Melbourne CookOff

CEO CookOff 2025

Event details

Event: Melbourne CEO Cookoff

Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Time: 3:30pm - 9:30pm

Location: Unit 3, 49 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 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 champions and MasterChef favourites Sarah Todd and Andy Allen in the 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

$76,271

Raised

towards our $75,000 goal

152,543

Meals

to feed people in need

Our Chefs

Andy Allen

Andy Allen

Restaurant: Three Blue Ducks

Andy Allen is one of Australia’s most recognisable culinary figures – a chef, restaurateur, television presenter and former electrician whose approachable style has captivated audiences nationwide. After winning MasterChef Australia in 2012, Andy co-founded the acclaimed restaurant Three Blue Ducks, which has since expanded across Australia, championing sustainable and honest food.

Jessica Liemantara

Jessica Liemantara

Restaurant: Lemon

Better known as Jess Lemon – is the chef and founder of her namesake bakery and business in Melbourne’s Nunawading. A MasterChef Australia finalist at just 19, Jess has trained in some of the world’s best kitchens, including Nobu Crown, The Press Club, Neds Bake and Om Nom. Now, through Lemon, she’s bringing her signature blend of French technique, Southeast Asian flavour, and pure joy to every bake – creating a space where every treat tells a story.

Jason Staudt

Jason Staudt

Restaurant: Stokehouse

Jason Staudt is Executive Chef at Stokehouse Precinct, home to Stokehouse Restaurant and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar. After moving from Canada to Australia in 2013, he quickly rose through the ranks at the two-hatted Aria Sydney, becoming Head Chef from 2013 to 2017, before leading Bea Restaurant at Barangaroo House until 2019. His career also includes time at world-renowned restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, The Ledbury, Brae, Clove Club and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, along with an early foundation at Calgary’s iconic The River Café. Passionate about seafood, sustainability and strong producer relationships, Jason’s food philosophy is refined yet understated, making him a natural fit for the beachside venues. Growing up in landlocked Canada gave him a deep appreciation for the incredible seafood now at his fingertips in Australia. Often found on the restaurant floor sharing this passion with guests, Jason brings creativity, leadership and a commitment to showcasing the very best produce, shaping the dining experience at Stokehouse today.

Thank you to our sponsors

$5k

Anonymous

$5k

Amazon

$5k

Asahi Beverages

$2.5k

Goodman Foundation

$2.26k

Anonymous

$2.02k

Anonymous

$2.02k

Vicki Macdermid

$1.88k

Kpmg

$1.52k

Nav Truckline Pty Ltd

Thanks Joe for always standing with the Community. We are very grateful to be a part of the Joe Sofra team. We will always try to work together and put a smile on everyone’s faces.

$1.1k

Country Fleet Pty Ltd

Great initiative Joe - *Spreading smiles from here to here* as always but this with time with some good food!

$1.02k

Team Shipsy

$1.02k

El

Best of luck Sange!

$1.02k

Anonymous

$1,000

Luminary

$520

Kushal Chadha

Fantastic cause - very meaningful.

$520

Geoff Gourley

Fantastic effort Joe, enjoy the cook off and feel free to share your recipe afterwards.

$520

Amita Jain

Hi Joe I’m honoured to contribute toward this meaningful cause. It’s truly inspiring to see leadership that prioritises giving back and making a real difference in people’s lives. Feeding people through this initiative is no small feat, and I sincerely appreciate your efforts in driving such impactful work. Thank you for creating opportunities for us to be part of something greater. Wishing continued success to this noble effort. Sincere Regards Amita Jain

$520

Marty Drill

Amazing cause that supports both our society and our environment

$520

Cindy Batchelor

Love your work - you are always there to support others. Delighted to support you.

$520

Shane Young

$520

Fleet Plant Hire Pty Ltd

Well done chef Marty!!!! Your support of all causes is commendable and inspiring. Glad that that we can support in a small way

$520

Anonymous

Great work joe!

