Announcing the 2026 ACF Nestlé Professional Young Chef Scholarship Winners
Meet the inaugural winners of the 2026 ACF Nestlé Professional Young Chef Scholarship, celebrating two rising talents shaping the future of Australia’s culinary industry. Learn how this new program is opening doors through funding, mentorship and real career support.
At Nestlé Professional, we’re proud to support the careers of young chefs in the foodservice industry. Launched in 2026, the ACF Nestlé Professional Young Chef Scholarships, is our latest initiative, developed in partnership with the Australian Culinary Federation, designed to open doors for emerging chefs under the age of 25.
Featuring two streams – Merit, which celebrates skill, dedication and culinary promise, and Equity, which supports those facing financial or personal barriers – this initiative provides $4,000 AUD in funding for each stream, mentorship from industry leaders, and national recognition across leading culinary platforms. More than just a scholarship, it’s a testament to Nestlé Professional’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of chefs to turn their passion into long-term careers.
The scholarship attracted more than 40 applicants in its first year, with judges noting the exceptional calibre of candidates across both streams. We’re proud to introduce the inaugural scholarship winners for 2026 – learn more about their journeys so far and how they’re planning to grow their careers with the support of the scholarship.
2026 Merit Stream Winner – Ashleigh Handsaker
Congratulations to Ashleigh Handsaker who has been named the Merit stream recipient for 2026! Ashleigh is currently a Sous Chef at Irongate Kitchen in the Hunter Valley with nine years of industry experience and five consecutive years of competing in the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award. Her depth of expertise and consistency speaks to her skill and diligence, having also received the Brett Graham Scholarship in 2023 and the Ron Walsh Memorial Prize.
Ashleigh says the scholarship represents an important milestone in a career she has worked hard to build.
"Cooking has grown from an interest into a real passion and career path for me. I enjoy the challenge of service, the teamwork involved in a busy kitchen, and the satisfaction that comes from producing food that people genuinely enjoy. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to strengthen my technical skills and continue learning from experienced professionals, so that I can pass that knowledge on to the next generation of young chefs."
The Merit stream recognises young chefs who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and skill in their work. This year's shortlist reflects the genuine calibre of young talent working across the Australian foodservice industry.
2026 Equity Stream Winner – Matilda Solecki
Congratulations to Matilda Solecki who has been named the Merit stream recipient for 2026! Matilda is currently an apprentice chef at The Mexican in Maclean, NSW, who is also studying at TAFE Grafton. At just 16, Matilda is already deeply committed to the trade, helping with her family’s food business since she was young. Her dedication to the industry is also demonstrated by her balancing long commutes with early starts and late nights, to her current job. She has her sights set on opening a bakery of her own one day, with a focus on catering to dietary requirements. Matilda says the scholarship will make a practical difference to her career journey.
"Cheffing is what I am most passionate about. I rely on public transport to get to work and study, and this scholarship will help me get there more reliably, so I can keep learning and working towards the kitchen I want to run one day."
The Equity stream recognises chefs who have faced real barriers and challenges in their foodservice career, and whose potential deserves acknowledgment beyond traditional measures of achievement. This year's finalists have been inspiring every step of the way.
We once again extend our congratulations to the recipients of the inaugural ACF Nestlé Professional Young Chef Scholarships and wish them every success as they continue their culinary journey. Supporting emerging talent is at the heart of what we do at Nestlé Professional, and initiatives like this reflect our commitment to helping young chefs grow, thrive and make their mark on the industry. Learn more about the scholarship here.