With over 20 years of dessert-making experience, Mr Stevenson was chosen by chef Glenn Austin to step in for Adriano Zumbo, who can no longer attend the event.
Mr Stevenson explained that Mr Austin needed someone who has a proven track record of creating spectacular desserts.
“Glenn really wanted someone with a high enough calibre, someone with a similar profile as Adriano that could fit that bill. That is why I was chosen,” Mr Stevenson said.
“I was more than happy to put my hand up to be a part of this event.”
Mr Stevenson’s career as a chef started while he was at university undertaking a full-time degree in mathematics, when he had the realisation that he enjoyed his part-time job as a baker more.
Since then, he has worked internationally in a number of high-profile positions including as the director of the Belgium Chocolate Academy, the largest chocolate academy in the world.
“That was a big job in terms of responsibilities. I gave a lot of technical advice to companies and I also taught classes,” Mr Stevenson said .
“That has been the highlight of my career so far.”
After living and working across Europe since 1999, Mr Stevenson returned to Australia last year.
He has recently secured a position as a chef at the Langham Hotel on the Gold Coast.
The Cancer Centre fundraising event coincides with his first week in his new position at the hotel.
“The Langham were more than happy to let me go, even though it is my first week working for them.
“They really believe in this event. They think it’s for a fantastic cause so they have been extremely accommodating to ensure that I can attend.”
As to his reasoning for attending the Kagome fundraising event, Mr Stevenson explained that having a cancer centre in Echuca meant that people didn’t have to travel far and wide to receive much-needed treatment.
Having grown up on a farm himself, Mr Stevenson believes that it is important for people like himself to show up for important regional issues.
“It’s normally the big cities that get all the attention.”
Mr Stevenson explained that it is also a good opportunity for him to start building his career in Australia after living abroad for such a significant amount of time.
“I've just come back to Australia, and no one really knows who I am here. I really need to get out there to meet and greet people.
“It's a win-win situation because I believe in the cause but also it's an opportunity to raise my profile.”
As for what we can expect from Mr Stevenson, he said he was only doing pastry items.
“The other chefs will be handling the savoury dishes and it'll just be the sweet stuff from me.”
Mr Stevenson encouraged people to come out and support the event.
“It will be a worthwhile event to attend, there are a number of quality chefs who will be there to produce quality food.”
Mr Stevenson will be flying down on Thursday, preparing his dishes on Thursday night and Friday morning then returning back to Queensland on Saturday.