$520

Rebecca Fahey

Amazing cause … very impressed Mark

$500

Every Bit Counts

$500

Andrew Coldrey & Warren Whiteside

Fantastic work Sange. Hope this donation form Warren and the team at C.H. Robinson helps you help the people in need.

$500

Tim Carter

Awesome work, Joe! Thanks for making a difference.

$500

Sai At Cxd Labs

Great initiative! Enjoy the cookout Joe!

$500

Anonymous

Good like Joe

$500

Tony Brady

Well cooked Celeste

$500

Mike Frizell

Great Cagliari Joe

$500

Kate Stewart

$500

Alyssa Telfer

Go forth and cook my love!

$500

Beverly Lennox

Great Initiative Joe. Many Thanks for diving in.

$317

Anonymous

help good cause

$264

Andrew Phillips

Great effort Travis. Good to see corporate execs highlighting these organisations that do so much for the community.

$264

Anonymous

Little contribution makes a significant impact—keep it going

$264

Niamh Scanlon

Such a great cause.

$264

Clare Kwok

Go Kate!!!!

$264

Paul Tasker

All the best in the cook off Ro!

$264

Otao Kitchen Cooking School

$264

Kale

Well Done Celeste!!

$264

Brad Wilson

So good Celeste!

$264

Destre Businesses Services Pty Ltd

All the best

$264

Gavino Montanaro

Ycnigreme Tixe! Nehctik

$264

Kylie E Gray

Go Ro!

$264

Robyn Dixon

Good luck Kate

$264

Dean Dimkin

Wonderful Cause

$264

Plantex Nursery

Good luck Celeste! Xx

$264

Mark George

Cook up a storm for them! Next year I hope to be around to join you.

$264

Adam Pascoe

Great effort Ro and a wonderful cause

$264

Marty

Good luck Ro!

$264

36th Parallel Coffee

All the best Celeste! Well done!

$264

Travis Brown

$264

Anonymous

$264

Jon Griffiths

Great stuff Ro!

$264

Cumulus Tax

Hi Kate, wonderful work and hope you reach the target for a great cause.

$264

Paul Davies

Great initiative Sange, thank you.

$264

Gavin Appel

Great work Joe!

$264

Dal Zotto Wines

Super Effort Celeste. i love it! well done.

$264

Christian Dz

you got this

$264

Mathew Jones

$264

Sophie Barbey

$264

Kate Zaia

$264

Agnes

$264

Kylee Bidwell

Happy to support you in this fantastic cause x

$264

Ben Monaghan

Well done Celeste! :-)

$264

Sanzid Alvi Ahmed

Thanks for the initiative Joe. All the best.

$264

Andrew Sedrak

Great cause Joe!

$264

Nikhil De Silva

great cause - well done !

$264

The Rixes

How much heat your bringing to the kitchen? Jalapeno or Carolina Reaper?

$264

Jen Thomas

The master of gnocchi - good luck!

$264

Tom Gunson

Great cause - good luck Ro!

$264

Mark At Quantinuous

Great work Joe, Happy to support this awesome cause

$264

Chantelle Bartolo

just wanted to say how great it is that you’re taking part in the OzHarvest CEO CookOff. It’s such an important cause and a really inspiring way to give back to the community. We’re all behind you and proud to see you representing us while helping those in need.

$264

Suji Kanagalingam

Strong conviction for an amazing cause. Well done and great leadership.

$251

Mo Abbas

$250

Jade Dixon

Let’s go Ro!

$250

Carmel Mortell

Congratulations Corrina - such a worthy cause to support

$250

Ben Henderson

Well done Joe!

$250

Brady Vmc Pty Ltd

Great job Celeste!

$250

Brian Man

$250

Jason Habak

Great cause - well done Ro!

$250

Mo Abbas

Leaders create followers. Thanks for using your reach to drive impact!

$211

Kristy Coverdale

Best of luck Joe. Hope Nonnas meatballs get you across the line!

$211

Jacqui Cox

Joe what you and OzHarvest are doing for the community is truly inspiring. Congratulations to all involved and thank you.

