Everything you need to know about your favouite artists who will be performing live on the VJAM Stage at Festivale 2025 is below. Get ready to rock at Festivale 2025.
view programFormed in Perth, Birds of Tokyo have grown from independent roots to become one of Australia’s most popular contemporary rock bands.
The band has released six studio albums including Human Design which topped the ARIA charts. Classic songs like “Good Lord”, “Two Of Us”, “Plans”, “Lanterns”, “Brace” and “I’d Go With You Anywhere” have all been top 10 airplay hits and more than seventy Birds of Tokyo tracks have featured on Triple J, making them one of the National Youth Broadcaster’s three most played artists of this millennium.
They have played major festivals like Splendour In The Grass & Falls and appeared as special guests for Muse, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and Bon Jovi. They have also toured across Australia with some of the country’s most prestigious Symphony Orchestras.
Birds of Tokyo have won “Rock Work Of The Year” on a record setting five separate occasions at the APRA Awards.
Late 2021 the band released single “Superglue (feat. Stand Atlantic)” alongside their headlining appearance at the AFL Grand Final in Perth. In March 2022, new single “Smith Street” was released which perhaps surprisingly for a song written during the Victorian and NSW lockdowns, celebrates the feeling of running free. The band then closed out the year with a summer arena tour with Keith Urban, and dropped the infectious, California-tinged tune “Daylight”.
In April 2023, Birds of Tokyo announced they will team up with the West Australian, Queensland, Tasmanian, Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras during August and September for an electrifying concert experience called “Birdsongs”. Fans will enjoy the soaring melodies and raw energy of classic anthems alongside new songs, all reimagined with stunning arrangements by acclaimed orchestrator, Nicholas Buc, who will also conduct all dates.
closeKilling Heidi are officially forever. Twenty years ago, when the disarming folk-pop of Kettle launched Ella and Jesse Hooper into high radio rotation, it was something neither expected. But tour after tour, the Violet Town siblings are finding their explosive power pop more entrenched in the Oz rock pantheon.
There’s a whole generation that doesn’t need reminding that the early ’00s belonged to Killing Heidi. Weir hit #2 and Mascara #14 in Triple J’s Hottest 100. Debut album Reflector won four major ARIA awards and sold 4 times platinum as Ella and Jesse took out the prestigious APRA Songwriters of the Year award in 2001.
After a fruitful decade of diverse solo and duo pursuits, the pair reignited the flame for the 20th anniversary of Queenscliff Music Festival in 2016: a perfect reflection of their first teenaged performances under the Killing Heidi banner.
Blown away by the warm welcome and electric energy of a capacity crowd, they went on to meet snowballing demand at the Zoo Twilights concert series at Taronga and Melbourne Zoos.
In 2018, they kicked it up another gear with a SOLD OUT capital cities tour backed by Live Nation and followed by an extensive regional run of shows. A year later, they hooked up for a co-headlining national tour with ’90s rock icons, Baby Animals.
Summer 2020 saw Killing Heidi return for a monster 23 dates across every state and territory of Australia as part of the epic Red Hot Summer Tour, with fellow Australian rock giants Hunters & Collectors, James Reyne, The Living End, The Angels, Baby Animals and Boom Crash Opera.
“What Killing Heidi’s music meant and still means to the people that shared that amazing time with us really blows me away. I meet so many people, especially young women, who tell me how Killing Heidi inspired them to be themselves, back themselves or even start a band, and I’m completely honoured that it had that effect on people” — Ella Hooper
“Ella’s performance is as alive as ever. Vibrant and rockin’, it was clearly evident she was enjoying being back onstage fronting Killing Heidi, especially during the harder hitting songs such as ‘Superman/Supergirl’, ‘Mascara’ and set-closing crowd favourite, ‘Weir’ – Rolling Stone
closeIt feels like it was just yesterday that Jebediah first coalesced as four music-obsessed youngsters stumbling out onto Western Australian stages, content with simply making noise as best mates do.
Few could have foreseen that this shambolic quartet would not only go onto define an entire era of Australian music in their own way, but also become one of the country’s most beloved bands.
