ANOTHER glorious Lilly Street Lasagna Bake-Off has wrapped up for 2025, marking one of the biggest and most joyful events in the festival’s 25-plus-year history.

Following the loss of beloved founding member Paul Jacobs in 2023, the community kept things low-key in 2024. 

This year, however, the ovens fired up once again — and the competition returned to its famously fierce, and deliciously dirty form, just as Paul loved it.

Residents, family, friends and visitors came out in force to celebrate South Fremantle’s quirkiest culinary tradition. 

• Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk made it down to the Lilly Street bake-off to congratulate 2nd place winner Antony Monaco and his mum Julia. Photo
supplied

The street was buzzing with colour, music, laughter, and of course, the unmistakable aroma of dozens of lovingly prepared lasagnas.

This year saw a huge number of entries:

• 26 entries from proud Lilly Street locals, and

• 30 entries from talented cooks across the wider mostly Freo community.

Our four judges rose to the enormous (and delicious) task of tasting, analysing, and ultimately selecting the winners in each category. 

With such a high calibre of entries, choosing champions was no easy feat — but the results are in. 

A big congratulations to our 2025 Winners

Lilly Street Category

• 1st – Melinda Blagaich

• 2nd – Max Visser

• 3rd – Josh Black

Non-Lilly Category

• 1st – Sam Harrington

• 2nd – Antony Monaco

• 3rd – Katy Toshach

The day was one of the most successful in Bake-Off history, with a big crowd, beautiful weather, a festive atmosphere, and a strong sense of community pride. 

Early estimates suggest the event will be able to donate around $2,000 to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat’s), with final figures still being tallied.

The organising committee extends heartfelt thanks to every participant, judge, neighbour, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this year’s Bake-Off such a memorable success.

by HAYLEY GALE