Head chef / Owner / Bloodwood
Claire Van Vuuren

Danielle Dixon is the chef-owner of Shuck Bar in Wynnum Manly, where she brings a refined focus on fresh Qld Seafood, local produce, and community-driven hospitality.

Danielle rose to national attention as a top 12 contestant on MasterChef Australia Season 3. Following the show, she completed her formal culinary training and gained experience in some of Australia’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Quay, Rockpool and Aria.

She later became Head Chef at Bucci Brisbane before joining The Institute of Culinary Excellence (ICE), where she has served as Executive Chef and Head of Curriculum since 2017. Her dedication to culinary education was recognised in 2021 when she was awarded Queensland’s VET Trainer of the Year.

A passionate advocate for local seafood, Danielle brings her deep industry knowledge and creative flair to every dish. Beyond the kitchen, she is a director of “Eat for Your Life”, a not-for-profit supporting health through food education.

Danielle’s journey from MasterChef to seafood champion and restaurateur reflects her passion, resilience, and leadership in Queensland’s culinary landscape.

I L Y
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Cult Following, Cult Classics & Conscious Kitchens: Turning Signature Dishes into Sustainable Success - Pecan Pte
Monday 25 May 2026
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Chef's Table
Claire Van Vuuren
Head chef / Owner
Bloodwood
Tawnya Bahr (Moderator)
Director & Chef
Straight To The Source
Australian Professional Chef of the Year Day 1
Monday 25 May 2026
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Australian Professional Chef of the Year
Jamie Gannon Standing with arms crossed in white shirt.
Jamie Gannon
Culinary Director
Feros Group
Claire Van Vuuren
Head chef / Owner
Bloodwood
Chris Jordan
First Nations Chef
Three Little Birds
Simon Sandall
Owner & Chef
Boronia Kitchen
Markus Werner
Culinary Director
Delaware North
John McFadden
National Sales Marketing Manager
Ecofry
Amanda Fuller
Director of F&B
Accor Group
Glenn Flood
Food Consultant
Australian Professional Chef of the Year Day 2
Tuesday 26 May 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Australian Professional Chef of the Year
Jamie Gannon Standing with arms crossed in white shirt.
Jamie Gannon
Culinary Director
Feros Group
Claire Van Vuuren
Head chef / Owner
Bloodwood
Chris Jordan
First Nations Chef
Three Little Birds
Simon Sandall
Owner & Chef
Boronia Kitchen
Markus Werner
Culinary Director
Delaware North
John McFadden
National Sales Marketing Manager
Ecofry
Amanda Fuller
Director of F&B
Accor Group
Glenn Flood
Food Consultant
Winner Announcement: Australian Professional Chef of the Year
Tuesday 26 May 2026
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Australian Professional Chef of the Year
Jamie Gannon Standing with arms crossed in white shirt.
Jamie Gannon
Culinary Director
Feros Group
Claire Van Vuuren
Head chef / Owner
Bloodwood
Chris Jordan
First Nations Chef
Three Little Birds
Simon Sandall
Owner & Chef
Boronia Kitchen
Markus Werner
Culinary Director
Delaware North
John McFadden
National Sales Marketing Manager
Ecofry
Amanda Fuller
Director of F&B
Accor Group
Glenn Flood
Food Consultant