Western Australia, 37, Learning Systems Admin

For South African-born, Perth-based Amy Shields, the time is now.

“I’ve always felt destined for something bigger than what my life is currently and I’m ready to start fighting for that.”

Born in Johannesburg, Amy moved to Perth with her family aged 24 as her dad, now passed on, was Australian.

Amy lives with husband Craig and her close-knit family are all nearby. This includes mum Margaret, sisters Leigh and Kate and brother Adam, as well as her five nieces and nephews.

After moving to Western Australia, Amy has worked in the Kimberleys, Norseman and Broome, including a stint at El Questro. The latter is where she worked in front of house as a Homestead Assistant; at times she was lucky enough to help the chef with basic prep.

Back in Perth in 2005, one of Amy’s biggest hurdles in life came after being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer at age 28. She fought hard to keep her fertility intact and is now in remission.

One challenge led to the next for Amy and husband Craig, as they continue to fight towards their ultimate aim of becoming parents. Having had no luck conceiving naturally, the couple has undergone a number of unsuccessful fertility treatments.

“We’re waiting for our miracle," says Amy. "We’re confident it will happen."

Having forged a career in Learning and Development, Amy thinks now is the time to pursue her passion for food and test her skills in the MasterChef Australia kitchen.

Amy describes her cooking style as homely and nurturing, with a focus on flavour. She loves cooking for Craig, who will often reject the idea of going out for a meal when he "can eat better at home".

With aspirations to write a best-selling cookbook, Amy wants to make food accessible to people. She’d love to run cooking classes to inspire home cooks with simple flavours and ingredients. "I’d love to search the world for amazing recipes, found in countries that are often overlooked," says Amy.

Sharing that her food idols include Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Maggie Beer, Amy explains: “Food is what I’m good at, and to be able to do what I’m good at, to do what I love and get paid for it, would be a real blessing.”

“It’s time.”