2020 BRN Discussion, page-3821

Hi FF,
Used to be the case that prior self-publication would invalidate subsequent patent, but several years ago, some countries, inclusing Au & US introduced a 12 month grace period, so that patent applications filed within 12 months of self-publication did were not invalidated by that disclosure.

As to secret sauces (SS), the patentee is required to make a full and frank disclosure of everything required to make the invention work, on penalty of invalidating the patent, so I've always had reservations about the SS.