TasTAFE teachers return from Germany as ‘Olympic’ medallists

Two TasTAFE cookery teachers-turned ‘Olympians’ have returned home from the Culinary Olympics in Germany with a silver and a bronze medal.

Stephen Lunn and Michael Norton represented Australia as part of the 9-person team in the recently held Olympics, competing against some of the world’s best chefs from 23 different countries.

In addition to the senior Olympic team, the Australian junior team featuring former TasTAFE apprentice, Steph Lawler, also brought home a sliver and a bronze medal.

A lot of other countries competing could simply load up a van and drive to the Olympics, while the Australian team travelled across the world with all their ingredients and equipment, making their silver and bronze all the more impressive.

While they’re very proud of their achievements, Stephen and Michael say they learned a lot from the experience and are already looking forward to putting those lessons into practice for the 2028 Olympics.

“In turns out that we took so much equipment that we just didn’t need in the end. We feel satisfied but there’s unfinished business now. We have four years to spend getting ready for our next opportunity” Australian vice-captain and TasTAFE Cookery teacher, Stephen Lunn, said.

Stephen, who has been competing in culinary competitions across the country and world for almost 40 years, is hanging up the apron from competition but plans on moving into a managerial role with the team for 2028.

Meanwhile his colleague Michael has already been earmarked for the vice-captaincy role at the next Olympics after having such a great experience this time around.

“The team all gelled really well and had a great time despite the high pressure environment. We built lifelong relationships with each other” Michael said.

“There aren’t many chefs who can say they wear the Australian flag on their collar.”

Michael also said the experience would only improve his teaching at TasTAFE:

“It will really help in how to give constructive and honest feedback to students in the right way, it puts you in the mind of a student and is a reminder on how important the delivery of feedback is.”

“It’s important not to lose the truth in what’s happening, good feedback is about helping find a solution,” Stephen adds.

They both felt a great debt of gratitude for TasTAFE for helping them both achieve one of their biggest career goals.

“TasTAFE had been amazingly supportive of Michael and I. We owe them a great deal of thanks. Some people had to leave their jobs to compete but our employer couldn’t have been more supportive and encouraging of us,” Stephen said.