$10,000 and big-name mentors: A prize for young hospitality superstars launches

Victoria’s future front-of-house leaders have a career-changing opportunity in front of them: the Katie McCormack Young Service Talent Award, awarded by The Age Good Food Guide, is now open for applications.

Now in its third year, the $10,000 cash and mentoring prize is for service professionals aged 30 and under looking to supercharge their career in the hospitality industry. Many prizes exist for young chefs, but organisers saw a gap for those working in front-of-house roles.

Last year’s winner Georgia Limacher (ex-Gimlet) is now working as a sommelier at three-hatted Yiaga in East Melbourne. Next month, she’ll spend two days with her chosen mentor at their venue on the Mornington Peninsula, learning about operations and finances.

The 27-year-old wants to open her own venue and has spent the last six months connecting with restaurateurs and leaders across the industry to seek advice.

“Hearing more about their pathways to opening their own businesses has given me greater clarity around my own goals,” she says. “More than anything, the award has given me confidence in my direction and encouraged me to embrace the journey.”

The first time she applied for the award, in 2024, Limacher was not so lucky. But she tried again the following year and won.

“I took a huge amount away from the first process, particularly in confidence and interviewing skills. I [also] worked on turning my passion into more of a plan for how I want to share it with others.”

She’s saving her prize money for a trip to Europe next year to work vintage at a winery and gain experience at several restaurants.

The award is named after the late Katie McCormack (Congress, Lagotto, Merricote), a leading light of hospitality, service, wine knowledge and venue management throughout her life. Her CV is varied, including everything from The Grand Dining Room in Richmond to Press Club in the city.

‘The award has given me confidence in my direction and encouraged me to embrace the journey.’

Georgia Limacher, the most recent winner

“Katie’s unwavering support for her colleagues and staff was a testament to her genuine love for the hospitality industry,” says her partner, David Yuncken.

“She nurtured her teams with warmth, humour and generosity, empowering them to achieve their potential and always striving for excellence. This award honours her legacy of mentorship, strength and commitment to people in the hospitality community.”

Last year’s applicants included sommeliers, waiters, wine buyers, supervisors, and individuals in their first venue-manager role.

The judging panel includes award founders Bronwyn Kabboord (Du Fermier) and Hannah Green (Etta), plus other industry professionals and a Good Food Guide representative.

How to apply

The first step is completing an online application before 11.59pm, Wednesday, July 29.

Applicants must be aged under 30, permanent Australian residents and based in Victoria. The industry judging panel and Good Food Guide editors are looking for applicants who:

• Are fantastic service professionals
• Have a social conscience
• Work to better the community
• Lift up their peers in the industry
• Are keenly interested in learning and improving
• The award is open to service professionals working in any section (including sommeliers)

Finalists will appear for an interview in front of a panel of industry leaders and a representative from The Age Good Food Guide in mid-August.

The recipient of the prize will be named at the Good Food Guide Awards in Melbourne in October. Prizes include $10,000 cash from partners Milieu Hospitality to support experience and education in the field, plus professional mentoring.

The equivalent award for chefs, the Young Chef of the Year, has been awarded to influential Australian chefs Andrew McConnell, Lauren Eldridge, Phil Wood, Brett Graham and Mitch Orr in its 22 years of existence. Applications for chefs open next month.

Questions? Email goodfoodguide@nine.com.au