New $10,000 prize to open doors for rising stars of restaurant service

Emerging front-of-house stars in venues across Victoria – this is your moment. The Katie McCormack Young Service Talent Award, awarded by The Age Good Food Guide, is now open for applications from the next generation of service professionals.

This new award is a tribute to the late Katie McCormack (Congress, Lagotto, Merricote) a leading light of hospitality, service, wine knowledge and venue management throughout her life. Her CV is varied, including everything from The Grand Dining Room in Richmond to Press Club in the city.

“Katie’s unwavering support for her colleagues and staff was a testament to her genuine love for the hospitality industry,” says her partner David Yuncken.

“She nurtured her teams with warmth, humour and generosity, empowering them to achieve their potential and always striving for excellence. This award honours her legacy of mentorship, strength and commitment to people in the hospitality community.”

Originally conceived by her peers and friends, Bronwyn Kabboord (Du Fermier) and Hannah Green (Etta), the Young Service Talent Award is designed to recognise up-and-coming talent working on the floor, inspiring them to continue to achieve in their field. Kabboord and Green have both won the Good Food Guide’s Service Excellence award in previous years.

The recipient of this new prize will be named at the Good Food Guide Awards in Melbourne in November, and prizes include $10,000 cash from partners Milieu Hospitality to support experience and education in the field, plus professional mentoring.

Applicants must be aged under 30; permanent Australian residents; and based in Victoria. The industry judging panel and Good Food Guide editors are looking for applicants who:

• Are fantastic service professionals;
• Have a social conscience;
• Work to better the community;
• Lift up their peers in the industry, and
• Are keenly interested in learning and improving.

The award is open to service professionals working in any section (including sommeliers).

The equivalent award for chefs, the Young Chef of the Year, has been awarded to influential Australian chefs Andrew McConnell, Dan Hong, Lauren Eldridge, Phil Wood, Brett Graham and Mitch Orr in its 22 years of existence.

The first step is completing an online application before August 27. Finalists will appear in front of a panel of industry leaders and a representative from the Good Food Guide for an interview in early September.

Questions? Email goodfoodguide@nine.com.au