Leading female chef and restaurateur Dominique Rizzo has been names Queensland's tenth #eatqld Champion.
Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said Dominique had been chosen for her ability to inspire people to make a change for the better with her delicious and healthy real-world food recipes.
"With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, and over 20 years' experience as a chef and restaurateur, Dominique has established herself as a well-known food advocate and chef in Australia," Ms Linard said.
"Dominique's public speaking, cooking classes, cooking presentations and demonstrations, recipe writing, and media work, will combine to produce the perfect recipe to promote Queensland's vast array of world class produce both nationally and internationally.
"I congratulate Dominique whose vision and determination make her a terrific choice as our tenth #eatqld Champion and her knowledge and profile will be invaluable as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Dominique joins Murgon winery Clovely Estate, Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier, Walkamin entrepreneur Krista Watkins, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's Executive Chef David Pugh as #eatqld Champions to promote Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious."
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said every economy had been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but agriculture was playing a key role as the Palaszczuk Government implements Queensland's $8 billion plan for economic recovery.
"Dominique Rizzo's example is truly inspirational as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Furner said.
"They will be fine ambassadors promoting Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious."
Ms Rizzo said being named a #eatqld Champion provided an opportunity to showcase how Queensland's produce could work in the melting pot of a multicultural kitchen.
"Whilst my true passion is for Italian and Sicilian food culture, my food style and recipes are inspired by my travels and culinary experience in all cuisines," Ms Rizzo said.
"Queensland's amazing, nutritious, and versatile produce fits perfectly with my personal mission to create simple, healthy recipes and foods that the regular household cook can prepare for the whole family.
"As a #eatqld Champion, my focus will be on fresh healthy cooking using the finest ingredients from Queensland's truly remarkable agriculture industry."
Mr Furner said the Queensland Government's #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural sector.
"Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld," Mr Furner said.
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."
