Cath Collins first stepped into the MasterChef kitchen as a self-taught cook and Melbourne mum — and she made it all the way to the top five. Regarded by her fellow contestants, judges, and viewers for her homey dishes, warm personality, and signature “wow” catchphrase. After the show, she turned her passion for food into a business, launching her own cooking school, Cath’s Kitchen.
This year, she returned to MasterChef — older, wiser, and ready to showcase her new skills. But in a bittersweet twist, she became the first contestant to be eliminated in the season.
After the episode aired, Cath took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message:
“Devastated that I have gone out on a dish that I love… Proud that I was brave and went back to MasterChef knowing how hard it was going to be. Grateful for meeting the MasterChef legends that I now call family.”
She also reminded her followers to cook with joy — and to “remember to give yourself a hug.”
Following her departure from MasterChef: Back to Win, we caught up with Cath Collins to talk about the highs, the lows, and the lessons she’s taking with her.
You made a major career pivot to the culinary world — from working in your family’s construction business to MasterChef and Cath’s Kitchen – what or who gave you the courage to take that leap?
I loved working with Brad (my husband) in our business. I not only love Brad, but I really like him as a person. We balance each other, I’m the risk taker and creative one, Brad’s the grounding, practical one. Our business allowed me the freedom and flexibility to be around for my daughters, Alex and Abby, when they were young, so I’m forever grateful for this.
Now that Alex and Abby are in their twenties, I felt a sense of “what now?” Who is Cath after being a Mum and working in the family business?
I wanted to show my daughters that it’s never too late to redefine yourself and pursue your passions. Brad encouraged me to follow my heart and my dream, as he knew that working in our business did not fulfil my own creative self. He thinks I’m really brave.
After [my first season of] MasterChef, I wondered whether I should go back into our business or to explore a life in food. I didn’t have a clear food dream. It took time, but I allowed it to happen organically and finally realised that I didn’t want to look back wondering “What if?” so I put myself out there and accepted the challenge to explore a life in food.
You often say “food is joy” — where does that deep love of cooking come from, and how do you bring that joy into what you cook?
For me, food has always been about love and connection. My childhood memories are often associated with food, gathering with our large family around the table, cooking with my mum, family picnics and holidays. Having my own family further nurtured my love of cooking; it became my way of caring, of expressing love for and with my children. That’s what I try to bring into everything I cook — a sense of comfort, warmth, and a reminder that joy can be found in the everyday.
You were such a beloved presence in Season 15 — what made you want to return for Back to Win, and what felt different the second time around?
Season 15 was an amazing adventure. Back to Win [Season 17] was a chance to revisit that experience with newfound confidence and prove what I was truly capable of.
The nerves were still there, but they didn’t control me as much. This time, I was more present — I let myself soak in the moments. The Gordon Ramsay cook-along challenge was so much fun, I will forever look back at it with joy and pride.
Beyond the competition, I was also so excited to meet the extended MasterChef Australia family, to spend time with them and be inspired by them.
You made conscious efforts this season to calm your nerves and give yourself a hug. How important and impactful was that small bit of self-care in stressful situations?
Taking a couple of deep breaths to relax and giving myself a hug are just some of the things that I do in everyday life, so it was important to carry them into MasterChef. I wanted to make sure that I stayed in the moment and enjoyed every minute, so when I was stressed, I didn’t want to ignore it or hide it. A simple self-hug helped me stay steady and present, especially when things felt overwhelming. It was lovely to see this in the episodes. I’m really proud that I outwardly expressed self-care. I’ve had many messages from people who are now giving themselves a hug when things get too much, and it’s working for them. This has been one of the pleasant surprises from being in the competition.
How did your second time on the show differ from your first, and what did it teach you about yourself? If you could go back, would you change anything?
The first time felt like a whirlwind — it was full of unknowns. The second time, I had more clarity. I knew who I was, what I brought to the table, and I trusted myself more. I would have loved more time in the competition, but I wouldn’t change a thing. So, I was ready this time round to really push myself creatively, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
What would you say to other women who have a dream they’ve put on hold, especially those who might think it’s too late to chase it?
I’d tell them gently: it’s not too late. Not even close. Dreams don’t have an expiry date, and sometimes, they just need to simmer for a while. Life takes us in all sorts of directions, but if there’s a dream still whispering to you, listen to it. You don’t have to leap all at once — even a small step counts. I always tell my girls, if you put yourself out there, you will always be rewarded, and those rewards may not be what you initially think, but there’s always a lesson or a feeling that comes from being brave and courageous.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned or advice you’ve received in the MasterChef kitchen?
I think my lesson is more about dealing with my early exit.
Poh said, “It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you tell your story”, which has really resonated with me.
Yes, I’m disappointed with my early exit — but I’m incredibly proud, too. I hope I can inspire other women my age to step outside their comfort zone. Even when things don’t go to plan, you grow just by showing up.
What’s your favourite recipe to cook for your family?
Oh, it has to be a slow-cooked lamb shoulder, with plenty of crispy roasted vegetables and a rosemary gravy!
It’s definitely a cuddle recipe that my big extended family enjoy when we get together. When I was young, my mum always cooked our favourite meal for our birthday. I always chose roast lamb, so this dish brings me back to my childhood. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, it reminds me of home and my family, which is why I love it.
What’s next for Cath Collins?
I’m following where the joy leads. Cath’s Kitchen is growing into something more than I imagined — a place not just for food, but for joy and connection. I’m embracing the diverse ways food can bring people together.
I’m involved with the Taste Sorrento Festival coming up in June. The Gala Luncheon supports the Portsea Camp, a local charity making a difference in children’s lives.
I run cooking classes in my home for small, intimate groups. I also offer all-abilities cooking workshops in the disability sector, and I run leadership and team-building workshops for both corporate and small businesses.
I’ve launched a little social media series called Bubbles, Beers, and Bruschetta, which has sparked the idea for a book filled with my bruschetta creations. I’ve even got a Bubbles and Bruschetta event with Rahona Valley Winery on the Mornington Peninsula in a couple of weeks.
I’m continually working away on my cookbook, From How to WOW — it’s a collection of what I call “cuddle recipes.” The dishes are made with love, simple at heart, but elevated with a little wow. Like turning a humble banana bread into a miso banana bread with maple frosting and sesame brittle. It’s all about love on a plate.
I’m excited about continuing to explore a world in food…how lucky am I?
If you’ve missed any episode in this season of MasterChef: Back to Win, you can catch up with our recap here. Discover all the contestants who have left the season thus far here.
MasterChef Australia airs 6.30pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and 6pm on Sundays on Channel 10 and is available on demand on 10play.
