Townsville’s 1st Catering platoon take out first place for Exercise Golden Plate

Townsville’s 1st Catering platoon has proved their skill in and out of the kitchen, taking out first place in an annual competition after being tested on their culinary and soldiering prowess.

Australian Army Chef, Lance Corporal Lais Pereira from 5 Platoon 10th Force Support Battalion conducting a raft building challenge during Exercise Golden Plate 2024 at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Queensland. PHOTO: SGT Jason Slape

Townsville Army chefs have brought the heat to a defence cooking competition, taking out the top spot once again after being tested on their culinary skills and soldiering prowess.

Exercise Golden Plate is an annual competition involving 30 Army chefs from across the country.

This year they were tested in a number of areas in and out of the kitchen at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.

Townsville’s 1st Catering Platoon, 10th Force Support Battalion, has a history of success in the competition, coming first in 2021 and 2023 before claiming another gold this year.

Corporal Lee Kemp from 1st Catering Platoon competed this year for the first time since transferring to Australia from the British Army.

Australian Army Chefs from 1st Catering Platoon, 10th Force Support Battalion overall winners of the Golden Plate 2024, during Exercise Golden Plate 2024 at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Queensland. PHOTO: SGT Jason Slape

“The tasks we were given were pretty challenging, but I’m proud of my team’s result,” Corporal Kemp said.

“We had no practice time, so I just had all the dishes memorised in my head.”

The five teams were able to flex their culinary muscles everywhere, from a fine dining skill level to hot box showdowns and a mystery box challenge.

“These challenges make us all want to strive for more and get better,” Corporal Kemp said.

“It’s nice when we do get to showcase our skills and get recognition for our work.”

This year’s contest also included chefs from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force for the first time.

Corporal Kemp transferred to Townsville to join the Australian Army Catering Corps after 20 years as an army chef in the United Kingdom, allowing him to continue to do the work he loves.

“I transferred to the Australian Army to extend my career in catering,” Corporal Kemp said.

“Military life is all I’ve known, so it was great that the Australian Army could offer me more opportunities to serve here.

“I’ve had a few opportunities to travel with this trade and I look forward to go on a few more.”

However, an army chef isn’t just capable of cooking up a storm, which is why they were also tested on their military skills, which included raft-building challenges and shooting exercises.

Originally published as Townsville’s 1st Catering platoon take out first place for Exercise Golden Plate