Paramount Queensland Hosts MasterChef Australia Lunch – Paramount’s Queensland Sales Team turned up the heat last week, hosting an exclusive MasterChef Australia themed lunch at the acclaimed Donna Chang restaurant.
Liz Cantor, 10 News First Queensland Weather Presenter, kept guests entertained as MC, and MasterChef Australia judges Andy Allen and Jean-Christophe Novelli shared some personal insights and stories during an intimate Q&A.
More than 120 key clients and partners attended the event including representatives from RACQ, Tourism and Events Queensland, Dentsu, Auto & General, Publicis, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, OMD, RSL, Wavemaker and more.
Guests savoured elevated modern Chinese cuisine while four brave contestants faced a nail-biting and entertaining taste test challenge, just like on the show.
Kat Droulers, Queensland Sales Director – Ad Sales, said:
“This was a key event for us to engage existing and new clients to profile the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia, share our successes so far this year and build connections to help us continue our momentum for 2025.”
Andy Allen said:
“It was an awesome lunch Friday in Brisbane! A great way for us to head up there, eat some delicious food and show thanks to local advertisers and agencies, not only for their ongoing support of MasterChef, but also Paramount’s whole line up.”
Jean-Christophe Novelli said:
“The atmosphere, hospitality and cuisine was par excellence in Brisbane and I had a wonderful time sharing the excitement for our next season of MasterChef with everyone at the event.”
A delicious success all round.
MasterChef Australia: Back to Win – Coming Soon To 10 And 10 Play.
Media Release – Paramount
TV Central 10 content HERE
Paramount Queensland Hosts MasterChef Australia Lunch
About the Show
MasterChef Australia: Back to Win on 10 meet the contestants – MasterChef Australia: Back To Win. Coming Soon To 10 And 10 Play.
Season 17 of MasterChef Australia will welcome back 24 familiar faces through its hallowed doors. Daring to don their aprons once more, a new group of fan favourite contestants will go head-to-head in a series of enthralling challenges as they vie for another shot at the MasterChef Australia title and $250,000 in prize money.
While all 24 chefs are hungry for the glory, some came closer than others, including former runners-up Callum Hann, Laura Sharrad, Rhiannon Anderson, Pete Campbell and Sarah Todd. For Callum, Laura and Sarah, they’re hoping third time is a charm!
Alongside podium finishers, other faces are fresh from Season 16 like Darrsh Clarke, Sav Perera, and Snezana Calic, while others are stepping back into the kitchen for the first time in years, including Andre Ursini who competed in the inaugural season 16 years ago.
Social media sensations Steph de Sousa and Declan Cleary will serve up their best, alongside some returning favourites who have enjoyed a taste of the other side of the bench since their series debut.
Audra Morrice from Season 4 has appeared on the judging panel for MasterChef Singapore and MasterChef Asia, while Depinder Chhibber from Season 13 joined MasterChef India as a guest judge.
A stellar line up of cooks from Season 1 through to Season 16 will face off under the guidance of our fab four MasterChef Australia judges, Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.
Showcasing just how much they’ve grown since they first set foot inside the iconic MasterChef Australia kitchen, the pressure will be on from the very beginning, with the inimitable Gordon Ramsay kicking off the all-star lineup of guest judges.
Want to know more about our Top 24? Open the attached release for more information.
MasterChef Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company).
Give a warm welcome to the Top 24 of MasterChef Australia 2025:
ALANA LOWES, QLD (Season 3)
Instagram: @alanalowes
Alana Lowes first appeared on Season 3 of MasterChef Australia, catapulting her into the food industry and allowing her to travel the globe as a food, travel and lifestyle television presenter, travel writer, and magazine editor. Alana has also worked as a recipe developer, food stylist, photographer and even launched her own sauce range.
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ANDRE URSINI, SA (Season 1)
Instagram: @andreursinicooks
Andre Ursini returns to the kitchen to rediscover the very passion for cooking he unveiled on screen 16 years ago. Following the competition, he opened Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar, which became an Adelaide dining institution for some 10 years before closing its doors. Andre has launched three more successful venues – Orso, Lost Phoenix Farm and Villetta Porcini – alongside other business ventures.
AUDRA MORRICE, NSW (Season 4)
Instagram: @audramorrice
Now splitting her time between Sydney and Singapore, Audra is an in-demand television presenter, cookbook author and catering business proprietor in both locations. Audra is also currently a judge on MasterChef Singapore and was on the judging panel of MasterChef Asia. Putting on her apron once more, Audra is inspired to demonstrate diversity and culture through her food in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
BEAU COOK, VIC (Season 4)
Instagram: @beaucook
Following his last stint in the kitchen, Beau took up his dream opportunity to become a firefighter, but his love for food never waned and he has continued to build his skills in the kitchen. Inspired early by Jamie Oliver, Beau’s speciality is simple food made well from his own homegrown ingredients whenever possible. As an advocate for ‘re-wilding’, Beau’s future food dream involves more land, a bigger veggie patch and some animals.
