Impact to feed people in Victoria
14
Leaders
cooking to create change
$70,113
Raised
towards our $75,000 goal
140,227
Meals
to feed people in need
Our Chefs
Alejandro Saravia
Restaurant: Farmers Daughters
Chef Alejandro Saravia is widely credited with introducing Peruvian cuisine to Australia’s food culture. His passion for authentic food made with love, is combined with his wealth of experience gained through cooking in world-class kitchens across three continents.
Jacqui Challinor
Group Development Chef at Trader House and one of Australia’s leading female chefs, Jacqui Challinor is celebrated for her big, bold Mediterranean-inspired flavours and her unwavering commitment to generosity and locally sourced produce. Renowned for creating vibrant, abundant dishes that celebrate the seasons, Jacqui’s cooking reflects her passion for honest, produce-driven cuisine. A dedicated supporter of numerous charitable causes, she thrives when cooking with purpose—bringing people together through food.
Our Leaders
Adrian & Narelle Cosenza
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Orthopaedic Association
$27,462
Vicki Macdermid
Founder Director
EQiLead
$8,651
Paris Golden
Managing Director
McCormick Foods Australia
$7,837
Brooke Miller
President Asia Pacific
Lineage
$7,414
Lisa Archbold
VP Customer
bp
$5,418
Erkin Aytekin
General Manager
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
$4,535
Samantha Jane Harris
General Manager
FSM (Food Service Machinery)
$2,966
Keegan Bakker
CEO
Audata
$1,999
Paris Young
CEO
Storepro
$1,794
Kate Wheller
CEO
Community Information & Support Victoria (CISVic)
$1,764
Nick Henderson
General Manager
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
$1,562
Wen Bezzina
Managing Director / Founder
Tuscany Impact Solutions
$1,201
Helena Dart
CEO
Lenas Kitchen
$501
Ash Ali
Director
Australian Mortgages and Commercial Finance
$379
Thank you to our sponsors
$15.02k
Anonymous
$5.02k
Narelle Cosenza
$5.02k
Adrian Cosenza
$5k
Bp Australia
$5k
One Lineage
$2k
Mccormicks Foods Australia
$1.72k
Vicki Macdermid
Match $ for $ on all other donations
$1.14k
Mccormick Foods Australia - Staff Fundraising!
$1.02k
Adrian Cosenza
$1.02k
Vicki Macdermid
Match Pierina donation
$1.02k
Martin Baer
Proud to support you Erkin in the OzHarvest CEO CookOff. It’s an incredible initiative that not only raises vital funds for those in need but also brings people together to make a real difference. Wishing you all the best for the event, I am certain your contribution will have a meaningful impact on the community
$1.02k
Audata
$1.02k
Gs1 Australia
The GS1 Team proudly supports you Paris.
$1.02k
Vicki Macdermid
$520
Anonymous
$520
Pierina Di Stella
You have a big heart V. xx
$520
Riverina Oils
All the best from the team at Riverina Oils
$520
Jane Parker
$520
Anonymous
$520
Fsm (food Service Machinery)
$520
Adrian & Narelle Cosenza
$520
Anonymous
$514
Crowne Plaza Melbourne Bake Sale
Our recent OzHarvest Bake Sale was a sweet success – raising funds for a great cause while bringing the team together. Amazing engagement, teamwork, and treats all around!
$500
Gentec Australia Pty Ltd
Happy to support this good cause.
$365
Bp - Staff Fundraising
$345
Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
September Sausage Sizzle Donations - Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport Team
$264
Debra Cerasa
Good on you, for taking up the challenge. No one should be hungry in this country ! xxx
$264
Richard Miller
$264
Deborah Dickson
Well done Paris!
$264
Tony Morganti
$264
Anonymous
$264
Doehler Australia
$264
Paris Golden
$264
Kutas Group
Good Luck Paris
$264
The Anders Family
$264
Lim Family
$264
Dennis Shen
$264
Accommodation Australia (vic)
A great cause, Erkin - go well!
$264
Paul Ryan
Great work Erkin!!
$264
Steadfast Logistics
$250
Tate & Lyle Anz P/l
$250
John T - Spl
Go Erkin!
$243
Crowne Plaza Melbourne
CPM Team Charity Raffle Sale - Raffle complete, hearts full. 💙 Thank you to our CPM Team and supporters for making the Charity Raffle Sale a success!
$211
Teneo
$211
Vicki Macdermid
Match Kat donation
$211
Paul Hitchcock
$211
Elizabeth Burrell
$200
Mpd Dairy Products
$200
Jeigar Hynes
Great work Bakky!!
$158
Frank Rika
Always caring for others our Helena-Mei
$158
Mark Inglis
Good luck.
$127
Anonymous
$106
Paul Stephens
In support of a lovely genuine person and a worthy cause.
