Spreading Love, Kindness & Culinary Magic Into 2026
Ho Ho Ho!
Merry Christmas to all our incredible chefs, culinary leaders, hospitality professionals, students, mentors, and to every passionate individual who proudly carries the flame of our profession.
As your AITC Santa – and honoured to serve as President – I want to take a moment during this festive season to reflect, celebrate, and most importantly, to share the deepest appreciation for the work each of you do every single day.
Spreading Love & Kindness Through Our Cooking
Chefs don’t just cook food.
We create moments, memories, comfort, celebration, healing, connection, and joy.
Every plate you design, every menu you plan, every training session you deliver, and every young apprentice you guide—
you are spreading love and kindness in the purest form.
Food is our universal language..
- A warm meal can lift a spirit.
- A simple soup can bring dignity.
- A beautifully executed dish can inspire creativity.
- A shared table can bring people together after years of distance.
And this year, the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs has witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity, professionalism, discipline and passion from all of you—and for that, I couldn’t be prouder.
2025 – The Year of Strength, Innovation & Integrity
This year, AITC grew not just in numbers, but in reputation, influence, collaboration and purpose.
Together we:
- Elevated the image and professionalism of technical chefs.
- Strengthened our industry partnerships with educators, suppliers, and national bodies.
- Empowered more chefs with resources, recognition and pathways for excellence.
- Supported events, training, standards, and mentorship programs
- Celebrated our forefathers and honoured the legacy on which our institute stands.
- Created a stronger voice for chefs across Australia—and internationally.
Every meeting, every brainstorming session, every competition, every collaboration has brought us closer to a shared vision:
Chefs united, empowered, respected, and inspired.
Welcoming 2026 – A Year of Inspiration, Courage & Culinary Leadership
As the sleigh bells ring us into 2026, I encourage every chef—whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey
—to carry this message:
- Your craft is powerful.
- Your skill is meaningful
- Your contribution matters.
2026 will be a year of:
Innovation
Pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, adopting new technologies, and elevating our craft with confidence and creativity.
Education & Growth
Strengthening professional development, expanding AITC programs, and nurturing the next generation of chefs who will one day lead our kitchens and our industry.
Collaboration
Standing side-by-side with our partners, supporters, suppliers, and allied organisations to build a more positive, sustainable, and respected culinary future.
Leadership with Heart
Leading not by title, but by integrity, kindness, hospitality, and generosity—just as chefs have done for centuries.
Restoring Joy
Returning to the essence of why we cook:
to bring happiness to others.
AITC Santa’s Christmas Wish for You
This festive season, my wish for every one of you is simple:
- May your kitchen be filled with laughter rather than stress.
- May your ideas be bold, your creativity fearless, and your passion renewed.
- May you find time to rest, recharge, reflect, and reconnect with the people who make your life meaningful.
- May your knives stay sharp, your pans stay hot, and your purpose stay strong.
- And may 2026 bring you opportunities that excite you, challenges that strengthen you, and achievements that make you proud.
Thank You, AITC Family
To our committee, members, industry partners, sponsors, supporters, educators, apprentices and friends—
thank you for believing in the AITC vision.
Thank you for standing with us, working beside us, and shaping the future with us.
Together, we will continue to honour our founders, elevate our profession, and build a legacy for decades to come.
From my AITC Santa sleigh to your kitchen bench…
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here’s to a brilliant, inspiring, delicious 2026!
Keep spreading love.
Keep spreading kindness.
Keep spreading the magic only chefs can create.
Warmest culinary regards,
Jeffrey R. Gear
President
Australian Institute of Technical Chefs