Matt Richter was named Riverina TAFE Albury campus Commercial Cookery Apprentice of the Year before he took out the broader Apprentice of the Year category too in December.

“I was very surprised but I appreciate the opportunities I get from the awards,” Richter said.

The Bended Elbow third-year apprentice chef was promoted to sous chef since his graduation from Riverina TAFE mid-December.

“I work closely with the head chef (Jeremy Lee) in a senior role,” Richter said.

“I’m really looking forward to expanding my skills in the workplace and learning as much as I can in my current role.”

The Bended Elbow has five qualified chefs and four apprentices to serve its dining rooms in the Dean Street business.

Richter also won the prestigious NSW Minister for Tourism’s Student Achievement Award, which was presented at NSW Parliament House in Sydney on September 23.  

“I’ve had some great opportunities this year,” he said.

“I also had the chance to be part of the Proud to Be a Chef mentoring program in Melbourne, which was organised through Albury TAFE. We ate at different restaurants and networked with others in the industry.”

Richter said he came to his job as a chef later than most.

He studied accountancy at Charles Sturt University in Albury before he worked in the industry for two years.

“I danced around the idea of being a chef for a while, then my wife Lauren said: ‘Just do it’,” Richter said.

“The Bended Elbow gave me a shot and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Wagga-born and bred Richter, who inherited his love of cooking from family, said he looked forward to pursuing his culinary dreams on the Border.

A new dad to six-week-old daughter Olivia, he said he would likely have another foodie in the family.

“She doesn’t have much chance,” he said.

“I’m already looking at recipes for baby food. 

“I love cooking with quality, fresh ingredients.”