Proudly passionate about her food, country and culture, Mindy Woods is set to return to the MasterChef Australia kitchen. A former physiotherapist, Woods came in fourth place back in season four of the reality show, and since then has developed and enhanced her culinary skills. Now, she’s ready to whip up some delicious meals that will showcase her skills and, hopefully, take her all the way to the finals.
After winning our hearts during her time on the show, Woods went on to work as the Head Of Culinary Development for the Lotus Group before opening her own venue, Karkalla in Byron Bay, but her list of achievements doesn’t end there. In 2021, the Australian government asked Woods to represent the country as a guest chef at the World Expo in Dubai, a moment she’s incredibly proud of.
As a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia bul clan, Woods hopes to highlight Aboriginal culture, art and stories through her food, and to promote the use of the world’s oldest living ingredients. Her love of food began when she was a young child, watching her dad cook for the Australian air force. She remembers making her parents breakfast in bed during their trips around the country.
As for what she enjoys cooking the most? Well, it would have to be a beautifully prepared snapper, with native curry and handmade roti. When she’s not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, Woods enjoys spending time with her wife Rachelle and their two cats, Leopold and Lucy.
MasterChef Australia: Fans and Favourites premieres Monday, April 18 on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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