$106
Raymond Tran
Anything to avoid eating your cooking haha. Good stuff mate and good luck with it all
$106
Nick
Good on you Erkin!
$106
Sue Schmid
$106
Grantley Reed
Well done Ash
$106
Ultimate Pak
$106
Mary Rika
Love your work babe 😘
$106
Anonymous
$106
Vicki Macdermid
Double match on Rhi
$106
Jennifer & Kevin Maloney- Gippsland Signs
Such an amazing cause & fundraiser…. All the best Wen, Cheers Jen & Kev x
$106
Linda Courtney
$106
Moda Water
$106
Katrina Macdermid
This is such a great initiative!!! We are proud to sponsor.
$106
George Tadros
Kudos Brooke, supporting a very worthy cause
$106
R C Tabe Raymond Tabe
$106
Chefs Choice Meats Pty Ltd
$106
Anonymous
You are a superstar. Lets smash this :) CPM is with you . I am always anonymous by the way.
$106
Colm Maguire
Great initiative! All the best Paris.
$106
David & Daniela
Happy cooking, Kate!
$106
Kym Bakker
$106
Phil Gibson
Keep up the good work Wen.
$106
Don Aldon
Mr. Nick! Goodluck and wishing you all the best in the Kitchen! Let’s win it all!
$106
Ortwin Nast
Great initiative!!!
$106
Ayesha Hojage
$106
Claudio Ventrice
$106
Brad March
Good luck Keegan !
$106
Bernie Brookes
$106
Ash Chopra
HHey Nick, Appreciate your help for this cause, Let us know if ANYTIME CLEANERS can help you with anything more in the near future.
$106
Terry Bullen
Laws, you will do well.
$106
General Laser
$106
Tim & Lisa
Go Well Erkin !!
$106
Paris Young
$106
Kate Wheller
$106
Kc Engineering
Way to go Wen !!!
$106
Colin Gooding
Great work Wen !!
$106
Elke Zographos
$106
Crowne Plaza Melbourne / Ihg Hotels & Resorts
Thanks Nick, for being a great supporter of OzHarvest. good luck with fundraising & the cook-off.
$106
Sue Schmid
$106
Leanne P
Looking forward to seeing what you cook, Kate! Share your recipe :-)
$106
James Eastham
Good on you Paris!
$106
Timothy Dyweslja
$106
Belinda Adams
$106
Jane Hall
$106
Lyn Radford
Good Luck Paris! You'll smash it no doubt!
$106
Samantha Middlebrook
Beyond proud of you our very own superwoman!
$106
Thelma Atwater
Hopefully many mouths are fed and finding a good night's rest they desreve
$106
Ken Jefferd
$106
Jodie Atkin
Great effort Adrian!
$106
Sean Mcnulty
Hey Sam, all the best for this. Great cause.
$106
Laura Papiccio
Looking forward to seeing what you cook! Good luck chef :)
$106
Anne Catanese
Great !kate!
$106
Andrew Ellis
Keep up the good work Adrian and Narelle
$106
Cheryl & Brad Evans
A great cause...Well done Wen for taking up the challenge!
$106
Ethikai; Chris
Well done Nick, great cause.
$106
Leigh-ann Harris
$106
Keegan Bakker
$106
The Cure Renovations
$106
Anonymous
$106
Jigjas Packaging
$106
Anonymous
$100
Antony King
$100
Ben Fothergill
A fabulous cause, Brooke!
$100
Wen Bezzina
$100
Aby K
This is awesome Kate! Great to see you're making such an impact :)
$100
Ali Alhamdani
This is amazing Kate! I want to see the trophy!!!
$88
Lachlan M
Incredible cause Keegs!
$54
Karishma Rao
You got this💪 good luck Paris! 😊
$53
Anonymous
$53
Jennifer Nitsos
$53
Aloyna Taylor
Proud to donate to this worthy cause
$53
Mahen Siritunga
Great cause mate. 👏👏👏
$53
Samantha Harris
$53
Michail Kourouvakalis Kourouvakalis
From Clamms seafood have a great cook off
$53
Rhiannon Clews
Inspiring work, Vicki xx
$53
Ann Mcmahon
Good luck Lena such a worthy cause
$53
Trish
so proud of you Erkin …. that smile says it all 🌸
$53
Diannr
$53
Claudio Crupi
You are doing a great job
$53
Anonymous
$53
Nirvik Ghosh
$53
Alison Kay
$53
Simon Lipman
$53
Samar Bedi
$53
Jinny Mcgrath
Good on you Kate
$53
Mike Bayly
$53
Richard Page
Well done - great cause
$53
Andrew Brett
Go Sammy cook up a storm
$53
Ian Dunn
watch out for the mushrooms!
$53
Ernst Ferreira
Well done Wendy - you are a real inspiration
$53
Kate Harper
A very worthy cause Erkin, well done and good luck!
