MasterChef winner Brent Draper’s new cooking journey through the Northern Rivers

By Sarah Waters

Cooking good quality food doesn’t require a fancy kitchen, it can be done anywhere - in fact, it’s better if it’s cooked outside, says Brent Draper.

The Northern Rivers Times recently caught up with the 35-year-old, who became known to Australia as last year’s MasterChef winner.

The likeable and down-to-earth personality won over Australia and the show’s judges with his natural talent for cooking rustic style, favour-packed food over the coals.

Now, the former boilermaker turned chef, is on a mission to share his on-the-road cooking skills, tips and recipes via a ‘catch and cook’ content series.

Caravan manufacturer Jayco Australia have brought Brent onboard as their latest ‘Vanbassador’ where he basically gets to do what he loves most - travel and cook.

Brent, his wife Shonleigh and son Alfe are no strangers to van life.

Two years ago, they hit the road to do ‘a lap’ around Australia in a self-renovated bus with their frst-born son Alfe.

They didn’t quite make it right around the country as Brent got the call to come back and compete in season 15 of MasterChef, last year, which he won.

Brent said life had become busy after the show, especially as it coincided with the birth of his second son Bowie.

His latest travel ventures, with the Jayco All-Terrain caravan in long weekends and do a lot around the Northern Rivers area,” he said.

“Even though we live here, it’s just a different experience in a caravan explore this area, I think our trips will resonate with the average caravan owner.”

During the family’s travels, Brent hopes to tow, will be shorter trips full of great outdoor cooking.

“We’re going to instead just do threefour day trips, get away on Friday, get back on Monday, go away on the and I love cooking outdoors on the fre.

“We spent a few days out at Misty Mountain in the new van, it was amazing to sit by the fre with views of Mt Burrell… we just love to

“You don’t need a lot of money to create an amazing meal,” he said.

“And when you’re camping you’ve got an experience; you’ve got nature, and it just makes the food taste so much better.

“That’s why I tend to love the barbeque, cooking over fre, you know it’s a little bit more rustic, it’s not fne dining, but it’s just so yummy.

“And there’s something in us, like maybe primal, when we eat that charred food or get that favour from charcoal or fame it just reignites something.” show people how to ‘step up’ the average camping meal without spending a fortune.

As a self-described ‘mad waterman’ Brent has a great love for surfng and fshing (especially for mud crabs) and has spent much of his life outdoors.

It is exactly the type of lifestyle he wants his two young boys to experience but it has also helped to keep himself grounded.

Before he won last year’s season of MasterChef, he had previously competed in season 13 (in 2021) but withdrew halfway through the competition to prioritise his mental health.

He will demonstrate how to cook good food over the fre, barbeque or gas burner.

Join the Lismore Zine Fair & Print Fest at Galaxy Underground

Celebrate independent art and expression at the Lismore Zine Fair and Print Fest, happening Saturday, June 29th from 11am to 3pm at the former North Lismore Newsagency, 51 Bridge Street. This free, all-ages event, now in its second year, features stalls from local and interstate artists, zine-making workshops,

His openness about leaving the competition due to stress and anxiety, exacerbated by the show, became a story in itself with many people thanking him for his honesty.

Brent has since become a mental health advocate and hopes to food trucks, and more.

Event Highlights:

• Free zine-making workshops and photocopying facilities

• Coffee van and Italian cuisine food truck

• Free zine table and comfortable outdoor seating

Get Involved: Stalls are still available, especially for locals from Lismore and the Northern Rivers. To secure a spot, email 2480streetpress@gmail. com or contact 2480 Lismore Street Press on show people, and men in particular, that you can endure hard times and come out stronger on the other side.

He moved to the Northern Rivers a year ago, having previously lived in the Gold Coast, to enjoy a quieter pace of life.

“I do a lot of stuff in Melbourne, Sydney cooking and it’s just like a big concrete jungle and rat race,” he said.

“I always fnd coming back to a beach or a mountain - it just relieves the pressure.

“I think it’s in our DNA to be able to just kick the shoes off and walk on a beach and that instantly make us feel good.”

Despite Brent’s frst attempt at MasterChef not going to plan, he hopes the winning comeback he made last year will inspire others.

“My life is an absolute roller coaster, full of adventure.

“One thing that I can say is, take that 30 seconds of courage and take that little risk.

“You never know what could happen.

“If I didn’t take that 30 seconds and sign up to a cooking show - even though I didn’t think I could cook very well - I’d still be in a job I didn’t like.”

To follow Brent Draper’s cooking journey and recipes follow him on Instagram: @ brentdraper_ and also follow @jaycoaustralia on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Facebook or Instagram. Tabling is free!

Casper Batchelor, event organizer and editor at 2480 Lismore Street Press, invites everyone to “experience the rich culture and creativity of Lismore through its vibrant zine and indie art scene.”

Don’t miss this unique blend of gallery, craft market, and art installation, celebrating everything from zines to indie press. Dive into the creative community of Lismore and leave inspired!