Jessica Perri, 35, Victoria @jessica.perri_ Occupation: Optometrist
To Jessica Perri, food is many things. Not simply nourishment, but love, passion, comfort, tradition, education and much more. Jessica is most inspired in the kitchen by her two Nonnas who taught her to cook from the age of three. The method wasn’t to follow recipes, but to cook “alla buona”, or “effortlessly, with minimal fuss”. Only after her Nonna passed away did Jessica realise the gift and responsibility she had been given to continue the family legacy through food. It’s a task she doesn’t take lightly. Working in a scientific field and juggling the demands of motherhood, Jessica often craves a creative outlet, and she finds it in the kitchen.
Larissa Sewell, 38, South Australia @feastwithlarissa Occupation: Stay At Home Mum
Inspired by her Ukrainian and Russian heritage, Larissa Sewell’s biggest influence has been her babushka, whose sharing of traditions has shaped Larissa as both a woman and a cook. Having fled their homeland during the Russian Revolution, three of Larissa’s grandparents resettled in China. This fusion of cultures meant that Larissa was raised on a unique melting pot of flavours. Alongside her husband and twin boys, she lives an urban farm lifestyle in Adelaide, complete with heirloom vegetables and heritage chickens while running a small fruit and vegetable co-op, and a successful grazing platter business.
Malissa Fedele, 28, South Australia @malissafedele Occupation: Nutritionist
As a clinical nutritionist, Malissa Fedele knows the importance of good food for good health. Being from an Italian family means she also knows that good food means good times. Born and bred in Adelaide, Malissa’s big, loud family influenced her interest in food from the get-go. Her parents owned a fruit and vegetable store where she and her siblings worked, and both her Nonnas and her mum encouraged her to get into the kitchen. Food is a huge part of her work too. Malissa’s own clinical practice focuses on women’s health needs and offers nutritional consultations to help create healthy lifestyles and make better dietary choices to best support women’s health and wellbeing.
Phil Conway, 33, Victoria @philconway_ Occupation: Fitness Studio Manager
Growing up in Galway, Ireland, Phil Conway has fond memories of cooking with his nan in the kitchen and making her famous apple tarts. His move to Melbourne 12 years ago sparked an interest in food and as a result, has him eating out regularly with his wife whose Italian heritage provides the pair a deep affinity with the country and cuisine. Turning his passion for fitness into a career, the pandemic left Phil unable to train clients. Instead, he spent a great deal of time cooking, reigniting a joy for being in the kitchen and giving him clarity about his future. In 2022, Phil spent a month in the Veneto wine region in Italy for wine harvest, learning traditional recipes, making pasta and sauces.
Ralph Kahango, 32, Western Australia @ralphkahango Occupation: Auditor
Growing up in a big family in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Ralph Kahango moved to Australia aged 17 to focus on his studies, going on to achieve his Master of Accounting. Working for five years as a government auditor and kicking professional goals, Ralph now feels that the time is right to put his passion for cooking first. Being in the kitchen is Ralph’s creative outlet and he cooks to relax. With a love of Italian food, Ralph looks up to chefs like Marco Pierre White and has built knowledge through cookbooks, YouTube and recreating restaurant dishes. He looks forward to sharing his Zimbabwean food, culture and traditions with the judges. While baking may be a weakness, Ralph plans to hone his skills during the competition, always being open to feedback.
Rhiannon Anderson, 46, Queensland @rhiplenish Occupation: Administration
Rhiannon Anderson is ready for her moment. With her daughter and stepchildren now grown,
Rhiannon plans to prove to her kids that anything is possible, at any age. Without doubt, Rhiannon’s biggest inspiration in life has been her mum, who sadly lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2021. Her mum became a chef when Rhiannon was 11 and taught Rhiannon all she knows in the kitchen. She told Rhiannon that she must apply for MasterChef, which makes Rhiannon’s spot in the Top 18 all the more special. Rhiannon is an accomplished water-skier, holding the title as the 2022 national women’s 45+ champion, arming her with an unbeatable competitive spirit.
Robbie Cooper, 65, Northern Territory @unclerobbiecooks Occupation: Youth Support Worker
For proud Iwaidja man Robbie Cooper, entering the MasterChef kitchen is not simply an opportunity to share his food, but also his rich culture and history. Growing up in Darwin, he’s recognised as an accomplished AFL and rugby league player and is now a youth support worker in a supported bail program. Like many Aboriginal families in the Northern Territory, Robbie’s ancestry incorporates Asian heritage, including Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino, along with Torres Strait Islander. Labelling his cooking style ‘Aboriginal Asian fusion’, Robbie is equally at-home cooking on country as he is creating modern Australian cuisine. As the eldest contestant in the competition, Robbie will relish the opportunity to be an Uncle to the group and share his wisdom.
Rue Mupedzi, 29, Western Australia @Ruetendom Occupation: Oral Health Therapist
It was Rue Mupedzi’s first fine-dining experience in Sydney in 2014 that set her on the path towards the MasterChef kitchen. In 2021, Rue took a break from her role as an Oral Health Therapist to pursue her passion for baking, launching a macaron business. A model of persistence, it took her 10 months of trial and error to perfect her recipe. Moving to Australia from Zimbabwe aged 15 with her parents, older sister and younger brother, Rue loves food because in her culture, it brings people together. Her mum taught her the basics of cooking, and she has layered this learning with her library of cookbooks. A calm presence in the kitchen, Rue anticipates working well under pressure and is ready to learn all she can.
Theo Loizou, 37, Victoria @theegram Occupation: Electrician
A sparky by trade, Theo Loizou couldn’t be happier to now be working with different tools. In 2019, after 12 years in his trade, Theo moved to France to follow his dream to work in a Parisienne boulangerie, despite not speaking the language. Planning to stay for six months, he met his partner and stayed for three years, taking time to hone his baking skills before the pair relocated back to Melbourne. Having a deep connection with the food and culture of his Greek and Cyprian ancestry, Theo learnt from both his parents and grandparents in the kitchen, before beginning to experiment himself. Theo is a confident cook who trusts his intuition, he would rather cook by feel than follow a recipe. He will be showing off his bread skills and leaning into his Greek heritage wherever possible.
