In less than a week, one dish will be crowned the Best Dish in the 2025 ClubsACT Cook for a Cause competition, a culinary challenge that blends creativity, community spirit and a shared commitment to supporting local healthcare.
Across July to September, participating clubs in the nation’s capital each created a signature dish and donated $2 from every plate sold to the Canberra Hospitals Foundation, raising vital funds to support patients, families and frontline healthcare workers.
ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon said the competition has been a wonderful way to celebrate local talent while giving back to the community.
“Cook for a Cause has showcased the incredible creativity and passion of our chefs, while raising funds for the Canberra Hospitals Foundation. We are proud of all the finalists and grateful to the community for supporting this initiative,” he said.
Each finalist dish was selected for its outstanding creativity, flavour and presentation, and this year’s top contenders reflect the diverse talent within club kitchens. Harmonie German Club impressed with its hearty Rinderhaxe, The Mawson Club delivered a playful twist with Parmageddon, The Irish Club served up rich Guinness Braised Ribs, and Eastlake Group brought the smokehouse vibes with its Texas Brisket Burger.
Final judging took place during a dedicated tasting session, where three distinguished judges sampled and scored each dish. The judges were celebrated food author and Chefs Eat Canberra creator Chris Hansen, Canberra Raiders legend and respected community leader Jarrod Croker, and Kate Lundy, chair of CIT and former Senator for the ACT.
But taste alone didn’t determine the result. The judging criteria also considered total funds raised through sales of the competition dish, secret shopper visits and scoring, and guest judge feedback assessing taste, presentation and innovation.
The competition has brought together some of the ACT’s leading clubs, including Vikings Group, Ainslie Football & Social Club, Eastlake Group, Canberra Southern Cross Club Group, Canberra Labor Club Group, The Mawson Club, The Irish Club and Harmonie German Club.
“Taking part in Cook for a Cause was a no-brainer. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community in a new way. Every person needs access to healthcare at some point in their lives, and Cook for a Cause is just a small way we can support local patients, their loved ones, and healthcare workers,” said the Vikings Group.
The winning dish will be announced at the ClubsACT Clubs & Community Awards on Monday, 27 October