Accredited Social Enterprise project Kitchen Challenge founded by Rob Rees MBE DL, who was awarded a Distinguished Talent Visa in 2017 by the Australian Government, has appointed teacher, food and sustainability champion, leader, MasterChef Australia 2016 winner and new mother, Elena Jo Duggan as its first Patron.

Kitchen Challenge is a leadership project that improves business performance, mental health and wellbeing, grows human potential and develops shared values between communities of difference and organisations of all kinds. It does this via a variety of tough food related challenges.

According to Rees “…128 people have now taken part in Australia and New Zealand and the time has come to appoint a figurehead of distinction, quality and purpose, to help us grow and develop more social impact, across Asia and highlight the role of social prescribing”.

Duggan, a teacher by trade, came into Australian and global living rooms as Winner of Channel 10’s MasterChef Australia 2016 and is currently hosting My Market Kitchen also Channel 10. Rees and Duggan met soon after, and have since worked informally together, helping society to focus on and understand the strengths of everyone, whilst on a mission to reduce inequalities.

Duggan said that connecting with Rob and Kitchen Challenge was a natural, comfortable and easy fit.

“We’re thoroughly aligned in personal and philosophical values, and how we can utilise our own positions to educate and empower others to better themselves, their lives and the lives of others; all through the powerful vehicle of food,” she said.  “Food is a universal language; a mind, body, soul fuel that breaks down barriers, dissolves difference, connects and equalises us. To be officially associated with all the goodness Kitchen Challenge is achieving as Patron, is a proud honour, privilege and absolute joy.”

Rees added that he is delighted to have Elena in this official capacity. “Her wisdom, creativity, network and values can only enrich our impact and assist even more people to connect and reach their individual potential, and community engagement,” he said.