$53
Jill Wilson
Happy cooking, Kate 😊
$53
Gareth Phillips
$53
Karen Simmons
$53
Kellie Savage
Goodluck with your baking - I'm sure it will be delicious! :-) Wonderful organisation to support.
$53
Khatija
A great cause! Good luck Helena
$53
Dianne Cassen
Great initiative, Erkin. Hope you get a lot out of the night.
$53
Rick Tapper
$53
Mark Little
Best of luck
$53
Timur Mertalioglu
Great initiation Erkin Bey, wish you all the best. Wondeful cause and OzHarvest is one of the best and they deliver it. Interestingly, during covid I also did some work with them together woth Accor and raised food in Gold Coast during Covid. Please let me know if İnsan do more to support.
$53
Lorenzo Inserra
Well done Sam!
$53
Yohanne Samarasekera
$53
Janine Carruthers
Great cause! Well done Wendy 😀
$53
Tahlia Marvin
$53
Brooke Donnelly
Best of kuck Paris! Cheers, Brooke and Lee
$53
Peter Yiamarelos
Great work Boss!
$53
Assumpta Levingston
Well done, Adrian and Narelle. Fantastic effort as always.
$53
Richard Plunkett
Good luck Paris. May all your dishes be delicious.😋
$53
Virginia Prior
Wonderful cause, Brooke! Making your mum proud ❤️
$53
Simone Morris
$53
Edwy Robert Bunt
$53
Tabatha Carlisle
Good luck, Kate. What a great cause!
$53
John Dickson
Well done Erkin!
$53
Lini Manoharan
$53
Heng Chang
Another 100 meals to feed people in need! Best of luck!
$53
Sally Pullin
Go Erkin Go!
$53
Melanie Olynyk
$53
Mike Felton
Great effort Erkin
$53
Eugéne Human
All the Best Nick!
$53
Lori Skinner
Good on you Brooke! Happy cooking!
$53
Mike B
$53
Anonymous
$53
Quang Cao
Well done, Kate!
$53
Tricia Gailans
Wishing you a great cooking experience Brooke.
$53
Kristyn C
What a great initiative, goodluck Kate!
$53
Stanya Murray
This is a fantastic initiative. Good luck Nick!
$53
Mete Atakuman
Congratulations Erkin, a great cause during some difficult times.
$53
Felix Tran
$53
Brad Cox
What a fantastic charity Lis! Can’t wait to sample some of your cooking soon and catching up.
$53
Susan Lamont
Happy baking for a great cause!
$53
Frances Curtis
$53
Michelle White
Adrian and Narelle - teamwork makes the dream work! Great people for a great cause, doing great things for others. Thank you.
$53
Kate Harwood
Great work Brooke!!
$53
Drew Fairnham
$53
Svetlana Payne
Great work Nick and get cooking!
$53
Tracy Innes
Well done Sam, it's great to see you continue with your passion of supporting those in need.
$53
Graeme Bunt
Happy to support this good cause. Well done Samantha
$53
Sarah Bathan
Great Cause, well done.
$53
Robert Papaleo
$53
Deniz Sukan
$53
Bel Balhatchet
$53
Susie Obeid
$53
Jorge Marin
$53
Anu Soori
Good luck on the cook off Paris!
$53
Shane
Good luck Nick!
$53
Lmo
$50
Lorena S
$50
Kaycee Frame
You're going to do awesome. Great job darl.
$50
Lauren & Charlie
$50
Lana Davies
$50
Anonymous
Good luck Adrian!
$50
Brianna Mcshane
Go Kate! 🙌 this is awesome 👏
$50
Sebastian Fontanarossa
$50
Siiae Poching
$32
Mithun Mediwaka
What a great cause Erkin !
$26
Royden Daniel
All the best Ash great job
$26
Tiahn Dugdale
$26
Robyn O'connell
$26
Chiffeni Phillips
Go P!
$26
Maggie
Go Katie!!
$26
Janie
Big love to Wen, Oz Harvest and everyone enjoying the meals prepared. 🌻
$26
John Dickson
Well done Nick
$26
Anya Lloyd-smith
Fantastic Paris! OzHarvest does such great work!
$26
Susan
Great job Kate
$26
Anonymous
$22
Mohan Senevirathne
$21
Taua Tuilagi
$21
Helen Jones
$21
Jude Reilly
Good job Keegan
$21
Mitch Callahan
Great cause love your work!
$21
Kelly Barbuto
Great cause!
$21
Michelle Van Biljon
Amazing Team!
$21
Quinn Z
$20
Tracey
Incredible work by an incredible person! Good Luck and Great Job :-)
$20
Athip David
Best wishes Ash for tasty cook up!
$16
Lizzy Minty
❤️
$16
Harini Machavaram
Good luck Ash
$11
Avanthi
Excellent work Lena
$11
Anonymous
$11
Flowers For Jane
$5
Isabella Velardo
$5
Yvette Janine
$5
