‍When did you become a butcher & why?
I officially became a butcher when I was 16 years old though I had started a lot younger than this washing trays and linking sausages on a milk crate when I was about 10 or 11. My parents owned a butcher shop, Joe Papandrea Quality Meats. Since I was born and I grew up in and around the shop. My Father started butchery when he arrived from Italy in 1970 and never looked back. My family has always had a love for food which I embraced and that was my main driving force in becoming a butcher. I have been trained with a traditional butchery skill set which helps me to provide the right techniques to cut and also create amazing meat products for customers to enjoy with their families at home. This is what I love about butchery!

Why do you want to be a part of the Australian Butcher Team for WBC 2025?
I wanted to apart of the Australian Butcher Team for the WBC 2025 as I have a competitive nature. I want to show my skills on the big stage and also see what other butchers around the world can do. I can’t wait to compete in Paris to try and deliver some fantastic products that I have created. It’s a true honour to represent Australia doing the trade I love.

Being a butcher, what’s your favourite thing to take home from the shop and cook for yourself?
Sirloin steak on the bone, a little thicker than usual to cook on my charcoal parilla grill.

What’s the hardest thing about being a butcher?
Christmas time! I never want to make any mistakes as I put pressure on myself not to ruin a family’s Christmas. I love this time of the year because of the adrenaline and Pressure though I have had a few tough weeks and I believe Christmas week is the hardest thing about butchery. 

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not at work?
I’m hardly not at work though I call these rare days a ‘day on’, not a ‘day off’ as I have so much catch up work to do. Outside of work hours I like to cycle, play football, look after my herb garden and of course cooking something nice at home.  

The customer is always right – yes or no?
If they are paying, Yes. Only sometimes no, but we can’t tell them that, so yes. 

Can you speak French?
I can only say bonjour, hopefully that gets me around Paris

Favourite French food?
I can never go past a pain au chocolat.