By now, their story is legendary in the music scene of their native Perth. Mostly teenagers when they formed in the mid-’90s, Kevin Mitchell, Chris Daymond, Vanessa Thornton, and Brett Mitchell paired their endearing and refreshing personalities with a penchant for writing alt-rock anthems that weren’t just catchy, but resonated with their voracious fanbase.
Before long, their cheeky approach to the game began to pay off, and winning band competitions and headlining local stages was replaced by the courtship of labels and support slots for international bands.
Almost overnight, the Jebs were on their way from being WA’s best kept secret to becoming the country’s new obsession. Early singles like ‘Jerks Of Attention’, ‘Leaving Home’, and ‘Harpoon’ quickly cemented their songwriting abilities, with 1997 debut Slightly Odway peaking at #7 on the charts, and scoring them two ARIA nominations.
As the acclaim grew, so did the accomplishments. The Jebs became a staple of festival stages and car stereos, a permanent fixture of major venues, and impossible to escape when perusing any music lover’s CD library. 1999’s Of Someday Shambles would hit #2 on the charts and bring with it an attempt to conquer the US market thanks to singles like ‘Animal’ and ‘Feet Touch The Ground’, while 2002’s Jebediah and 2004’s Braxton Hicks continued to showcase the band’s innate ability to blend the crunchy with the smooth.
By 2005, a decade of being in one of the country’s finest bands had necessitated some personal respite.
While the Jebs laid low for a few years, its members remained busy: Vanessa and Brett played in bands, Chris worked at a record store, and Kevin moved to Melbourne and focused on his Bob Evans project.
But, their familial and musical bond was never too far away.
Ultimately, the Jebs made their triumphant return in 2011, re-emerging with Kosciuszko, which not only hit #6 on the charts and nabbed an ARIA nomination, but boasted the APRA Awards’ Song Of The Year shortlisted single, ‘She’s Like A Comet’. They were back, firing on all cylinders, and showing no signs of losing that youthful energy and wide eyed optimism that endeared them to so many in those early years. As time marched on, so too did the Jebs, with retrospective reissues of Slightly Odway and Of Someday Shambles, being paired with 20th anniversary shows, and gigs alongside luminaries such as Midnight Oil and You Am I. Though they were never absent from stages or the collective consciousness of fans, the question of new music did arise periodically.
It was in 2018 though, that Jebediah first hit the studio again. They weren’t going into the process with the intention to make a new album, but rather, to channel that formative focus and see what arises out of the pure joy of collaboration. “It was different; it’s the most experimental situation we’d ever been in,” remembers Kevin. “But it felt natural because we realised, ‘we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose here’.”
Working again with Dave Parkin (Red Jezebel, Spacey Jane) at his Blackbird Sound Studio in Perth, as well as recording sessions with Anna Laverty (Camp Cope, Screamfeeder), the band entered the process feeling free, uninhibited, and open to experimentation. They didn’t bring any ideas in with them, and nothing was finessed in the rehearsal room, rather, Dave would press record and capture the Jebs at that very moment in time.
“There’s nothing contrived or manufactured about it,” adds Kevin. “It’s a pretty honest reflection of where we are now.” From those early jams, to fleshing out new ideas, and to reflecting on their new music throughout COVID, the result is Jebediah’s long-awaited sixth album, Oiks. Named for a Victorian-era descriptor of the group from You Am I’s Tim Rogers, it’s a fitting title for a record such as this, with its relation to uncouthness helping to underpin what is the most freewheeling and unrestrained album from the band.
“I think this was the most excited I’ve been while writing and working on new songs since those first couple of records,” recalls Vanessa. “I drove home from that studio every night feeling like a kid who’d been learning to play their instrument while all this amazing stuff was happening.”