$211

Anonymous

$211

H N

Great work 👍

$211

Jason Karametos

$200

Bruce Stewart

Cook up a feast Kate

$194

Anonymous

$158

Brad Langton

$158

Pottinger

Wishing you all the best from the Pottinger Team!

$158

David Hains

$158

Mathea Beck

What a great cause to take time out to support.

$116

Suraj Kahandage

Giving is never easy but letting go is even more difficult. And perhaps the greatest challenge of all is cultivating a culture of generosity. Well done on planting the seed, your passion for giving has the potential to grow into something truly impactful in the future.

$107

Edwin Moses

Great Initiative ! Enjoy Joe!

$106

Jonesy

go you great thing x

$106

Doreen Meyer

Love your work Joe! Trading in spreadsheets for spatulas!

$106

Chris Battle

$106

Kathryn Bertram

Amazing Corrina! Great cause

$106

Kevin Filippi

Well done Cel x your a chip off the old block as in your beautiful Mum xx

$106

Rohan Astley

$106

Lauren Milsop

All the best Natalie!!

$106

Ian Hockings

Good luck Ro - Cook well. A great cause.

$106

Melinda Tait

Fantastic work Mark and such a worthy cause.

$106

Addy

Just wanted to say how inspiring it is to see you taking part in the CEO CookOff. It’s an incredible cause, and such a reflection of the kind of leader and mentor you are. We’re so grateful to have you guiding us while giving back to those who need it most.

$106

Anonymous

Good on you Martin BJ🩵

$106

Simon And Ash

Amazing work Celeste!

$106

Chloe Mitchell

Well done Katie! x

$106

Deb Kealy

Great stuff Vicki. Happy to support this great cause.

$106

Carol Slink

$106

Tracey T

Time to turn up the heat in the kitchen - looking forward to see what you cook!

$106

Jacqui

Well done Vicki Legend

$106

Anonymous

Good Luck Sangee!

$106

Georgie Aley

Well done, Corrina - it's a rewarding experience

$106

Kath Leong

$106

Craig Coughlin

Good on you Celeste!!!

$106

Jack Laidlaw

Well done you xx

$106

Vanessa Symons

$106

Renae Moss

Great work, Mark!

$106

Dee

Always the host with the most! Go Lesta

$106

Matthew Tutty

$106

Anonymous

$106

Kerry Mcgough

$106

Nadia La Rosa

$106

The Greenwood's

Nice work Celeste!

$106

Jj

$106

Paul Ricketts

Great initiative!!!

$106

Rosie

$106

Mick Bunt

Awesome work Joe, proud to be associated with you and ANC

$106

Niocle O'leary

$106

Marty Drill

$106

Levi Watters

Great work, Corrina!

$106

Rapid Bull Pty Ltd

Very great initiative. Proud to work with you.

$106

Michael And Marie

Cook well Belinda. Bring back a good recipe

$106

J & M Pellicano

Great work Celeste!

$106

Wayne Shepherd

Cook well Doc

$106

Anonymous

$106

Brad & Rose Cooksey

Keep it simple like my wife's cooking, as Cooks are better than most chiefs. Ask the owner of Nobu restaurants.

$106

Rachael King

$106

Harshan De Silva

Awesome work Joe!!

$106

Andrea Frank

$106

Jo Wenzel

Congratulations, my friend. You’re an absolute superstar. Best of luck on the day X

$106

Keryn Nylander

Well done Kate!

$106

Stacey @curlpoint

Natalie, from MF&W longest lunches to cooking for change, who better to turn up the heat for a good cause? If anyone can plate up purpose with a side of flair, it’s you. Cook well, Chef!

$106

Anonymous

Fantastic initiative … hope you cook up a storm …

$106

Jp

Well done Kate, great effort. Have fun.

$106

Loc Truong

Loc goi $100

$106

Felicity Witthoeft

$106

Michael O'brien

$106

Carlton Dixon

$106

Diana Cooper

Awesome work Kate! Excellent effort for a great cause:)

$106

Georgina Cosgrove

You got this Chris!! Good luck

$106

Steve Richards

Great work Joe!!

