Age: 56

State: Western Australia

Occupation: Education Administrator

Instagram: @whatsfordinnerbelinda

From the age of 11, Belinda knew she wanted a career in food. It was whilst living in Papua New Guinea with her family as young girl that Belinda first learned her way around the kitchen when her mum Phillis took ill and was in hospital. Belinda stepped up and started cooking to help the family and loved it. When her mum returned, they cooked together and her mum taught her things along the way that she cherishes.

Belinda began a cooking apprenticeship at 19 and learned a lot, but when love got in the way she never finished it. Now life has come full circle and her passion has never dulled as she enters the MasterChef Australia kitchen, ready to reignite her food dreams.

Belinda’s career has been varied over the years, including work as an air hostess, traveling the world and sampling many cuisines. She has worked in finance, ran a bed & breakfast and most recently was a university liaison officer, securing student placements to help them get their careers off the ground.

But Belinda knows it’s time for a change. She is supported at home by daughter Willow and partner Justin, as well as her parents in Canberra. Willow, 16, is the light of Belinda’s life, her mum’s biggest supporter and a passionate foodie too. The pair cook together almost daily and plan every outing around where they will eat!

Belinda expects her life experience and versatility across a variety of cooking styles to be an asset in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. She has a love of Asian flavours and enjoys creative, off-the-cuff cooking, totally in her element preparing a themed dinner party for friends.

Belinda is inspired by the original MasterChef herself, Julie Goodwin, and hopes to follow in her footsteps, noting her determination, focus and work ethic as inspirational.

Belinda’s dream is to one day open a cooking school where she would show people that making delicious food need not be overwhelming, but accessible, fun and fulfilling.