Three eager cooking finalists have their eye on the highly-coveted Brett Graham Culinary Scholarship as they prepare to compete for the prize in a cook-off on 18 October.

Named in honour of one of Hunter TAFE's most successful alumni, Brett Graham, the prestigious scholarship is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Hunter TAFE and the Hunter Culinary Association. Now in its 14th year, the scholarship is valued at around $10,000.

The 2015 recipient, Jodie Flanagan (pictured), now works in London as chef de partie in that city's exclusive restaurant, Oblix. Since winning the scholarship 12 months ago, Jodie's culinary career has risen like a soufflé, completing her apprenticeship, followed by a stint working alongside Brett Graham at The Ledbury in London before landing her gig at Oblix.

No doubt the opportunities that have opened up to Jodie since winning last year's scholarship are providing extra inspiration for this year's finalists.