$106

Amy Craddock

A great cause and a great opportunity to show off these cooking skills I’ve been hearing about!

$106

Kpmg

$106

Paul Thomson

Great work Corrina!

$106

Anthony Loprete

$106

Anonymous

$106

Matt Wells

$106

Alex Arvanitis

$106

Property Republic

Great work Kkkkkate

$106

Dieter Herzog

Hi Joe, Love your work mate, this is a wonderful cause.

$106

Mei Doery

$106

Rubina Bulot

Cheerleading you and OzHarvest all the way! x

$106

Michael Bosser

Great work Celeste.

$106

Michael Waterston

$106

Rachael Livingston

I love this Corrina, what a great initiative!!!

$106

Bec Smith

$106

Morris Nutbean

$106

Jahanzeb

Great cause

$106

Graeme Peter

$106

Vishaal Kamath

Thank you for doing this Joe. Time to make Nonna proud at the cook off… bring out that Masterchef Italiano !

$106

Emmanuel Tissera

Good on you, Marty! Trading spreadsheets for saucepans! You inspire us every day ✨

$100

Jane

$100

Ben Jamieson

Cook Well, Natalie! I know you'll do us proud! X

$100

Miles (in The Background)

Great initiative.

$100

Mary, Zac, Daisy + Robyn Xx

Amazing work, Kate! Good luck!

$100

Thu Tran

$100

Brad

Great initiative. Proud of you

$100

Luke B

I've sampled your cooking, and those other CEOs are going to need to work hard to outshine your dishes!!

$100

Priyanka Shahani (haribhai)

Well done on this great initiative, Sange!

$100

Steven Hunt

$100

Katrina Edillor

Go Sange! Continue being the extraordinary leader that you are.

$100

Leela Mathad

👏 👏

$100

Farah Beaini

Thank you for being part of what brings nourishment and breathes life into our community.

$100

Anonymous

$100

Sally Papworth

$100

Andrew

May you channel your inner broccoli into the CookOff

$88

Ivy

Bring back any leftovers!!

$79

Dana Bentley

Great work Corrina and good luck!

$79

Karla Andreica

Go Celeste 🙌🏼

$54

Sophie Veltman

What a wonderful cause. Look forward to hearing more about it- you’ll be in your element!

$53

Sandra Rose

$53

Edward And Audrey Keeffe

We want to eat a meal that mum made!

$53

Alex Mcvey

$53

Ixchel Brennan

What a great cause Corrina!

$53

Bella E

Best of luck Sange, not that you'll need it with your delicious cooking!

$53

Narinder Chahar

Great Cause Joe !

$53

Owen Brandt

Well done mate!

$53

Caron

$53

Nicholas Bartram

$53

Natasha Heughan

$53

Felicia Tan

$53

Kevin Jing

$53

Angie Becker

Go Natalie! You've got this

$53

Chi Vuu

$53

Lauren Howard

Have fun! Such a great cause

$53

Pip Whitehouse

Great cause Chris. All the best and enjoy 👨‍🍳

$53

Cindy Vann-dang

$53

Celeste Clarke

$53

Kim Arthur

$53

Manoj Tharayil

A wonderful initiative

$53

Alana Beard

$53

James R

Fabulous thing to do.

$53

Christine Bridge

I know how good you can cook. You got this!

$53

Karen Eldridge

Well done Belinda. I look forward to seeing the yummy treats you dish up.

$53

Rose Marie Stirling

Go Kate! What a fantastic cause. Good luck with the CEO CookOff ! Rose Marie xox

$53

Nick Sanna

$53

Nick Kotevski

$53

Damien Brown

Love your work Joe!

$53

Vanessa Bibile

Well done for supporting this wonderful cause Corrina!

$53

Carol Racky

Great work for a good cause, 👍

$53

Alicia

Well done FC

$53

Monique Be

$53

Debra Smith

$53

Claudia Bertram

$53

Liz Neville

$53

Adrian De Fazio

Wonderful initiative Sange!

