The Culinary Kitchen

Chef Michael Rantissi trained in Paris and New York learning great skills in the fine dining world. After relocating to Australia in 2004 Michael worked as the Sous Chef in the fine dining Restaurant at The Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral Beach. His career moved to more casual dining working at Pink

With a passion for whisky, storytelling and creating memorable experiences, Scott is The Whisky List’s events maestro, bringing tastings, dinners, whisky shows, and top shelf experiences to life around Australia. Scott honed his craft in some of Sydney’s best bars serving inspired cocktails and fine spirits, but it was whisky

Speaker Bio – Nautical Wholesale Seafood Luke Buchholz is the founder of Nautical Wholesale Seafood, a premium Australian seafood supplier renowned for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. Specialising in line-caught, spiked, and gill-clipped Australian fin fish, Nautical Wholesale Seafood has become a trusted name among the country’s top

Julia is an agroecologist building communities through local food systems and regenerative agriculture. An urban mushroom farmer since 2018, she has supplied some of Melbournes best restaurants and farmers markets, building her business around a towards-zero-waste ethic. In 2024 Julia joined forces with two other circular business founders to establish

Chef Luca Ciano is an Italian born culinary powerhouse with roots in Milan. Inspired by cooking alongside his mum and Nonna from an early age. Luca refined his craft at Milan’s two Michelin star “Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia,” London’s Millennium Gloucester Hotel, and Bermuda’s Relais & Chateaux before

With over two decades of experience as a chef across Australia and Europe, I have developed a deep appreciation for innovative cuisine and a lasting commitment to the hospitality and foodservice industries. Building on this foundation, I have since worked closely with vertically integrated agribusinesses, supporting efforts to supply and

Georgie Budd brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and sustainability leadership to the table. With over 13 years’ experience as a chef and five years dedicated to the food waste sector, Georgie has built her career on the belief that sustainability isn’t just a value—it’s a system. From transforming

Caitlyn is the General Manager at Boomerang Labs, Australia's first Circular Economy Accelerator. Caitlyn holds unique insight into the evolving landscape of circular economy startups in Australia, and acts as a matchmaker between circular entrepreneurs and private sector partners and mentors. Caitlyn is also the General Manager of StartSomeGood (social

With a background in major events, brand and partnerships, Lucan moved into the sustainability and circular economy spaces to align his values and apply his experience to make a positive impact. No Offence Wines is on a mission to inspire positive change through the joy of wine. Tackling the biggest