Paul West

Paul West is a chef, food advocate and respected media personality who champions real food, sustainable agriculture, community connection and regional living. Best known as the former host of ABC’s River Cottage Australia, Paul has become one of Australia’s most recognisable and trusted voices in the sustainable food movement.

Across four series of River Cottage Australia, audiences followed Paul’s hands-on journey as he grew fresh, seasonal food, cooked simply and shared meals with his local community. The series captured not just recipes, but a way of life—one grounded in respect for the land, ethical food production and the power of community.

A trained chef, Paul has worked across all facets of food production. His experience ranges from WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) around Australia—growing fruit and vegetables and learning directly from producers—to cooking in the bistro at Melbourne’s renowned Vue de Monde, where he completed his chef’s apprenticeship and met his wife, Alicia.

In 2012, driven by a desire for change and a deeper connection to where food comes from, Paul and Alicia relocated to Tasmania. It was there, while tending a thriving home vegetable patch, that Paul was offered the opportunity to host River Cottage Australia. The role led them to Central Tilba, NSW, where the series was filmed and where Paul continues to live with Alicia, their son Otto and their loyal dog, Digger.

Having deliberately stepped away from the world of haute cuisine, Paul has since become a leading advocate for organic food, sustainable farming and local food systems. He is a regular contributor on ABC Radio, sharing practical insights, thoughtful commentary and a grounded perspective on food, farming and modern Australian life.

Paul is also a passionate supporter of a number of charitable organisations, including National Parks and Wildlife Foundation, OzHarvest, Earth Hour, REAP, NEST and Cure Cancer, reflecting his broader commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Today, Paul travels widely across Australia, appearing at food festivals, delivering live cooking demonstrations, hosting classes at the River Cottage Farm in Tilba, and speaking at events that celebrate food, sustainability and regional communities. He is also available for local and international cooking demonstrations, speaking engagements and meet-and-greet events.