Western Australia, 26, Advertising Creative

From a close-knit Italian clan, Sara Oteri’s immediate family of mum Emilie, dad Maurice and sister Alessia, 22, grows to around 20 at Christmas time when they are packed around the dining table.

Growing up in Western Australia, Sara’s mum and grandparents were her guiding lights in the kitchen. She says: “They didn’t so much teach me how to cook, they taught me how to love food.”

After studying communications at university, Sara made the move to Melbourne four years ago to attend AWARD School, an advertising industry course. The move saw Sara’s cooking evolve, as she stepped outside her comfort zone to try different styles and techniques.