Community & Business
31 October, 2025
Allora P-10 State School proud of former student
Congratulations to ex-student, Jenny Blashak, who competed in Queensland’s Chef of the Year 2025.
After graduating from Allora P-10 State School in 2000, Jenny began her career in the culinary industry, working her way up through various kitchens and learning from many talented chefs along the way.
When Jenny completed her apprenticeship, she worked in England and France, where she expanded her knowledge, refined her skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for classic techniques and European culinary traditions.
Jenny is currently the Head Chef at Gabbinbar Homestead, a premier wedding venue in Toowoomba. Her focus is on creating refined, seasonal menus that highlight local produce and deliver memorable dining experiences for every couple and their guests.
This year, Jenny had the incredible opportunity to compete in Queensland’s Chef of the Year 2025 - a professional cooking competition showcasing the state’s top culinary talent.
Twenty finalists were selected from across Queensland to compete in a live cook-off format held over two days at the Food & Hospitality Queensland event in Brisbane.
Each competitor is given a mystery box of ingredients 30 minutes before their heat begins and then design a two-course menu — entrée and main — featuring the mystery ingredients, set up their workspace and plan their workflow.
They have 60 minutes to cook and serve four plates of each dish to the judging panel. Competitors are assessed on creativity, technical skill, flavour, presentation, organisation and composure under pressure.
The top-scoring chefs from each heat progress to the redemption round and finals. Jenny was 1.9 points away from being in the redemption round, scoring 80/100.
She overcome challenges of a faulty grill, applying on the spot problem solving skills to complete the task.
Jenny found It was an incredibly rewarding experience that pushed her outside comfort zone and reminded her why she loves what she does.
Jenny learned valuable lessons about preparation, mindset, and resilience — and she’s already looking forward to refining her approach and competing again next year.
It is wonderful to celebrate achievements of our former students. The School is proud of Jenny who continues to exemplify the School motto, “Always our Best”.
