32, Digital Content Creator, QLD

A familiar face returns to the MasterChef kitchen to add to the surprises in 2023, with former boilermaker Brent Draper back for a second tilt at the title. Having stepped away from the competition in Season 13 (2021) to prioritise his mental health, Brent has since worked hard to change both his and his family’s lives, for the better.

Following his dream, Brent purchased and renovated a bus to hit the road with wife and their young son for the adventure of a lifetime travelling around Australia. For the best part of a year, the Drapers led a simple yet rich life, meeting people, cooking and sharing good tucker and good times.

Now working as a digital content creator for brands, Brent has worked as a National Coles Ambassador for the past two years, developing recipes and content for the retailer.

Brent remains passionate and committed to sharing his mental health journey with the hopes to inspire others to also tackle their problems head-on. He wants to show people, and men in particular, that you can endure hard times and come out stronger on the other side.

Brent returns to the competition equipped with a toolkit ready to help him navigate the challenges ahead, with exercise, meditation and mantras key. While the aim is most definitely to take home the trophy, for Brent, his driving motivation is to make his wife and son proud.

Back in the MasterChef kitchen, Brent plans to bring the big flavours he’s known for. We can expect seafood and meat over coals, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern flavours, and always as much umami as possible.

With a revitalised outlook, Brent hopes that his inside knowledge of the MasterChef kitchen will make it easier to handle the secrets and surprises that the judges have in store.

Inspired by his 2022 travels, next on Brent’s agenda is to buy a farm in South Australia, with a small campground where he would welcome and cook for travellers.