Educator and chef Ms Catherine McDougall has won the King’s Trust Australia Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award 2025.
A visionary educator, accomplished chef, and dedicated changemaker, Ms McDougall is reshaping food education across Western Australia – particularly for students from underserved and remote communities.
Recognising her groundbreaking work, Ms McDougall was recently awarded the inaugural King’s Trust
Australia Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award 2025. This award honours outstanding educators,
mentors, trainers, and facilitators working with young people in both school and non-school settings.
“It lifts my heart to know that there are so many people in Australia working so hard and tirelessly to
show innovation in education,” said Mr Paul Cross, Patron and Educator, the King’s Trust Australia.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms McDougall said, “My journey into the central desert and working with
Aboriginal kids started around 12 years ago. I think there are many educators out there who do
incredible work, and I feel very privileged to have been recognised for the work that I do.”
Driven by the belief that learning should be meaningful, hands-on, and inclusive, Ms McDougall has created
innovative programs that open real pathways for young people. Through initiatives like Jackson’s
Training Café and Bean@bility Café, she provides students with real-world hospitality environments
where they can earn nationally recognised qualifications while gaining confidence, community
connection, and a sense of purpose.
Ms McDougall’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She co-founded the not-for-profit Prepare
Produce Provide (PPP) and established the 5,000 Meals Program, which empowers students to prepare
nutritious meals for vulnerable people using rescued food. Tens of thousands of meals have been
donated, with students learning not only culinary skills but also empathy, leadership, and social
responsibility.
Her programs have led to tangible improvements – higher school attendance, stronger engagement, and
clear pathways into further education, training, and employment.
Ms McDougall’s commitment to equity reaches across the state. She has worked closely with remote
communities, collaborating with schools, Elders, and industry partners to deliver culturally responsive
and empowering food education.
A standout moment in her career came in 2020, when Indigenous students from her program travelled
to Germany to compete in the Culinary Olympics, becoming the first Aboriginal Australians to represent
their culture on that global culinary stage.
Whether guiding students in a school café, partnering with chefs and community leaders, or mentoring
educators across Western Australia, Ms McDougall is redefining what education can be. Her work
is a powerful testament to learning grounded in heart, community, and purpose.
