Our 2026 Abrolhos Chef
Scott Brannigan is one of Western Australia’s most esteemed and experienced chefs, a culinary leader whose career spans over two decades at the helm of some of the state’s finest kitchens.
Scott Brannigan
As the driving force behind To The Line, his chef-driven consultancy distills years of hands-on expertise into practical, high-powered mentorship. Scott bridges the gap between big-restaurant ambition and grounded, sustainable operations, helping restaurateurs, chefs, and operators shape efficient, creative, and well-run kitchens.
For Pearls and Plates Abrolhos, Scott draws inspiration from the raw, untouched beauty of the region and its exceptional seafood offerings.
“It’s a wild, untouched beauty with so much great seafood. It’s a place you pay for the whole seat, but only need the edge.” - Scott Brannigan
Our 2026 Broken Bay Chef
Mindy Woods, a celebrated Bundjalung chef.
Mindy Woods
Mindy Woods is a proud Bundjalung woman, chef, and author reshaping Australia’s culinary identity through the power of First Nations food. A finalist on MasterChef Australia 2012 and recipient of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Champion of Change Award, she is nationally and globally recognised for revitalising Indigenous culture through contemporary gastronomy.
As the founder of Karkalla, Mindy champions native ingredients and seasonal, locally sourced produce, weaving cultural storytelling into every dish to honour the world’s oldest continuous food culture. She works alongside communities and knowledge holders to protect sovereign Indigenous food systems, mentors the next generation of First Nations chefs in hospitality, and inspires audiences worldwide to connect more deeply with Country through food.
For Pearls and Plates Broken Bay, Mindy will showcase local producers alongside ancient and contemporary techniques in a dining experience that is intentionally designed to slow people down, bring them together around the table, and create shared moments through food.