Though the Jebs might have since evolved and matured from being the little gang of oiks that endeared themselves to Tim, that same energy remains. Oiks is experimental without alienating, frenetic without overwhelming, and reflective without insincerity. Most importantly, it’s Jebediah moving into the future without forgetting their past, and crafting a record whose spirit is even more rooted in the punk rock ethos than the band’s earliest days. Alongside the release of Oiks, the Jebs are also taking the chance to look back upon their storied history with a feature documentary directed by filmmaker Arlo Cook. Having joined the band on the road since 2015, it’ll be a chance for fans to reflect upon almost 30 years of history from one of Australia’s most beloved rock bands, with Cook having been given access to all manner of footage – ranging from home movies to pro-shot videos – in pursuit of documenting Jebs. Even as Jebediah look back to the earliest days as they break new ground, it’s abundantly clear that the energy, drive, and familial bonds that have united them for close to three decades are still as strong and as powerful as ever.
“A lot of that naivety of youth is gone,” Kevin says. “I think there’s a spirit that we are able to conjure up that only ever really happens when the four of us are in a room together creating music together.”
“We’re essentially those same four people,” echoes Vanessa. “We’ve got different lives, we have other
interests, obligations, and priorities, but we’re still the same four kids that used to jump in a rehearsal, get stoned, and make whacky music.”
Already well-established as one of Australia’s premier pop successes, Amy Shark enters a new era of artistry – one built on a foundation of inner peace and fulfillment. Don’t let the idea of peace fool you however, this new chapter for Amy Shark is one marked by fresh and powerful turbo-pop; a creative mode the acclaimed songwriter and performer is excited to share with her fans and newcomers alike. The new single ‘Only Wanna Be With You’ is easily one of the sharpest pop compositions from Amy Shark to date. It’s the perfect gateway to the wider Amy Shark world for newcomers. And for those who have followed Amy since the beginning – this first new music is a confident stride forward in her artistic evolution.
It’s no mean feat to keep the fires of inspiration and influence burning when you’ve already crafted some of modern Australian pop music’s most memorable songs. Yet for Amy, the chase for a new sonic realm and creative challenge has never been more important for her as she navigates this new time of her career. “The second this song was birthed I was like, “I’m sorry, that’s an undeniable chorus”. It’s got so many pop, Amy Shark elements to it, but there’s this gritty, fuzzy punk guitar that comes in…I used to be really scared of guitars and maybe just recently, with what I’ve been listening to, it’s brought it to life. I’ve gone with my gut a lot more on this song and the whole new era.” AMY SHARK ‘Only Wanna Be With You’, crafted around guitar and fuzzy progressions that tie back to artists like The Cure or Psychedelic Furs, without losing that quintessential Amy Shark stamp: strong pop swells and lyricism that is insatiable to the ear. It’s a track that signals a recent change in direction and approach for Amy Shark, who has experienced a new wave of personal growth through this period of songwriting.
Since her emergence onto the national conscience with her now 6x Platinum single ‘Adore’ back in 2016, the trajectory Amy Shark has been on has seen her evolve from a unique new presence in an Australian indie-pop realm that was very much in a period flux; to becoming one of the country’s most recognisable voices taking the genre forward. And in the years that followed the ground-breaking release of ‘Adore’, Amy Shark continued to prove powerhouse potential. A string of chartbusting singles including ‘I Said Hi’ (6x Platinum) and ‘Mess Her Up’ (3x Platinum) featured on her ARIA Award winning debut album LOVE MONSTER in 2018 – the album earning Amy Shark her first #1 ARIA charting record and becoming the highest selling album by an Australian artist that year.
Fast forward to 2020 and as the world plunged into a period of unprecedented turmoil and a seemingly never-ending period of uncertainty, music became more of a salve than ever: for fans and Amy alike. The relationship between Amy and her fans strengthened – visibly demonstrated by the success of ‘Everybody Rise’: a song that has clocked almost 40 million global streams, net more ARIA success and become 2x certified Platinum since its release. Entering sophomore album territory with a strong body of work already behind her, as well as a solidified reputation as one of Australia’s most beloved live performers, Amy Shark released CRY FOREVER in 2021; claiming her second #1 ARIA placement and holding the spot for two consecutive weeks. And though her name has become synonymous with widespread commercial success, at the core of Amy Shark’s music remains a genuine love for the way music can affect everyone in different ways. Amy’s love for experimenting with sound and different creatives has led her to collaborate with artists as varied as Travis Barker (on the Gold accredited ‘C’MON’), and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote with Amy on her Platinum accredited single, ‘Love Song’s Ain’t For Us’, featuring Grammy winner Keith Urban.
