The pair, both 23, recently graduated from TAFE NSW with Certificate IIIs in Commercial Cookery, and are employed by fine-dining establishment Restaurant Mason, and have proven they can mix it with the best in the kitchen.

“We were a little nervous to start, cooking in a competition environment is very different to cooking day-to-day in the kitchen,” the duo said. “Our strength is that we are good friends, and we work well together. We’re really proud of our result.”

The Golden Chef’s Hat Award was designed to offer next generation cooking talents the chance to “learn new skills, create amazing dishes and experience new opportunities in their careers”, and now Mirosevich and Guy are bound for the next leg of the national competition.

The Newcastle duo competed against nine teams, and were given two and a half hours to prepare, cook and present a two-course menu consisting of a main and dessert, all from a range of set ingredients.

Their silver finish gives them a ticket to Melbourne, with their all-expenses paid trip will take them to the country’s finals at Fine Food Australia. The winners of the national comp will secure a culinary trip to Italy.

To achieve so highly in their first competitive environment is “exceptional”, the duo’s TAFE NSW commercial cookery teacher Mark McManus said.

“George and Liam put their culinary skills on the table,” he said. “These two TAFE NSW graduates will represent the region at the national final, which is a great result.”

“TAFE NSW had a very strong representation of past and present students at this heat and this is a true example of the high quality of training here in the Hunter from both their teachers and employers.”

The national finals will be held in September.