Background
Matilda Payne is a first-year apprentice chef currently studying commercial cookery in Bendigo TAFE. Her journey into hospitality driven by a deep love for cooking and a natural inclination toward the culinary arts.
“Ever since I started working when I was 15, I’ve always gone to hospitality and loved cooking. In my spare time, I would always just use that time to make new dishes.”
Growing up in Castlemaine, Matilda worked in aged care as a food service assistant before relocating to Bendigo to pursue her apprenticeship. She now works at Ms Batterhams, Mackenzie Quarters, a venue she joined after a spontaneous application and interview.
“I applied for it not knowing what it was. I’d never been here before… I came here for an interview and started a few weeks after that. I’ve loved it ever since.”
Inspiration and Family Influence
Matilda’s passion for cooking is deeply rooted in her family. Her older sister, a third-year culinary student and state champion in the AUSTAFE cooking competition, has been a significant influence.
“She actually got state champion at the same competition that I went to.”
This familial connection has inspired Matilda to dream of opening a restaurant together in Gippsland, where her sister currently resides.
“In ten years, I’m hoping maybe my sister, and I can open up a restaurant together.”
Culinary Preferences and Competition Experience
Matilda gravitates toward Italian cuisine, appreciating its simplicity and depth of flavour.
“I love Italian food… how it can be so simple, but so good.”
She also enjoys Asian cuisine and recently showcased her skills in a culinary competition, preparing a standout dish:
“I did a Swede lamb rump with celeriac puree, pan-fried Brussel sprouts, and fried leek with a beef red wine jus.”
Her inspiration came from her workplace and the chefs she works with, integrating techniques and flavours she’s learned on the job.
“All the chefs I work around are very good at what they do… I’ve got inspired by some of the dishes and took parts of what I’ve learned here.”
Support and Mentorship
Matilda credits her teacher, Nicole, for her success in the competition and her growth as a student.
“Nicole was very good, helped support me during the competition… we did plenty of practices together.”
She describes Nicole not only as knowledgeable but also as someone who brings humour and warmth to the learning environment.
“She is a really quite funny person as well.”
Vision for the Future
Matilda envisions a future filled with travel and learning. Her goal is to work overseas, especially in Europe, to gather culinary knowledge and eventually bring it back to Australia.
“I want to go overseas… take heaps of knowledge and then eventually bring that back here.”
Her dream is to open a gastropub—an inviting space with high-quality food and a lively atmosphere.
“Not a certain cuisine… but sort of be a gastropub. So that’s nice food, sort of pub environment.”
Reflections on Bendigo’s Culinary Scene
Matilda sees Bendigo as an emerging gastronomy hub with growing potential.
“Bendigo is up and coming… the cuisine in Bendigo will be a lot nicer in the future. It just keeps getting better.”