With this new era upon her, the need to remain grounded and connected to her own instincts has never been more important for Amy Shark – it’s something listeners will be able to connect with throughout the new music and visuals to follow. “I feel like I’m in a really exciting place, to be honest. For a long time, since I started, I was writing songs that I loved – they were so deep and personal – and I had to get really comfortable really quickly with talking about things that were still affecting me.” “I’m in a better place now to manage it all. I feel like I’ve been educated in what it’s like, it’s a nice feeling when you’ve worked really hard and you’ve been in that competitive mode; to back off that mode, I’m actually okay. I just wanna make cool songs and cool art. Nothing scares me anymore, I’m making music because I love making music again and not for any other reason. I’m taking a lot more risks without fear.” AMY SHARK
closePete Murray continues to be one of Australia’s most cherished and respected singer-songwriters, with over 1.2 million records sold across his amazing career so far.
Starting from humble beginnings in 2002, Pete has achieved three ARIA chart-topping albums and a whopping 17 ARIA Award nominations. Known for his world-class live performances, his concerts are a testament to his years of experience and passion for music. His most recent Greatest Hits Tour sold over 13K tickets across Australia, with performances at iconic venues such as The Forum in Melbourne, Enmore Theatre in Sydney and the Astor Theatre in Perth.
Renowned for his emotive and compelling songwriting, Pete’s songs like “Better Days,” “Feeler,” “Opportunity,” and “So Beautiful” have become the soundtrack to many people’s lives.
With exciting new music currently in the works, Pete Murray continues to cement his place as one of the country’s most iconic artists.
closeFind out more about our hilarious Festivale comedy artists who will be entertaining you at the Chefs in Action marquee on Friday and Saturday at Festivale.
view programMel Buttle Comedian / Writer / Presenter
Fearless, funny, and frank, Mel Buttle is a super star of Australian comedy. She is the genius creator behind Australia’s favourite online mum character ‘Lyn’; an award-winning stand-up comedian; a popular television and radio presenter; and the self-declared number one fan of the Matildas.
Mel is currently touring her hit comedy show Not Here to Put Socks on Centipedes after sell-out performances at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney and Brisbane Comedy Festivals.She appears regularly on TV in her own hilarious regular segment for The Project (Ten) and will soon be in the upcoming Series 3 of Taskmaster Australia (Ten). She also writes a monthly column for The Courier Mail’s QWeekend and pops in to chat with Robin & Kip on KIIS 93.7FM Brisbane each week.
Mel Buttle first burst onto the comedy scene in 2010 scoring a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (with Sista Got Flow). She then won the 2012 Sydney Fringe Best Show (for Stop It, You Are!), followed by the 2013 MICF Directors Choice Award (for How Embarrassment). Mel has since written and performed 10 solo shows in 10 years. She has facilitated comedy workshops, created and performed live shows with Nikki Britton, Anne Edmonds, Dave Thornton, Cal Wilson, and Susie Youseff, and supported the likes of Wil Anderson, Marc Maron and Merrick Watts. Mel also still gigs regularly in local comedy clubs and rooms around the country.
Mel has co-hosted the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (ABC) twice and The Great Australian Bake Off (BBC/Foxtel). She is a former Australian Team Captain for Patriot Brains (SBS), survived the jungle in I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here (Ten), and has also appeared as a guest on 7 Days (TV3 NZ), The Weekly with Charlie Pickering (ABC), Question Everything (ABC), The Hundred (Nine), Celebrity Letters and Numbers (SBS), Hughesy, We Have A Problem (Ten) and The Cheap Seats (Ten).
An ingenious comedic content creator, Mel Buttle is sought after for brand collaborations, corporate speaking, script-consulting, screenwriting and speechwriting. Her recent credits include the 2024 AACTA Awards, Mother & Son (Wooden Horse), Ronny Chieng International Student (ABC), The Drum (ABC), You’re Skitting Me (ABC3), Josh Thomas’ Please Like Me (ABC2), This Week Live (Ten).
