Bendigo TAFE has been recognised as a top provider of baking training, with Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute awarded the Victorian Perpetual Training Trophy at the 2023 Victorian Baking Show.
Hosted by the Baking Association of Australia in Bendigo, the 2023 Victorian Baking Show also saw baking apprentice Georgina Dimitriou win third place for Gourmet Pull Apart Loaf, with a total of three Bendigo TAFE students participating in the competition.
Bendigo TAFE’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Michelle Johnston said both wins reflected the high quality of training at the TAFE.
“Achieving the Victorian Perpetual Training Trophy at the Victorian Baking Show is a reflection of the commitment and expertise of our educators who put students at the centre of everything we do,” said Ms Johnston.
“We’re incredibly proud of all our baking students who have participated in the competition and have embraced the opportunity to test their skills against other student and industry competitors.
“Georgina’s award win is really the icing on the cake, demonstrating not just her personal talent for the craft, but also the knowledge and expertise that she has gained through her apprenticeship.”
A self-professed Jill of all trades, 35-year-old Georgina Dimitriou enrolled into the Certificate III in Baking (FBP30521) with a background in retail, armed security, car/truck/forklift driving, agriculture and fabrication.
“I have always loved making and sharing food. One day, I decided to try making an apple pie. In typical fashion, I made way too much and gave one to my neighbour. She sent me a photo of her kids devouring it with the biggest smiles on their faces. That was the day I realised that’s what I want to give to the world – the joy of that first bite,” Georgina said.
“When I saw a sign in a window wanting bakers, I figured this is what I’ve been searching for and asked for an apprenticeship. A little persistence later and the rest is history.”
Currently a second-year apprentice at the Beechworth Bakery, Georgina said her teachers were instrumental in supporting her new career direction.
“The best thing about my experience at Bendigo TAFE would have to be the trainers. The teaching staff have made my transition from labourer to apprentice seamless. They continue to inspire with their knowledge and stories, and their passion for food is infectious,” she said.
“The new facilities are great too and I’m looking forward to seeing what else I’m going to learn in my remaining time here.”
Georgina’s award-winning loaf was a nod to her Greek heritage.
“It was a Mediterranean inspired savory pull apart made with a turmeric dough. I had a lot of fun leaning into my Greek heritage with this one,” Georgina said.
“Lots of strong flavours with a mix of semi-dried tomato and olive. It also has lots of oregano, spring onion and some feta for good measure. The vibrant yellow of the turmeric dough base really made the whole thing pop!”
The award came as a surprise for Georgina who persisted through several attempts before perfecting her pull apart loaf.
“First came shock, then came disbelief, and then I was on cloud nine for a fair while,” she said.
“I’d actually been trying, rather unsuccessfully, to make a pull apart for a while on my own but I couldn’t quite get the technique right.
“My trainer Matt taught me how to make it all come together it and it was the best one I had made by far, so I decided to enter it. I’m so glad I did!
“It’s a great reminder of how far I’ve come in this journey and that my hard work is paying off. I’m even more motivated to see how much further I can go.”
Introduced to Bendigo TAFE in 2020, baking courses are delivered at the Bendigo City campus. The 2023 Victorian Baking Show was held at the All Seasons Resort Hotel in Bendigo last month.
Georgina with Bendigo TAFE baking teacher Matthew Miles.
