15 April 2009
Just add a mix of young talent, a blend of fine dining, a
flavour of passion and you have a recipe for a winner! Josh Sutton,
Devonport's local head chef was announced the winner of the 2009
Southern Cross Young Achiever Award in the Spirit of Tasmania
category.
The Spirit of Tasmania Award epitomises promoting Tasmania and
showing pride for our southern state through an impressive display
in business, community or social behaviour.
Josh was presented with a trophy and prize money at the gala
presentation dinner held at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart on
Saturday 5 April and was thrilled to be crowned the
winner.
"I am very proud to accept the Spirit of Tasmania award.
It's great that young Tasmanians have the opportunity to have their
hard work and commitment recognised," said Josh.
At only 22 years of age, Josh is the head chef at Essence
Food and Wine in Devonport and has currently been employed there
for six years. His topmost priority is to assist local farmers,
tradespeople and the community by using fresh Tasmanian local
produce to create seasonally challenging delicious
menus.
His talent and commitment to the food industry is shown in
many of his achievements. In 2007 Josh was selected as the
celebrity chef to be taken to Taiwan to promote Tasmanian produce.
In the same year, he was placed runner up in the Open Chef category
to the Young Australian Chef of the year.
In 2006 he appeared as a guest chef in cooking
demonstrations for Devonport's Taste the Harvest Festival and was
also asked to be the guest chef at the 2006 Mayor's Long table
'Dinner Under the Stars' for the Make a Wish Foundation of which he
designed the entrée and main course for 120 people.
On top of this, Josh also provides on the job training for
other apprentice chefs and volunteers his time preparing food at
Gran's Van, a local charity in Devonport. His career goals now
include furthering his hospitality education to become a full time
trainer for apprentices and trainees.
"Becoming a finalist in these awards is great for many
reasons. It can open a number of doors in your career path as you
become to make a name for yourself and hold a good reputation among
others.
"In turn, this creates better job opportunities and can help
the nominees, finalists and winners take on bigger and more
rewarding challenges," he said.
"The nominees for this award have displayed inspirational
leadership with a commitment to their cause and exceptional role
modelling amongst their peers."
"Congratulations to Josh and all the nominees in the Spirit
of Tasmania award for your exceptional work, commitment, and
wonderful achievements. You all deserve to be proud of who you are
and what you have achieved," said Mr Charles Griplas, CEO, Spirit
of Tasmania.
-ends-
For further information contact:
Soniya Fernandez
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Spirit of Tasmania
Tel: 03 9206 6220 or 0438 393 898
Email: saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