Mel Buttle is a social media phenomenon. Her beloved mum character ‘Lyn’ is a break-out star in her own right. As Lyn, Mel gives voice to a generation of refreshingly honest no-frills working mums, that we either remember having, or are trying to avoid becoming! Lyn’s hilarious observations on her daughter, extended family, neighbours and work colleagues always reach millions of engaged fans.
Honest, engaging, whip smart and a damn funny dude, Dave Thornton has built a reputation as one of our country’s best stand-up comedians.
With over 20 years in the game, he’s spent more than half his life doing what he loves, performing to crowds across Australia, and globally including Edinburgh, Montreal Singapore and New York.
A regular co-host of The Project, Dave’s TV credentials also include hosting Channel 9’s 20 to 1 and Network 10’s This Week Live appearances on ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks and Agony Uncles, Channel 9’s The Hundred’s with Andy Lee and Network Ten’s Would I Lie To You Australia and Hughesy We Have a Problem.
Dave is also a go to in the world of sport, hosting AFL quiz show The Beep Test on Fox Footy, a format developed by fellow comedian Michael Chamberlin, which returned for a second season in 2019. Continuing to combine work and pleasure, Dave has been a regular guest panellist all through 2022 for Fox Sports’ The Back Page.
He’s also an accomplished actor, appearing in Channel Nine’s House Husbands, ABC TV’s Upper Middle Bogan, and Network Ten’s Five Bedrooms. Basically, if there’s catering, Dave will be there.
With a voice as familiar as his face, Dave is one of Australia’s most beloved broadcasters, co-hosting Fox FM’s breakfast radio show alongside his good friend Fifi Box for many years, and regularly guest appearing on every major radio network in the country. He is also an in-demand voice over artist for notable brands such as Uncle Toby’s and HBF.
Dave is also a prolific figure online, with his stand-up clips garnering millions of views from around the world, He is back on tour in 2024 with his new show Nothing’s Unpossible, exploring fatherhood and family life, in a way that only he can.
closeThis gay can’t throw a ball – but he can do comedy.
Nath is recently married, recently 40 and still renting. How embarrassing.
Fresh from the invite-only Montreal comedy festival, sell out shows across the country and clocking over 12 million views on tiktok – you’d be silly to miss this one.
As seen on Question Everything, The Cheap Seats, The Weekly & The Project.
“Gags that will leave you gasping.” 5/5 The Herald Sun
“A perfectly honed set that spans long-term relationships, retired parents and the annoyingly good life choices of others.” 5/5 The Age
closeComedian, rock musician, mental health advocate and award-winning, best-selling author Nat’s What I Reckon had been creating online content for close to a decade when his early 2020 isolation cooking content rocketed the channel to a new level – blowing up an existing fan base already in the hundreds of thousands to a global following now approaching five million.
Coupled with hilarious social commentary, Nat’s sweary message of kindness and inclusivity and open sharing of his mental health struggles has resonated with champions the world over, earning him a staggering 275 million+ views on his videos.
Nat’s love for taking the playful piss had seen him riff on everything from trade shows and tattoo events to burnout festivals and exploring “the wrong” Area 51, when in response to the craziness he was seeing at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic Nat declared war against processed food.
Unable to bear continually seeing pasta jar-sauce shelves picked clean by hoarders while fresh produce sections were bursting with untouched fruit & veg, Nat launched a video featuring one of his one of his own favourite home-cooked pasta sauce recipes. With his classic sweary style and signature spin and whistle the clip rapidly took Nat to a new level of viral. This new pivot for the channel saw Nat’s audience expand exponentially and win him A-list fans including Courtney Act, Dave Grohl, Yael Stone and frequent collaborator Briggs – but most importantly, successfully got people into the kitchen and away from packaged meals.
Nat with his co-creator, designer and producer Julia Gee as equal partners in the channel have used their platform to hold a tongue-in-cheek mirror up to antiquated culture norms and societal politics, delighting in unveiling irony and making light of how strange everyday life can be. As Nat told The Guardian, “I’ve always made fun of that narrow-minded boofhead thing. The trade-show reviews I did were all about sticking it to boys’ clubs. Boats, burnouts, that kind of shit.”
