Barrington Bakery's own Connor Beisler has taken home the Apprentice Baker of the Year Award in a national competition.
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Taking home first place at the Baking Association of Australia's 2024 Excellence in Baking National Competition on Wednesday, June 19, Mr Beisler said that a mix of emotions came after he heard his name called as the winner.
"I felt a whole heap of emotions. Going to multiple different competitions and getting so close, I've had a few thirds and seconds, it was exhilarating to finally win," he said.
"It was a feeling of relief that I finally got it done and I was proud. It was a rush of everything, I was nervous because I had to give a speech."
Beginning his baking career from an early age, the 19-year-old has been kneading dough all his life with his grandfather starting up Barrington Bakery over 40 years ago.
Back then the bakery was known as the Golden Loaf Hot Bread Shop and was started in Newcastle.
However, the reason Mr Beisler got into baking was the need to get out of school.
"With it being a family business I've grown up with it my whole life but the main reason was wanting to get out of school. This was the easiest thing for me to do," he said.
"So I started my apprenticeship and I loved it. I love what I do so I stuck with it."
As he meets more people in the baking industry Mr Beisler said that it's been an interesting experience seeing how other people began their journey.
"It's interesting talking to other bakers. For people that have just started up it's more of an interest they started at home or a passion whereas for me it was I something I was forced into at young age," he said.
"Growing up with it, the passion came afterwards. It's a different feeling in comparison to other bakeries."
Mr Beisler attributes his success in baking to the hard work and dedication that he has shown to the craft.
"My coach always told me I wasn't the most gifted to start with but a lot of my skill comes with repetition, hard work and gaining the skill the more you do it so I pride myself on hard work, sticking to it and dedication," he said.
"I definitely put in many extra hours training at Tafe NSW Hamilton."
TAFE NSW Baking Teacher Dean Tilden said that these sorts of competitions give students the opportunity to step up and meet their full potential.
"We encourage our students to participate in these competitions and mentor them through the process, to ensure they are prepared, do their best work, and have a great time," he said.
"We knew Connor would perform well, his dedication is a real inspiration and he has the talent to back it up."
Angus Michie
Angus Michie is a reporter with the Dungog Chronicle. He has an interest in community and council reporting.
Angus Michie is a reporter with the Dungog Chronicle. He has an interest in community and council reporting.
