Apprentice Chef Zak Resuggan has earned the honour of representing Australia at WorldSkills, the world’s largest and most prestigious skills competition, bringing together elite young professionals from over 60 countries to showcase their expertise across diverse trades and professions. The 2025 Nationals Certificate of Excellence winner will now carry Australian culinary excellence onto the global stage.
Zak’s path to this remarkable achievement began in the most humble of places: his garden. What started as a passion for gardening naturally evolved into culinary experimentation as he discovered the magic of transforming the produce he’d grown with his own hands into extraordinary dishes. That spark of curiosity proved transformative: at just 16, he made the bold decision to leave school in Year 10 and commit fully to his Cookery apprenticeship.
The WorldSkills Journey
Zak’s competitive journey began when his TAFE teacher introduced him to WorldSkills at the Regional level. “It was during the event I discovered my enjoyment of the competitive environment,” Zak reflects. “I realised how much I liked having control over my skills and performance.” That revelation would prove prescient: he progressed through to the 2025 Nationals where he received a coveted Certificate of Excellence in Cookery—a testament to his technical mastery and creative execution that has now secured his selection for the international competition. “My proudest moment so far was the final day of Nationals,” he recalls. “As soon as the competition finished, everyone came together to congratulate one another, celebrating not just the achievement, but the dedication that made it possible.”
Drawing Inspiration from the Classics
Zak’s culinary philosophy is shaped by diverse influences. Professionally, he admires Thomas Keller for his commitment to using local produce and perfecting classic techniques—values that resonate deeply with Zak’s own approach. Beyond the kitchen, he draws inspiration from people who embody honesty, hard work, and patience, recognising these qualities as essential to building strong professional and personal relationships.
A crucial mentor in his journey has been Matthew Carnell, his employer, who has generously shared both technical knowledge and competitive experience. “Through him, I’ve learned consistency and dedication are essential ingredients for success and personal growth, as well as how small actions compound into something much bigger,” Zak says. This mentorship has reinforced lessons that extend far beyond cooking.
The Bistro Terroir Experience
In his pursuit of culinary excellence, Zak has been drawn to establishments that embody authentic French dining traditions and a deep commitment to terroir—the philosophy that a dish’s character comes from local ingredients and regional techniques. Places like Bistro Terroir represent the classical approach to cookery that Zak admires: menus built around seasonal, locally-sourced produce and time-honoured preparation methods that let quality ingredients speak for themselves. This philosophy aligns perfectly with his own vision of what great cooking can achieve and influences his ambitions for further development in France.
France on the Horizon
With his apprenticeship nearing completion, Zak has set an ambitious goal: to work in France and immerse himself in the culinary traditions he’s come to respect. “I plan to work in France to further develop my knowledge and skills,” he explains. “I also want to take the opportunity to travel and gain new experiences, ones that will help me grow further.” It’s a move that promises not just technical advancement but personal transformation through exposure to a food culture that values precision, locality, and tradition.
Beyond his own career aspirations, Zak is committed to giving back to his community. “Through my work, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions, motivating them to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.” Whether through mentoring the next generation of apprentices or simply serving food that reflects care and craft, Zak Resuggan is poised to leave his mark on Australian culinary culture—all beginning with seeds planted in a garden.
