Chaîne Online News
Australia — Lee Cecchin
(Originally published by Chaîne Online News)
Bailliage of Australia
Broken Hill, New South Wales — September 20, 2025
Owner of The Old Saltbush Restaurant
“Chef Lee’s culinary philosophy is simple yet profound: ‘Professionalism is not judged by wealth or possessions, but by the respect of one’s peers.’”
Maître Rôtisseur Lee Cecchin, proprietor of The Old Salt Bush Restaurant in Broken Hill, NSW, joined the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in 2016. Her distinguished career spans Europe, Asia, and Australia, during which she has had the honour of cooking for royalty (including Queen Mary of Denmark), Sheikhs, and numerous political leaders.
Returning to her roots in Broken Hill, Chef Lee founded The Old Salt Bush Restaurant & Catering, housed in a heritage-listed 1888 building with Art Deco character. She is known for her innovative take on modern Australian cuisine, artfully blending classical techniques with native bush ingredients such as quandong (native peach), lemon myrtle, kangaroo, emu, barramundi, and saltbush.
At The Old Salt Bush, diners can enjoy cuisine that emphasises regionally sourced produce and local native foods. Signature dishes include gin-cured Atlantic salmon, saltbush-dust lamb rump, and desserts like date and wattle seed pudding.
Beyond the restaurant, Lee operates Pandora’s Palate, a boutique gourmet product and catering business centered on locally grown and native ingredients, following a paddock-to-plate philosophy in the Outback.
Chef Lee’s passion for cooking began in her childhood in Broken Hill, inspired by her grandmother’s cooking and recipe sharing. This early influence led to an apprenticeship and a celebrated career in hospitality. Over time she has earned many accolades and is a proud member of the Australian Culinary Federation.
Committed to giving back, Lee has taught at institutions including Le Cordon Bleu, TAFE Western, and SA Regency International Centre of Hospitality, Leisure, and Food Studies. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation—particularly in rural and remote areas—and her story of perseverance and community engagement is featured in Voices of Impact.
Her guiding principle remains:
“Professionalism is not judged by wealth or possessions, but by the respect of one’s peers. To apply oneself fully and never settle for less defines a true professional.”
Contact
The Old Salt Bush Restaurant & Catering
1 Oxide Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880
Tel: +61 418 841 101
This article is based on and adapted from “Australia – Lee Cecchin” as published on Chaîne Online News.
