Australian Butchers‘ Guild Podcast

Few young butchers have achieved as much as Luke Thomas in such a short space of time. Growing up in regional Queensland, Luke developed a passion for livestock and the red meat industry before completing his apprenticeship and quickly establishing himself as one of Australia's most talented young butchers. After being crowned Australian National Apprentice Butcher of the Year, winning multiple Butcher Wars competitions and claiming the title of World Butcher Wars Champion in 2026, Luke has now taken the next step in his journey as the new owner of Millers Gourmet Meats, Toowoomba. Luke's story demonstrates the opportunities available in the Australian butchery industry, where hard work, skill and dedication can take you from apprentice to business owner.

How do you build a butcher shop that customers don't just visit, but actively belong to? Peter Robinson, CEO of The Butcher Club, has done exactly that through a powerful combination of traditional butchery, convenience-driven retailing, and a loyalty club program that keeps customers engaged, spending, and returning.  Join us as Peter shares the strategies behind one of Australia's successful independent butcher groups.   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram - Australian Butchers Guild Website- www.australianbutchersguild.com.au You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/@australianbutchersguild6261 Join Australian Butchers Guild - https://www.australianbutchersguild.com.au/join/      

In this episode, Dale Goodwin owner of Dale`s Downtown Metas Uralla, shares his journey in the meat industry, the importance of country communities, and how rural living has shaped both his business and his approach to life. This is a conversation about butchery, community, and the passion that keeps regional Australia thriving.   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram - Australian Butchers Guild Website- www.australianbutchersguild.com.au You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/@australianbutchersguild6261 Join Australian Butchers Guild - https://www.australianbutchersguild.com.au/join/

This episode of the ABG podcast we're talking with Jack Stuart from 21st Century Meats. From award-winning butchery to building a thriving Hunter Valley business, Jack shares his journey, lessons from the trade and his thoughts on the future of independent retail butchery. Tune in and hear from one of the industry's passionate young leaders.   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram - Australian Butchers Guild Website- www.australianbutchersguild.com.au You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/@australianbutchersguild6261 Join Australian Butchers Guild - https://www.australianbutchersguild.com.au/join/

Don't miss this one, Tamika Banks from Malone’s Quality Meats NT is a true example of never giving up—turning hard work and resilience into multiple industry awards over the past year. Her journey is all about grit, passion, and proving what’s possible when you back yourself. 

Darren "Hanno" Hannigan from Hanno’s Country Butcher (QLD) has taken out top honours in the Traditional Australian Sausage category at the AMIC National Awards — and it’s no surprise to those who know his work.  This is the category is one of the hardest sausage categories to win, and it defines our industry. No gimmicks, no shortcuts — just perfect balance, flavour, and technique. And Hanno delivered!! A huge achievement that reflects years of dedication to the craft, commitment to quality, and pride in doing the simple things exceptionally well. We sat down with Hanno to unpack the winning snag, his philosophy, and what it means to win this prestigious award and represent Aussie butchers in a national competition.

From selling beef and lamb to butchers to burning the midnight oil behind the scenes, Brandon Aiken and Mark Field talk life in the meat game. No fluff — just real butchers, real opinions, and real industry insight. Don't miss this one!!

Doug Cross isn’t just shaping the future of meat retailing on the Tablelands — he’s now expanding his impact even further with the recent purchase of the old Innisfail Meat Works. We dive into what this bold move means for local producers, regional job opportunities, and the long‑term sustainability of Northern Queensland’s supply chain.

Listen in as I chat with Michael Honeysett, General Manager of Craig Cook’s Prime Quality Meats — a business widely respected for its commitment to quality, consistency, and traditional butchery. As General Manager, Michael plays a critical role in leading the team, maintaining high standards on the bench, and ensuring the business delivers an outstanding experience for its customers every single day. His understanding of both the craft of butchery and the realities of running a successful meat business offers a valuable perspective for anyone in the trade. In this episode, we talk with Michael about his journey in butchery, what it takes to manage and grow a high-performing shop, and how quality, leadership, and customer trust remain at the core of long‑term success. So settle in and enjoy this conversation with Michael Honeysett from Craig Cook’s Prime Quality Meats.

Say hello to Jamel Elkassir, one of the rising young guns in the butchery world. Passionate, driven, and hungry to learn. Jamel represents the new generation of butchers who bring energy, pride, and modern hustle to a timeless craft.  

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Burt, the passionate owner of Windsor Meats, a name synonymous with quality and tradition in South Australia. Sam shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a butcher shop that’s become a local institution. Sam`s thoughts on the future of butchery and innovation in the industry If you love stories about craftsmanship, community, and the art of great meat, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Step inside the world of regional butchery with Dubbo’s own Nathan Gunter—a craftsman who’s redefining what it means to be a local butcher. In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the heart of the Central West. Discover his secrets to sourcing quality meat, the art of traditional cuts, and how he’s keeping community connections alive in a fast-changing food landscape. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great butcher tick, this is your chance to hear it straight from the block.

