Budding Nowra baker rises to the challenge

After three days of intense competition in the Grain Growers pilot bakery at North Ryde, the apprentice baker was overwhelmed and tearful on stage.

"It's been an incredible journey and I couldn't have done it without the love and support of my family and employer John (Reminis, from Bakehouse Delights, Nowra East)," he gushed.

"It's been a lifetime experience. So many people along the way have been building me up into the industry person I am.

"It's such a privilege to be standing here."

For his efforts, Mr Ivanoff received a medal, a cup and $7000 toward an international study tour.

The gala dinner followed solid competition at Grain Growers' North Ryde pilot bakery under the guidance of head baker and judge Morten Staer.

The rigorous competition included eight written exams, costing, production, ingredients and processing exercises, as well as tests on flour quality and missions to fill orders under pressure.

The other five apprentice bakers vying for the award were nominated by their State baking associations: Cassandra Chesson, Butler, Western Australia; Jarryd Coghlan, Maryborough, Victoria; Teagan Matthews, Loveday, South Australia; Nathan Taylor, Ravenswood, Tas- mania, and Brendon Woodward, Mango Hill, Queensland.

"This year's candidates were of an excellent standard with great skills, solid knowledge and good work ethics," said Grain Growers general manager technical services Ken Quail.

"The passion and dedication these young bakers demonstrated in their profession is to be celebrated."

The L.A. Judge Award was established in 1967 in honour of baking industry pioneer Les Judge.