Career choices in the hospitality industry were given a glaze by a recent guest to Newington, who entertained, educated and enriched VET students.

Known for her pink mohawk and kitchen theatre, celebrity pastry chef Anna Polyviou had Newington students eating out of her hand when she stopped by recently to share her ingredients for a successful career. 

‘Practice and preparation are key in my industry,’ she told the rapt audience of Food Technology and VET Hospitality students who took part in a Q&A and cooking masterclass.

‘I am Greek Cypriot and started cooking when I was three with my mum, but I never want to stop learning and improving,’ Anna says.  

‘To do that, I push myself every day, set myself challenges and surround myself with people in my industry who are better than I am because that’s the only way you will improve – whether it’s on the rugby field, in the kitchen or in public life.’ 

A MasterChef guest chef and contestant on ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get me out of here!’, Anna did her apprenticeship at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Later, she won a scholarship to the UK where she worked in the famous London hotel Claridge’s, followed by Pierre Hermé Patisserie in Paris. No matter your career choice, honesty, Anna told her audience, is everything. 

‘I travel the world cooking, and it doesn’t matter to me if a client is paying me $1 or $1000 – I always deliver the same kinetic energy, drama and fun. I’ve also learnt if you want to stand out in whatever field you choose, be yourself and focus on your talents so you become your best talking point.’ 

Looking forward to opening her eponymous Greek Cypriot patisserie in Sydney later this year, Anna says working with Newington students, who also enjoyed a teaching session and a meal prepared by the renowned chef, reaffirms her love of cooking. 

‘I grew up understanding that sharing is caring. Cooking and sharing a meal are so important because they bring people together. 

‘I know a lot of young people are looking at cooking on Insta and TikTok which is great, but what matters more to me is that they are getting into the kitchen like these Newington students and trying different dishes out, because they are the future.’ 

Mr Stephen Roberts, Head of VET and Careers at Newington, says Anna Polyviou’s visit was a memorable one. 

‘From sharing her journey and industry insights to leading a hands-on masterclass, Anna encouraged students to embrace hard work, creativity, and authenticity in their career paths. Her message was clear: success comes from practice, passion, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow.’  

To see the wide range of opportunities available to VET students at Newington, read our blog ‘Senior students plate up for Hospitality Showcase Dinner‘ and ‘Curly career questions covered at Newington‘.

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