In this episode, we sit down with Hayley, co-owner of Pattison Pastoral, a fourth-generation farmer, and now a rising star in the Australian meat industry. From raising Hereford and Angus cattle to running a full paddock-to-plate butchery operation, Hayley shares how she’s blending tradition with innovation — and why she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty in the name of progress.

Coming up on today’s episode — we’re diving back in with The Meat Specialist himself, Rafael Ramirez! From the butcher’s block to boardrooms across the globe, Rafael has carved out a bold and dynamic career in the red meat industry. With a razor-sharp focus on quality, consistency, and innovation, he’s not just shaping meat businesses—he’s transforming them. Whether it’s technical training in Australia or market insights for international partners, Rafael brings a global perspective and hands-on expertise that’s hard to match. If you’re in the meat game—or just curious about what makes this industry tick—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

WA Butcher Rafael Ramirez has carved a dynamic path through the red meat industry, blending hands-on expertise with strategic vision. Rafael has consistently championed quality, consistency, and innovation. His career has evolved into a global mission—supporting meat businesses across Australia and abroad with tailored guidance, technical training, and market insights.

In this episode, we head north to Darwin to chat with Tamika Banks and Todd Malone of Malone’s Butchery — a family-run business with deep roots and a bold vision. From early mornings behind the counter to mentoring the next generation of butchers, Tamika and Todd share their passion for quality cuts, community connection, and keeping the art of butchery alive in the Top End. Tune in for a conversation full of heart, heritage, and a few sharp insights into the future of the trade

From humble beginnings in Sydney to representing Australia on the global stage, Garreth Gorringe is redefining what it means to be a modern butcher. With years of dedication, precision, and a deep respect for the craft, Gorringe has carved his way into the elite ranks of the Australian Butchery Team. In this feature, he opens up about his journey, the passion that drives him, and his hopes for the future of butchery.

Listen in as we chat with the AMIC National Apprentice of the Year, Lewis Lack. Lewis talks about his 1st prize trip on the study tour to Paris, tagging along with the Australian Butcher Team, visiting some amazing butcher shops and the WBC competition. 

The 2025 Paris World Butcher Challenge (WBC) was a spectacular event, showcasing the finest butchery skills from around the globe. Tom Bouchier, a key member of the Australian Butcher Team, shares his insights on the competition, reflecting on the team's performance and the overall experience.

Lachy Kerr from Cleaver & Co Craft Butchery is dedicated to providing ethically sourced, high-quality beef and lamb. Since 2016, he has ensured all products come from local farms, using traditional butchery techniques to offer a variety of cuts. Lachy's commitment to sustainability and transparency connects consumers directly with producers.

Jamie Waldron has carved out a niche as a butcher who is deeply committed to sourcing beef and lamb from small-scale, local farmers. His shop, J. Waldron Butchers, is more than just a place to buy meat; it's a testament to the values of sustainability, quality, and community. Listen in as Jamie goes from working in hospitality to a successful retail butcher shop owner growing from strength to strength. 

Join me as I catch up with the talented butcher from Victor Churchill's Melbourne, Bernard Holbery. We explore the artistry and dedication behind the evolving craft of butchery. Bernard shares his insights on creativity, pride, and passion for food, and how butchers are redefining the industry by sourcing diverse products, embracing heritage breeds, and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Lachlan Marshall, affectionately known as "The Meat Marshall," is a butcher from Sydney who has gained viral fame through his unique and entertaining approach to butchery. Known for his epic steak-eating challenges and engaging social media presence, Lachlan has captivated audiences with his passion for meat and his larger-than-life personality. His journey from running a local butcher shop to becoming a social media sensation is a testament to his dedication and creativity in the culinary world.

Imagine having access to fresh, high-quality meat at any hour of the day! That is the innovative approach Tanya and David Funnell, owners of Chop Butchery, are taking with their groundbreaking fresh meat vending machines. With 12 butcher shops spread across Sydney's metro and coastal areas, the Funnell's are revolutionizing the way shoppers buy meat.  In our latest podcast episode, Tanya and David share how these vending machines provide unmatched convenience for customers, especially after-hours. No more last-minute dashes to major retailers—just fresh meat available whenever your customers need it. It's a game-changer for butchers and their customers!  

In this episode, Heidi Wright from Wright Social shares invaluable tips on enhancing your social and engagement presence with customers and peers. Heidi`s expertise has helped numerous agricultural businesses effectively connect with their target markets.

Ben Barrow reveals how crafting smallgoods from beef and lamb can give your business a competitive edge. We explore the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of today`s independent butcher customers. 

In this episode I catch up with Son of a Butcher, Matthew Papandrea and Meatsmith, Justin Wade to talk about all thing's meat. Two of Australia`s premium innovative butchers discuss the opportunities that help build their success and what the next 12 months have in store for them.