BEN MACDONALD, NZ (Season 6)
Instagram: @foodie_ben
Ben Macdonald comes Back To Win with the same dry sense of humour and determination he is remembered for. Having run a café, a bistro and a fresh pasta delivery business in Auckland, New Zealand, Ben has added considerably to his culinary skillset in the 11 years since he first landed in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.
CALLUM HANN, SA (Season 2, Season 12)
Instagram: @callums_kitchen
Though Callum Hann knows the MasterChef Australia kitchen inside out, he still admits to feeling nerves as he prepares for his third tilt at the prestigious title. Callum comes Back To Win in 2025 having added even more accolades to his business empire – opening two new restaurants, Olive and Roma in Adelaide’s CBD, to join Lou’s Place in the Barossa Valley. Callum’s long-running cooking school, Sprout, has also grown, offering even more classes with cookbooks, appearances, events and media commitments keeping Callum’s calendar full.
CATH COLLINS, VIC (Season 15)
Instagram: @cathskitchen_au
After claiming fifth place in 2023, Cath returns to the competition a wiser, calmer cook, and plans on having more fun this time around. Cath embraced change in a big way since 2023’s competition, making food her life and following her dreams to launch her own food business, Cath’s Kitchen, where she runs intimate cooking classes.
DARRSH CLARKE, VIC (Season 16)
Instagram: @darrshclarke
Fresh from Season 16, Darrsh Clarke is going back-to-back for another crack at the title. He has relocated from Perth to Melbourne for the best opportunity to chase his food dreams, immersing himself in Melbourne’s thriving culinary scene. He also locked in some house mates who are fairly handy in the kitchen: none other than MasterChef Australia 2024 winner Nat Thaipun, and fellow contestant David Tan – the three combining at times for powerhouse private dining experiences.
DECLAN CLEARY, NSW (Season 15)
Instagram: @declancleary
Fish is still Declan’s game, and while seafood will feature, Declan has also worked hard to expand his repertoire and push his creativity, ready to show the judges more depth. While maintaining his building business, Declan has also become a global brand ambassador, travelling, presenting cooking demonstrations and creating content. He still dreams of opening his own farm-to-fork style venue and starts every day determined to be the best version of himself.
DEPINDER CHHIBBER, NSW (Season 13)
Instagram: @depinder_
Since her last appearance in the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Depinder launched a supper club called Ghar – meaning home in Hindi – to offer an Indian-style home dining experience. In 2023, Depinder also appeared on MasterChef India as a guest judge. Inspired by the amazing cooks in her family, Depinder is well remembered for her incredible take on Indian cuisine, and her calm nature in the kitchen. She never thought she would experience the magic of MasterChef Australia twice, so this time is doing it to show her daughters what it’s like to believe in yourself and follow your passion.
JAMIE FLEMING, QLD (Season 6)
Instagram: @jamieflemingofficial
With his time on MasterChef Australia Season 6 having sparked his dream of owning his own venue, Jamie launched and ran the award-winning Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane for five successful years, before opening Spill Wine in Maleny in 2024. Admitting that food is his love language, Jamie strives always to cook with connection to create meaningful experiences for diners whenever he shares his food.
JIMMY WONG, NSW (Season 8)
Instagram: @jimmywongeats
Last time he entered the MasterChef Australia kitchen back in Season 8, Jimmy Wong had his sister Theresa competing alongside him. Now, Jimmy returns solo and is ready to tackle the competition a second time. Having pursued a career in food full time in the years since his season, Jimmy works as a food photographer, content creator and brand ambassador, with his passion for great food remaining as strong as ever.
LAURA SHARRAD, SA, (Season 6, Season 12)
Instagram: @laurasharrad
Will third time be the charm for Adelaide chef Laura? With two runner-up titles to her name, best believe that Laura has every intention of taking it one step further this season. Laura has parlayed her skill and many years of hard work in professional kitchens, into an enviable food career as co-owner of Adelaide’s successful Fugazzi Bar & Dining and pasta bar Nido. While Italian cuisine, flavours and techniques will always be close to her heart, Laura’s talent spans all corners of the kitchen.
MATT HOPCRAFT, VIC (Season 7)
Instagram: @matt_hopcraft
Since leaving the competition, Matt continued his career in dentistry and is now an associate professor at Melbourne University, and respected industry expert. Having also worked in several kitchens to further enhance his pasta making skills, Matt remains a fan of down-to-earth, simple and tasty dishes, with sugar and sweets never high on his list. Matt plans to showcase more refinement in his dishes this time around, and looks forward to letting his creativity loose.