$53

Young Min ( Ian) Lee

$53

Samantha Lythall

Onya Nat

$53

Michael Rapson

Go Celeste

$53

Elise Jones

$53

Claire Roscoe

Well done, Corrina! A fantastic organisation to support.

$53

My Le

All the best

$53

Darryn Paspa

Go Celeste! Love your work!!

$53

Georgie Forrest

Inspiring. Well done 😀

$53

Tash Mueller

Great cause Chris, best of luck.

$53

Dependable Couriers

Fanatics effort

$53

P&k Australia Pty Lyd

$53

Tara Le Friedman

Chris - great commitment to a worthy cause!

$53

Deb Mcwhirter

Go Sange, sounds fun & a worthy cause

$53

Puja Shrestha

Good Luck Celeste Happy to support a good cause ❤️

$53

Adelaide And Nat

No one else you would rather have cook for you than KS!!

$53

Simon Sloan

$53

Belinda Kleverlaan

$53

Thi Ai Hoa Le

$53

Robert Moore

$53

Milena Gebbie

Hi Celeste, Good luck with your fundraiser 😊

$53

Julia Bilyanska

$53

Leon Mickelson

Take it to the limit boss :)

$53

Milena Gebbie

Good luck with your fundraiser 😊

$53

Elise Wherry

$53

Jenn Molloy

An excellent cause!

$53

Stu Johnson

Great stuff Corrina.

$53

Anonymous

$53

Mentor List

Proud to support Jo at the OzHarvest CEO CookOff - Look forward to hearing whats on the menu :)

$53

David Metcalfe

Great work Natalie!

$53

Anonymous

$53

Julius Waras Carstensen

Nonna's meatball's are a must for the cookout!

$53

Jason Lau

$53

Aishwarya Nair

Go Celeste!!

$53

Richard Kirk

$53

Nick Mckenna

$53

Paul Hill

Well done Joe!

$53

Sophie Barbey

$53

Hailey Trifiro

Great initiative Joe, enjoy the cook off!

$53

Kathy Lane

Go Nat!

$53

Weston Lewis

Great initiative!

$53

Cath Laird

Go Sangee!!

$53

Fatimah Alhuseini

Great initiative Joe ☺️

$53

Dan J

Happy cooking!

$53

Kerryn Martinsen

Such a great cause Corrina - all the best.

$53

Sahar Talebi

$53

Julie Abbott

So exciting Celeste .. Such a great and worthwhile event . Well done . You will be amazing 💚

$53

Kelvin Cheong

$53

Nick Bass

Great work Joe!

$53

Emily Pruitt

You’re amazing! 💫

$53

Vcet

$53

Lyn Walsh

$53

Derek Ky

Great initiative Joe!

$53

Patti Vogan

I love you are participating in this year's event! What a fantastic way to make a difference.

$53

Annie Crowe

Go Celeste! So happy you hit your goal :)

$53

Kp

Enjoy preparing the feast Corrina & Team Vic

$53

Elizabeth Henderson

Well done - this is a great cause to help people in the community. Can’t wait to see the end result of your cook off.

$53

Adam Whytcross

Well done Chris, such as great cause

$53

Eve Sabine

$53

Zoran Zdraveski

$53

Frances Martin

Go Kate!

$53

Angela Brown

$53

Anonymous

May god bless the kids!

$53

Tim Harkin

$53

Tashi Van Der Waerden

Australia's greatest annual cooking show!!! Love your work Kate!

$53

Pauline Fleming

Way to go!

$53

Anonymous

All the best for the cook off!

$53

Renae Hingston

$53

Matt Bayles

$53

Karen Kerr

Well Done Chris

$53

Wendy Yu

Go Celeste!

$53

Ryan B

Well done Kate!! Woohooo!!

$53

Pat Sofra

$53

Tracey Waters Anz

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute to an important cause, Chris.

$53

Benjamin Taylor

Great Cause!

