Denarau Island, Fiji (15 September 2026) – Club Wyndham Denarau Island is celebrating an outstanding international achievement after Chef de Partie Isireli David Chong helped win a Gold Medal for Fiji at the prestigious Australian Culinary Federation Restaurant Challenge, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Representing Fiji in the Team Challenge Category 2, Chef Isireli partnered with Chef Filipe Miramira from Yasawa Island Resort to compete against 12 highly skilled teams from across the region. Showcasing exceptional culinary talent, creativity and teamwork, the duo delivered an impressive performance that earned them the top spot and brought home a proud result for Fiji.

“Chef Isireli and Chef Filipe’s gold medal victory highlights the depth of culinary talent within Fiji’s hospitality industry. We are exceptionally proud of Chef Isireli for his outstanding efforts and remarkable talent. His success is a proud achievement for Fiji and an inspiration to aspiring chefs across the Pacific,” said Craig Simpson, Resort Manager at Club Wyndham Denarau Island.

As part of the challenge, teams were tasked with preparing and presenting a three-course menu comprising a vegetarian entrée, lamb loin main course, and coconut purini with nuts dessert. Competitors had just three hours to prepare and plate four serves of each course, requiring precision, organisation and the ability to perform under pressure.

The achievement marks another milestone in Chef Isireli’s impressive culinary journey. Born in Tailevu and raised in Naceva, he developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by his father and aunt. His career has taken him through a number of hotels and resorts across Fiji before joining Club Wyndham Denarau Island as a pastry chef in 2017.

Driven by a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, Chef Isireli later moved to Vanuatu, where he served as Executive Chef at Nasama Resort. During his tenure, he successfully elevated two resort restaurants into highly regarded dining destinations. He later returned to Fiji and rejoined Club Wyndham Denarau Island, where he continues to showcase his expertise and passion for culinary excellence.

His latest success follows another major achievement in 2025, when he was named Chef of the Year at the Fiji Chefs National Salon Culinaire Competition, proudly representing Club Wyndham Denarau Island on the national stage.

Located on Fiji’s renowned Denarau Island, Club Wyndham Denarau Island offers a beachfront escape just minutes from Nadi International Airport and Port Denarau Marina. The resort features spacious accommodation, expansive lagoon-style swimming pools, family-friendly activities, and a diverse range of dining experiences.

Guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverage outlets, including the waterfront Land’s End Bar & Grill, Mamacita Mexican Restaurant, Maravu Pool Bar, Dua Tale, and The Latte Lounge, each offering unique flavours and dining experiences.

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