PETE CAMPBELL, NSW (Season 13)
Instagram: @my.mate.pete
Though pipped at the post in MasterChef Australia’s Season 13 finale, Pete dove straight into the heat of the kitchen after the competition, joining the esteemed Peter Gilmore as a commis chef at Sydney’s Quay restaurant. Having hosted pop-ups in New York City, most recently Pete has been on the pans at Sydney’s Poly restaurant and is ready to show he can finish top of the table.
RHIANNON ANDERSON, QLD (Season 15)
Instagram: @rhiplenish
With a love of South East Asian cuisine and ‘punch in the face’ flavours full of spice, chilli and of course finger lime, Rhiannon feels ready for what the season ahead may bring. Since leaving the kitchen, Rhiannon created her own business, Rhiplenish, running cooking demonstrations and working with brands. Rhiannon has a renewed mindset and intends on staying focused to go one better this season.
RUE MUPEDZI, WA (Season 15)
Instagram: @ruetendom
Dental hygienist Rue Mupedzi admits fear held her back from reaching her full potential in Season 15 of MasterChef Australia, so she is determined not to squander this second chance to come back and do it right. Since leaving the MasterChef Australia kitchen, Rue worked part-time as a chef for private catering events, and completed cooking courses to perfect her skill and technique. Rue returns ready to showcase her growth and perseverance and promises to bring her competitive nature to the kitchen every day.
SAMIRA EL KHAFIR, VIC (Season 5)
Instagram: @samiraelkhafir
Joining the competition in 2013 where she placed third, Samira was a qualified hairdresser and former telecommunications worker, busy raising her young family alongside her husband. After the competition, Samira capitalised on her experience in the kitchen to launch her own café, serving a modern Middle Eastern menu, and has since authored a cookbook, launched a range of low-carb products and worked as a recipe developer.
SARAH TODD, VIC, (Season 6, Season 14)
Instagram: @sarahtodd
Following her previous MasterChef Australia appearances, Sarah has created a lauded culinary career as an international chef, restaurateur, author, TV host and business owner. Blending classic French technique with her deft understanding of Indian flavours, Sarah’s creations are as unique as they are unforgettable. Sarah’s immense influence in India reached a pinnacle in 2023 when the country’s Prime Minister recognised her for her extraordinary contributions to the food industry. That same year Sarah launched her own sauce brand Hot Toddy, which quickly made its mark in the gourmet food sector.
SAVINDRI PERERA, SA (Season 16)
Instagram: @savisquishles
After placing third last season, Sav is determined not to waste her second chance and will be seizing every opportunity. The former banking consultant started her own business after leaving the competition last year, now working as a private chef and in event catering. Her star is on the rise in her beloved Sri Lanka too, where she enjoyed a hero’s welcome on recent visits, such is the pride her community felt at seeing her bring traditional Sri Lankan food to the global stage.
SNEZANA CALIC, VIC (Season 16)
Instagram: @snezanacalic_official
A generous, instinctual home cook, Snezana will continue to proudly represent the Serbian community by cooking more traditional dishes, with her goal always to cook honest and flavoursome food, straight from the heart. The mum of two with a finance background has followed her passion since last season, working in restaurants to improve her skills and teaching pop-up cooking classes. Snezana has also created food content and began work on a cookbook exploring Mediterranean and Serbian style recipes.
STEPH DE SOUSA, NSW (Season 11)
Instagram: @steph_cooks_stuff
The epitome of bright and bubbly, social media sensation Steph de Sousa now has close to three million dedicated online followers. Known as the ‘Frugal Foodie’, Steph has become the go-to for quick, easy, budget-friendly and family-friendly meals. Having authored two cookbooks, hosted her own television series and held ambassador roles after finishing twelfth in Season 11, this time around, Steph dreams of making the Top 10, and beyond.
THEO LOIZOU, VIC (Season 15)
Instagram: @theegram
After finishing in fourth place in Season 15, Theo is focussed and ready to go all the way. Known as the ‘Bread Boy’ from his season, Theo plans to dig deeper into his Greek heritage, ready to show the judges how much he has grown as a cook. Though still working as an electrician, Theo has been diligently gathering restaurant experience and his dream of opening his own bakery is well and truly alive, with the wheels in motion to share his baked goods with the masses sooner rather than later.
TIM BONE, VIC (Season 11)
Instagram: @timbonefood
Placing fourth in Season 11, Ballarat’s Tim Bone took the ball and ran with it after his season ended, creating the hugely popular Tim’s Toasties, a mobile gourmet toasted sandwich business celebrating regional produce. Success followed and Tim has since proudly opened a bricks and mortar store this year. The host of TV’s Good Chef, Bad Chef returns to the MasterChef Australia kitchen a changed man.
