Brendan Carter sampled pies at the Official Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition in Melbourne, critiquing entries for saltiness and pastry quality. Over 1,800 pies and sausage rolls were judged by 16 experts, including Carter, a veteran judge since 1999. Competitors ranged from traditional bakers to creators of unique flavors like wood-smoked wallaby and chipotle pork.

Sisters Sandy and Hannah Do of Ming's Bakery in Perth won gold using their late father's secret recipe, honoring his journey from Vietnam. The competition, established in 1989, tests judge endurance, with participants tasting dozens daily to determine Australia's finest pastry-and-filling.