Rilka Warbanoff
CEO
Rilka's Real Food
Cook, teacher, entrepreneur, author, radio personality –flamboyant foodie Rilka Warbanoff is all of these and more.
While still at university, she joined the family business and was a recipient of the South Australian Tourism Award in 1982.
It was just the start of her winning ways. In the early 1990s, Rilka moved to Melbourne, where her vivacious personality, determination and sense of style ensured she made her mark.
Always an entrepreneur, Rilka established an executive placement business, acting as a global corporate headhunter and twice being named a finalist in the prestigious Telstra Business Woman of the Year awards. Her public profile blossomed as she became known as the voice of culinary culture on the high-rating Drive program on 774 ABC Melbourne.
Rilka always cuts a stylish figure, and was named Victoria’s Best-Dressed Woman by The Age newspaper. She is also well known for her contribution to the community, serving as Director of St Vincent Hospital and the Melbourne Zoo Foundation.
In the Past she has served on the board of UNICEF ,Plan International as well as advising many NFP on how to be commercial entities as well as raising significant income. Also chaired committees for the Property Council of Victoria.
A force to be reckoned with on many fronts, Rilka’s first love has always been food. For her, preparing and sharing meals with friends and family is a joyful act, and since returning home to South Australia, Rilka has made her mark on the thriving Adelaide food scene.
Her book, Rilka’s Feasts, was published by HarperCollins in 2012.
She made a triumphant return to radio in 2014, appearing on 5aa as the Foodie of the Nova Entertainment Group and is heard 4 segments a week as well as on 5MU on a Thursday morning. Since Rilka became the ‘5AA Foodie’, with Adelaide listeners embracing her infectious enthusiasm and taking the show to the top of the ratings chart.
Rilkaʼs Real Food and Rilkaʼs Kitchen are her latest business ventures. Rilka is renowned for being an extraordinary host and entertainer and a seat at her table is considered an experience not to be missed.
Rilka is also on the board of Adelaide Hills Tourism and the Director of the Australian Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Centre for Creative Health and The Hospital Research Foundation and Industry Skill Council. |