Top butchers and apprentices were honoured on Saturday night at the NSW/ACT and Northern Territory Award Gala Dinners, hosted by the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC).
The prestigious events brought together industry leaders, businesses and supporters to recognise and celebrate excellence in butchery, craftsmanship, and quality.
Riley Homer, Saratoga Quality Meats, was awarded the 2025 NSW/ACT Apprentice of the Year Award and Tamika Banks, Malones Butchery, was awarded the 2025 Northern Territory Apprentice of the Year for the second year in a row.
“It was an incredible competition and an amazing experience,” Riley said. “I’ve come to appreciate butchery not just as a trade, but as an artisan craft – and I’m proud to be a part of such a passionate, thriving industry.”
More than 80 apprentices competed in AMIC state apprentice events and of the seven winners who will compete in the National Final, five are women.
“It’s an honour to win Apprentice of the Year for the second year in a row,” Tamika said. “I am grateful to Malones Butchery, AMIC, CDU, and all of the judges involved and I’m stoked to be given another chance to showcase my talent at nationals next year.”
Sausage King and Best Butcher Burger awards were also awarded with category winners and the apprentices to go onto the National Final in March 2026. “It’s fantastic to see,” Stuart Fuller, AMIC General Manager, Retail, said. “The level of skills shown by the apprentices in their practicals and value-added products produced by all the competitors proves that Butchers around Australia are developing outstanding people and products. We are very much looking forward to the Nationals, it will be an incredible showcase event.”
AMIC extends its congratulations to all winners, finalists, and participants, and thanks the sponsors and supporters whose contributions made the events and competition program possible.
View all Northern Territory Results Here
Media contact:
Jemma Harper – General Manager Corporate Affairs
M: 0429 040 128
E: [email protected]
