Celebrity baking showdown: Chief Minister whisking for a back-to-back Royal Darwin Show crown

It’s time to preheat the oven and stir up some excitement as the Royal Darwin Show Celebrity Baking Challenge turns 21.

(Left to right) 2024 runner up baking champion Andrew Toombs - St John, 2024 Royal Darwin Show Baking Champion Chief Minister, Hon Lia Finocchiaro, Minister for Tourism Marie-Claire Boothby who finished third in 2024

It’s time to preheat the oven and stir up some excitement as the Royal Darwin Show Celebrity Baking Challenge turns 21.

First introduced in 2004 by the late and legendary Percy Ellis OAM—a passionate baker and former president and long-term council member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Northern Territory — the challenge has become a must-see and must-taste highlight of the show program.

Each year, the hotly contested, invitation-only competition spotlights a different community sector.

In past years, the local celebrities have included media personalities, emergency services, politicians, and not-for-profits representatives, who have whisked their way to glory.

But in 2025, the classroom is headed to the kitchen as some of the NT’s finest educators step up to the plate.

Competitors are invited to bake a “relatively healthy cake” from scratch (no cake mix), which is judged on presentation and taste by the VIP panel - traditionally including the patron of the Royal Agricultural Society of the NT and the Territory Administrator Hugh Heggie and Ms Ruth Jones.

Popular local identity, Charlie King will be MC.

Nine competitors are taking up the challenge this year, including returning 2024 champion, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.

2024 Royal Darwin Show bake off. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Also a talented baker and fierce competitor, Andrew Toombs from St John returns coming a close second in 2024, after winning the crown in 2023.

Showgoers are invited to The Annex (near the members; area) at 11am on Friday to watch the competition and sample the cakes after the official judging.

It’s a chance to get a taste of what educators and competitors have to offer.

Mrs Finocchiaro said she was hoping to retain bragging rights for another year.

“As Royal Darwin Show Celebrity Baking Challenge reigning champion I am delighted to return to defend my title against our NT educators,” she said.

Thousands enjoyed the rides and festivities at the 2024 Royal Darwin Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Show manager Cherry Court said previous years’ participating celebrities had included a who’s who of local identities.

“This year marks the 21st anniversary of the popular Celebrity Baking Challenge, which is an incredible milestone and highlights just how much the community enjoys it,” she said.

“This year it’s our local NT educators, and we would like to recognise their invaluable efforts in Education and our community.”

Participating 2025 celebrity bakers:

•Lia Finocchiaro NT Chief Minister

•Andrew Tombs - St John NT (CEO)

•Joe Hewett – Darwin High School (Principal)

•Matthew Qualischefski - Good Shepherd College (Principal)

•David Auld - CDU (Lecturer)

•Matt Cook - MacKillop Catholic College (Teacher)

•Tina Stratton - Alawa Primary School (School cook)

•Carla Hayes - St John’s College (Assistant Teacher)

•Anita Newman - Taminmin College (Teacher)

The Royal Darwin Show runs from Thursday July 24 to Saturday July 26.

Gates open from 9am - 10pm daily.

Originally published as Celebrity baking showdown: Chief Minister whisking for a back-to-back Royal Darwin Show crown