He is the author of four bestselling books, all published by Penguin Random House. The first, Un-cook Yourself: A Ratbag’s Rules for Life, an “unhelpful self-help guide”, went straight to the #1 Bestsellers spot on both Booktopia and Book Depository on pre-orders alone. The 25 recipe illustrated cookbook Death To Jar Sauce: Rad Recipes For Champions debuted at #2 on Booktopia immediately on announcement, swiftly going on to take out the top spot in the charts in just a week. And Life: What Nat to Do – Nat’s “hot take on the advice you never asked for” was also an immediate and acclaimed best-seller, once again taking Nat straight to number #2 on the Booktopia charts on release.
In March 2022 Nat and Jules launched their joint Spotify Original podcast, Food Crime. A hilarious investigation into the seedier side of food, the smart, funny and biting buffet of educational and interesting information went straight to the top of the podcast charts on its release. The fact-packed and funny podcast revolves around stories about food getting caught up in the world of crime. Murder, poison, heists… all with a side of piss–taking and taste testing.
When he’s not filming, cooking or purloining rosemary from a local bush, Nat can often be found indulging his love of rock’n’roll and comedy, playing in bands and stand-up rooms around Australia and abroad.
closeRead more about our wonderful celebrity Chef Manu Feildel and some of Launceston’s fabulous chefs that will be creating incredible dishes with locally sourced Tasmanian produce at Chefs in Action. The full program will be announced later in 2024.
view programManu Feildel was born to entertain. As a young teenager, he trained with a local Circus group before heading off to start his Chef’s Apprenticeship. So, it’s no surprise he has become one of the most popular personalities on Australian television as co-host of the successful “My Kitchen Rules” series on Channel 7, which debuted in 2010 which has run for 14 years. Manu’s TV career has taken many different paths in recent years, including judge of “Australia’s Got Talent” on Seven, a challenge he took on with gusto, he participated in and won the 2011 series of “Dancing with the Stars”, and is a regular guest presenter on Sydney Weekender. There is no end to the diversity of his presenting skills. In 2020 he was a co-host on a new series alongside mates, Gary Mehigan, and Matt Preston, “Plate of Origin” for the Seven Network.
In 2016, Manu realized a dream of co-producing his first TV series, called Around the World with Manu, which aired on 7Two. He has hosted two series of My France and Manu’s American Roadtrip for Channel Seven.
Manu first appeared on Australian television with Ten’s Ready Steady Cook, his other TV credits include co-host of “Boys Weekend” alongside friends Gary Mehigan, Adrian Richardson, and Miguel Maestre, which now airs to over 110 countries worldwide.
Manu is currently Ambassador for a number of brands, including Spotlight, Home Group, Ingham’s and Finish Dishwasher products, bringing his effervescence and authenticity to the campaigns he works on. He launched his Sauce range nationally in Australia in 2019, which continues to grow in its range and popularity.
It seems that Manu Feildel was destined to become a talented chef from the moment he was born – his great grandfather was a pastry chef, his grandfather and father were chefs, his cousin is a chef in the United States and his mother is a great cook. But, as a child, he saw his future on the stage rather than in the kitchen, and at 13 years old he joined an amateur circus school. By the time he turned 15, Manu had decided that the road to becoming a professional clown was a very long process, so he started as an apprentice in his father’s restaurant. After a year, he progressed to a fine dining restaurant where he finished his apprenticeship. Shortly after, the travel bug bit Manu and he packed his knives and headed for London.
closeThe full program of our local talented chefs will be announced later in 2024.
view programIn 2002 I began my apprenticeship at a seafood restaurant in Launceston. I went on to gain Sous Chef and Head Chef positions in Launceston from 2007-2009.
At the end of 2009, I moved to London with the dream of working for Gordon Ramsay. Luckily, I secured a position as Demi chef at Murano Restaurant, part of the Ramsay Holdings Group, with Angela Hartnett OBE as Chef de Patron. Murano in Mayfair, awarded with a Michelin star, serves modern Italian cuisine. I ran the fish, meat and sauce section, and it
was a massive section and a steep learning curve. I developed skills and techniques I pass on to my team today.