$53

Jennifer Norman

Hoping you exceed the expected targets you have set

$53

Kim & Dave

YES CHEF!

$53

Soumya

$53

Jai Sanker

All the best, Joe. I'm sure you will smash it..

$53

Karen Auer

Nice one Chris!

$53

Aria Zanganeh

You are the best Marty

$53

Anna & Russ

$53

Lucy Stewart

$53

Meg Downie

Go well Corrina.

$53

Wendy Heywood

$53

Lauren Nelson

$53

Gida Rehfisch

Thanks for highlighting this worthy cause, Natalie!

$53

Cynthia Baxter

Happy cooking! ☺️

$53

Hawthorne Consulting

Good luck Belinda. Bring Jamie rather than Gordon energy to the kitchen!

$53

Danielle Malone

$53

Emma Coath

$50

Andrw Btto

GREAT cause. Makes a real difference to sooo many ppl who need it!

$50

Claire Mcgillivray

$50

Jessica Chan

$50

Jen Nee T

Great initiative Celeste, hope you will achieve your goal! <3

$50

Jessica Chan

$50

Hayley O’callaghan

Great initiative and such an important cause. Go Vicki!

$50

Heidi Brooks

Such a wonderful cause! Enjoy the worthwhile experience!

$50

Kk

Leading by example :) What a wonderful way to support the community - Go Sange!

$50

Tanya Carneiro

WHERE'S THE LAMB SAUCE?!

$50

Katy Ferguson

$50

Thi Nguyen

$50

Thamali Don

$50

Eloise Stark

$50

Lucy Cavallaro

You continue to be an incredible inspiration Sangee! Good luck with the cook off - no doubt you’ll smash it, we’re all behind you!

$50

Rocky Fernandez

$50

Maritza Araneda

Very worthy cause. good luck with the cookoff Corrina!

$50

Anonymous

$50

Stan Stavros

$50

Charlene Pearse

Great cause Chris

$42

Matthew Rice

Great cause, good luck hope you reach the cool off😀

$37

Malithi Alahendra

Good luck!

$35

Anonymous

$32

Cathy Nguyen

$32

Lynda Langkilde

$32

Mirela Kanuric

$32

Amanda Cech

You will win !!

$32

Anonymous

$32

Jess Whattam

$32

Cheryl Bryant

Great work Sangee!

$30

Trang-anh Nguyen

Hey cousin, best of luck!

$30

Yoon

$27

Wei Qiao

Good Luck, Sange ! A truly kindness effort: looking after people in difficult times and giving them a warm meal !

$26

Samantha Skerry

$26

Robert Nguyen

$26

Nick Cooper

$26

Epifania Laurel

$26

Anonymous

$26

Mike B

Hats off to you for taking on a good cause!

$26

James S

Great effot Celeste!

$26

Megan Kempson

$26

Nikki Mc Cormack

Good Luck Sange 👩🏽‍🍳

$26

Justin Tripony

Great job Natalie!

$26

Anonymous

Have fun!

$26

Rima Ok

YEY CELESTE!

$25

Sandra Sin Chan

$21

Sally Piskuric

You are amazing Kate! x

$21

Daniel Daraphet

Love this!

$21

Sonam Dhamija

$21

Tyler And Shae Filippi

Go Aunty Lesta!

$21

Anonymous

$21

Diana Manrique

Love the initiative! Go Celeste!

$21

Anonymous

$21

Wong

$21

Van Ho

Great work

$21

Katie Rotstein

Well done supporting a fantastic cause Corrina!

$21

Anonymous

$21

Danella Martin

Well done Chris! Have a brilliant night at the event.

$21

Laura Andrew

Love your work Corrina!!

$21

Emma Coath

$20

Mia Marissa

Go Celeste!!

$20

Swan Li Chew

$20

Martin

$11

Anonymous

$11

Phillippa Varney

$11

Anonymous

$11

Valeria Diez

$11

Anonymous

$5

Matt Barlin

Keep up the Good Work

$1

Anonymous

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