EventsTaste Bundaberg FestivalLocal chefs to get creative in Taste kitchen

Local chefs to get creative in Taste kitchen

20260714 Taste Bundaberg Festival Launch - Dion Taylor and Joey Caruana
Dion Taylor and Joey Caruana willbe hosting cooking masterclasses as part of the 2026 Taste Bundaberg Festival.

Local chefs will be plating up the finest of Bundaberg’s flavours as part of showcase of creativity, culinary skill and delicious food for this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival.

The Windmill’s Joey Caruana and HSG’s Dion Taylor will crank up the heat in two workshops designed to give attendees an insight into preparing restaurant-quality dishes using the region’s outstanding produce.

Dion’s Local Harvest Masterclass will showcase fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local growers while he guides participants through the creation of a selection of vibrant dishes.

“I’m really excited about the cooking classes – getting involved one on one with a small group of participants and showcasing all of that fantastic local produce,” Dion said.

“A massive part about this whole experience is not just understating that we have these commodities in the region but knowing where they are coming from.”

Joey’s Family Friendly Masterclass will be fun for all ages and has been designed to o create memories, build confidence and inspire a love of local food.

Working side by side, families will discover the flavours of the Bundaberg Region while creating a restaurant worthy dish featuring lemon myrtle, sweet potato, premium macadamias and a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.

Joey said Taste Bundaberg Festival was not only a chance to learn, but also an opportunity for young or aspiring chefs to grow.

“We are really excited to showcase some of what we do and our local produce,” he said.

“Some of our younger chefs, our apprentice chefs, can do amazing things with food and I can’t wait for them to show off what they can do through Taste festival.”

Another workshop that has been added to this year’s program is the Sausage Making Masterclass, giving participants the opportunity to get hands on and learn the craft from experienced local butchers.

Using quality meat and exclusive seasoning blends, participants will learn the techniques behind crafting great sausages from start to finish thanks to hosts, The Food Prep Group.

With small class sizes and all equipment provided, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to build new skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for a much-loved family favourite.

Local chefs will be plating up the finest of Bundaberg’s flavours as part of showcase of creativity, culinary skill and delicious food for this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival.

Masterclasses:

Local Harvest Masterclass with Dion Taylor
Date: Thursday 10 September
Time: 9 am – noon and 5.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost: $70
Location: TAFE Bundaberg, 118 Walker Street

Family Friendly Masterclass with Chef Joey Caruana
Date: Sunday 13 September
Time: 10 am – 1 pm (8 – 12 years) and 4 – 7 pm (12 – 15 years)
Cost: $120 per guardian and child couple
Location: TAFE Bundaberg, 118 Walker Street

Sausage Making Masterclass with The Food Prep Group
Date: Saturday 12 September
Time: 9 am – noon and 1 – 4 pm
Cost: $165
Location: 3/5 Ingliss Court, Svensson Heights

All tickets available through the Taste Bundaberg Festival program here.


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