I moved from Murano to Texture restaurant, which held a Michelin star as a Chef de Partie. With Icelandic Chef Aggi Sverrisson at the helm, I learnt new ways to add freshness and seasoning to dishes, worked with Nordic ingredients and learnt the cuisine. This knowledge imparts layers of flavour into my cooking today.
At the end of 2011, I returned home to Tassie and started at Stillwater Restaurant with Executive Chef Craig Will; I held the position of Head Chef for five years. Working with Tasmanian produce and their producers are at the forefront of Craig & Stillwater’s mantra, and I am proud to continue this honour in my restaurant. In 2017 I began my first restaurant, Stelo.
Open seven days for lunch and beautiful weddings in the hazelnut orchard 20 minutes from Launceston. In 2020 Stelo moved to Pierre’s restaurant in the heart of Launceston. 2020 challenged all restauranteurs worldwide, and I wasn’t an exception.
I had a new 180-seat restaurant, three little children, a great crew, all with an uncertain future. We hunkered down, stayed together and experimented. Our signature slowly-leavened sourdough focaccia was born at this time. Local produce through an Italian lens sums up Stelo at Pierre’s. The venue is pure luxury, driven by a team of die-hard hospo professionals. When dining at Stelo, you can always expect warm, tailored service and precise cooking with bags of flavour. Tassie’s produce being
championed, and a little party at every table.
Seven months ago, next door, we opened Bar Stelo. A moody & sleek, bar with serious snacks, local booze.
You’ll find me in my Kitchen at the pass or on my favourite section, pasta.
I live for the service rush, chasing that perfect night.
closePAVANI FERNANDO – HEAD PASTRY CHEF – CATARACT ON PATERSON
Born in Sri Lanka, the island of spices and tea, Pavani’s passion for cooking was instilled in her by a family that cherished gatherings and the joy of sharing food. She began baking cakes in 2015 as a hobby for friends and family, which sparked her love for pastry. After studying Hospitality in Sri Lanka, Pavani moved to Melbourne in 2019 to further her education.
Following a couple of years working at a café where she made sweets and desserts, she relocated to Tasmania in 2022 and took on a patisserie role at Cataract on Paterson. This position has allowed her to explore her creativity and apply her knowledge. Pavani as the Head Pastry Chef has enjoyed maintaining the restaurant’s reputation for highly creative desserts. She has taken pleasure in designing and crafting new desserts and flavours for guests, as well as playing a significant role in creating themed high tea desserts.
One of her highlights has been creating unique and playful desserts for Halloween each October, along with festive treats for Christmas, like Santa and reindeer. She loves seeing the joy her creations bring to our guests.Looking ahead, Pavani aspires to open her own pastry shop, “Pavani’s Patisserie.” She is grateful to live in Tasmania, where there is access to incredible local produce like chocolate and berries.
SOPHIE BATTERHAM 2nd YEAR APPRENTICE CHEF
Growing up on a farm just outside Launceston, Tasmania, Sophie was immersed in a paddock-to-plate lifestyle, which sparked her interest in becoming a chef. She loved cooking at home for her family and was always in charge of dinner. Her journey in the culinary world began with work experience in grade 10 at Cataract on Paterson. Sophie fell in love with the fast-paced environment of the kitchen and knew that this was the career path she wanted to pursue.
After her work experience, she was fortunate to be offered a school-based apprenticeship, starting her chef career at Cataract on Paterson while studying for a Certificate III at TAFE in 2022. Over the past two years, Sophie has exceeded her own expectations and developed a deep passion for the hospitality industry.
As a valued member of the team Cataract, she has played a key role in various sections of the kitchen, including larder, pastry, cook and pass. She has gained a wealth of skills and has confidently cooked for 250 guests on busy Saturday nights in the restaurant. Among all the kitchen areas, she has discovered her love for pastry and the dessert section, enjoying the intricacies of working with chocolate and fresh produce. She appreciates the detail and delicate skill involved, considering it a fine art.
Sophie’s dream is to work alongside a celebrity chef and eventually open her own restaurant or café.
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