Catherine McDougall – educator, chef and change maker
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Finalist for The Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award 2025

CatherineMcDougall is not your average teacher. She’s a passionate educator, chef, andchangemaker whose work in food education is transforming lives across WesternAustralia - especially for students from underserved backgrounds.

At the heart of Catherine’s approach is the belief that learning should be meaningful, hands-on, and inclusive. Through programmes like Jackson’s Training Café and Bean@bility Café, she has created real-world experiences where students can gain nationally recognised hospitality qualifications while building confidence, community, and a sense ofpurpose.

But Catherine’s impact goes far beyond the school gates.

She co-founded the not-for-profit Prepare Produce Provide (PPP) andlaunched the 5,000Meals Program, which engages students in preparingnutritious meals for vulnerable people using rescued food. PPP has providedtens of thousands of meals to those in need, teaching students not only kitchenskills but also empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.

And the results speak for themselves - improved schoolattendance, greater engagement, and clear post-school pathways into furthereducation and employment.

Her commitment to equity doesn’t stop at metro schools. Catherinehas worked with remote communities in WA and collaborated with schools, Elders,and industry to deliver food education that’s relevant, respectful, and empowering.

One of her proudest milestones came in 2020, when Indigenousstudents from her programme travelled to Germany to compete in the Culinary Olympics - becoming the first Aboriginal Australians to represent theirculture on that global culinary stage.

Whether she’s working alongside students in a school café,collaborating with chefs and Elders, or mentoring educators across the state,Catherine MacDougall is redefining what education can be. Her work is apowerful reminder of the importance of heart, community, and purpose.

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