Meat the butcher behind Meat@Billys; Marketing and branding are so important to any business, listen in as we catch up with Bill Gibney as he explains how effective it has been for one of Queensland top butcher shops. 

Winner of the 2022 World Butchers Apprentice Matt Tyquin and Veteran butcher Paul Klooster join us to discuss the ongoing impact of taking out top prize in the “Olympics of meat” and how the industry has evolved into an art form. 

Kai Dennis and Jayden Hermon talk to us about their journey to qualifying for the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris and why they would encourage others to consider pursuing a career in butchery.

In this episode we chat with Jess Bartles about what it has been like carving out a career in a traditionally male dominated industry. The Tassie butcher explains how she has developed unique techniques to deliver the same great results as her peers with less need for brute strength.    Jess also gives insight on how butchers can harness social media to grow their business.

In this episode, we connect with Laura Ross, 2022 winner of the Australian Meat Industry Councils Apprentice of the Year in Victoria. Laura works in Ballarat for Sinclair Meats during the week and has ventured into her own farm kill business on the weekends. Laura talks about her journey to becoming a butcher and what she loves about the trade. 

Grant Coleman talks to us about his career in the red meat industry, his passion for low and slow BBQ and his top tips for achieving both texture and tenderness. 

Live fire grill master, David Olson from Live Fire Republic joins us for our latest podcast episode. From his culinary adventures worldwide to essential BBQ tips, this episode is one you don't want to miss!

Mark Rogers from Stapleton’s Quality Meats talks to us about the importance of catering to diversity and knowing what keeps your customer coming back for more.

Master craftsman Troy Wheeler has a taste for all things foodie in their suburban butcher shops.

Michael Robinson, owner of Hungerford Meat Co in the Hunter Valley, talks to us about his journey from chef to butcher, his dedication to using high quality, locally sourced, sustainable meat, and his passion for charcuterie.

In this episode, Marcus Papadopoulo, the proud owner of Whole Beast Butchery, shares his journey to becoming a butcher, dry ageing techniques and the art of using the whole carcase.

Listen in as we speak with Alan Waldon as he gives us some tips on how he turned a run-down butcher shop into a successful business and how his passion for food helped him on his journey to learn more about the meat he sold and now grows.

Listen in to Micky Peacock as he talks about some of those secondary cuts of Australian beef and rare breeds of lamb that are making a comeback in market.

Join me as I talk to my great mate Rob Constable. Rob wears many hats through the week and gives us some info on beef breeds and how to save yourself thousands of dollars in bank fees.

Butcher, BBQer and game harvesting, Shannon Walker talks 'All Things Meat’ and opens up the floor on competition butchery.

Meat the man behind The Naked Butcher. Gary Hine took a huge gamble, changing the way his butcher shop operated two years ago. With the pandemic, labour shortages and rising costs to operate a local butcher shop, Gary shut down the shop front and focused on running an online business model to service his customers. Hear his story in this Episode of The Australian Butchers Guild Podcast.

In this episode we catch up with one of the more innovative butchers in Australia, Brett Laws - aka @butcher_lawsy. Brett talks about his ideas on growing the range of products to make shoppers lives easier and a special guest appearance from the Australian Lambassador Sam Kekovich.

Meat Tassie butcher Marcus Vermey, his butcher shop is located on one of the world's most pristine islands, known for outstanding produce. Tune in as Marcus tells us how his business has pivoted over the years adding a new dimension to how he engages and services his customers.

Working towards buying your own shop?  Trent Geary explains his journey managing and supervising large chains before buying his first butcher shop in Illawong, NSW. Trent is a level-headed butcher who talks about dealing with landlords and suppliers as he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in this podcast.

Tom Bouchier is one of the 10 man team of butchers who successfully represented Australia at the recent World Butchery Challenge in Sacramento with Australia taking second place in the senior team competition. Tom was also one of six butchers named in the World Butchers Challenge “All Star” team from the competition in Sacramento.

Meat “Son of a Butcher”, Matthew Papandrea an honest and humble young butcher who has attained a wealth of knowledge and experience in such a short time. Matty talks us through the development of their family’s butcher shop and how they manage running two businesses in one, Son of a Butcher and Joe Papandrea Quality Meats.

Want to learn more about the Australian meat grading system? Join me as I catch up with MSA training facilitator Kelly Payne. Kelly travels around Australia educating industry and end users about the best Eating Quality System in the world and the advantages of using MSA graded beef and lamb in their businesses and the recent changes to the grading system.

If you've ever thought about combining truck driving and butchery have a listen to this episode as Doug catches up with Perth butcher Larry Brewer to discuss  how his passion for trucks eventually became a reality. Larry talks about the highs and lows of selling his beloved Star Of The North butcher shop in Currambine, WA and then tackling some of Australia's most isolated and remote regions, selling fresh meat out of a 22-wheel mobile butcher shop.