Females top apprentice titles in five states
Female apprentices have topped the ranks in five of the seven state titles in the annual AMIC apprentice of the year competitions.
Victorian Selena Licastro (Nino and Joe’s, Brunswick) was crowned the Victorinox Victorian Apprentice of the Year, while South Australian Chelsea Matson (Meat You Want) earned the title of TFI South Australian Apprentice of the Year. Meanwhile, over in the west, Natasha Fisher, (Rump Shakers, Byford) was awarded the 2025 D.R. Johnston Western Australian Apprentice Butcher of the Year and Queenslander Claire Keleher (W. Carey and Sons, Warwick) won her state’s award.
Riley Homer (Saratoga Quality Meats) won the NSW/ACT title and Tamika Banks (Malones Butchery) won the NT title for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, in Tasmania, the Apprentice of the Year winner was Oscar Campbell (Vermeys Quality Meats)
The Tasmanian runner-up was Maiken Lee (Jo’s Fresh Meats). Other runners-up were South Australian Jonty Purdue, (Thomas Foods West Lakes), Victorian Jim McCaffrey (Ashburton Meats), Queenslander Daniel Roberts (Peter Augustus, Camp Hill) and the WA runner-up was Noah Vermeulen (Torre and Mordini Artisan Butchers).
More than 80 apprentices competed and the winners will battle it out in the national final to be held in March 2026.
Participants were assessed on their ability to break down a lamb and pork barrel into specific cuts. In the Mystery Box Challenge, they were tasked with creating specific products using a beef knuckle and whole chicken.
They also developed value-added products by using secondary cuts to create ready-to-cook meals, incorporating various flavour enhancements. This year's mystery ingredient was baby spinach.
“These apprentices represent a bright future for the craft,” said Stuart Fuller, AMIC General Manager of Retail. “The support from butchers, judges, and the broader industry shows how inclusive, diverse, and forward-looking our sector is.”
Selena won her Victorian title against 14 other apprentices. She said: “I wanted to challenge myself, and I’m so glad I did. My advice to others: give it a go, give it your best shot—you never know what you can achieve.”
Both Selena and Jim are studying at William Angliss Institute. Selena is currently completing her Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) with meat processing teacher Russell Carroll.
“Going into the competition, I was nervous but confident at the same time,” she said. I just stayed calm and gave it my best shot. I’m proud of myself for having the confidence to give it a go.”
At the recent William Angliss Institute Scholarship Ceremony, Selena also received the Harper’s Butchery Award, supporting her skills development and study resources.
“I was stunned and extremely grateful,” she said. “The funds helped me buy new knives to create quality cuts of meat to display in the shop window. I also bought ingredients to experiment with new ideas as I am working towards becoming as creative and unique with my products as possible.”
Chelsea added: “I want to one day own and run my own business. The competition was an opportunity to meet new people, practice new things and continue developing within butchery as it’s a very interesting trade.”
West Australian winner Natasha said: “Everyone from Rump Shakers have always been there for me and pushed me to be better than I can be,” Fisher said upon accepting her award. “My goal in the future is to own my own butcher shop. This job was definitely for me – I just love it.”
NSW’s Riley said: “It was an incredible competition and an amazing experience. I’ve come to appreciate butchery not just as a trade but as an artisan craft – an I’m proud to be part of such a passionate, thriving industry.”
Second-timer Tamika said: “I’m stoked to be given another chance to showcase my talent at the nationals next year.”
In addition to the competition, the AMIC Gala events also recognised industry legends and raised vital funds including $2600 to the Superheroes Foundation in Victoria, supporting families facing brain cancer treatments and $4000 to Charlie’s Rainbow in South Australia, funding paediatric leukaemia research at UniSA.
Awards honoured Domenic Ventura (VIC, CBS Ricky Hart Legends Award) and Rodney Sims (SA, Legends Award).