23-4-09

Living in Paradise

Pie & Pastry Paradise Bakery / Cafe of Pialba, Hervey Bay, was named Queensland's Bakery of the Year at the 17th annual

Queensland Baking Industry Awards Dinner.

The owners of the 'little bakery from Hervey Bay', Nic and Jodie Berkholt, were elated with the win.

"We are just over the moon. We have had to fight so hard to get here, so much of our time has had to fit around the bakery and taking care of our children," Jodie says.

When the bakery opened 20 years ago, co-owner Nic, a fourth generation baker, was the sole member of staff. The business has grown to twelve staff and includes food safety handling practices, staff policies and procedure training, long term budget fore-casting, and apprentice training. The bakery is heavily involved with its local community as well as international charity.

The Berkholt's intend to use their award to promote their business in their local community and wider market.

"We aim to make our customers experience not only very affordable, but enjoyable as well. Its a wonderful opportunity, I still can't believe it," Jodie says.

The other recipients of the night included regional bakery finalists, apprentices, and awards for service to the industry. Lisa Kraschnefski won the BITA overall Award of Merit, while Elizabeth Hurst won the Jack Sheeran Young Tradesperson of the Year award.

Frank Goldstein, co-owner of family owned Gold Coast business Goldesteins Bakery, was presented the Lifetime Service to the Industry award. Mr Goldstein discussed his love for baking and encouraged bakers to work together to for the betterment of the industry.

"The baking industry is the most important industry in Australia. It uses ingredients produced from all aspects of Australian industry. We need to work as a group to convince government to employ more people, bakeries give great employment opportunities for kids," Mr Goldstein says.

The winners of the regional mystery shopper competition are:

• Gold Coast Region: Goldsteins Bakery & Pie Shop – Harbour Town

• Brisbane Southside Region: The Cheesecake Shop – Annerley

• Brisbane Northside Region: Bakers Delight Margate, Brumby's Bakery Sandgate, Brumbys Bakery Nundah

• Darling Downs Region: Bakers of Aratula

• Sunshine Coast Region: Mt Coolum Hot Bread

• Wide Bay Region: Pie & Pastry Paradise Bakery/Café

• Central Queensland Region: Barcaldine Bakery

• North Queensland Region: Brumbys Caneland

• Far North Queensland Region: Atherton Bakehouse

Download the full results for the Queensland Regional Mystery Shopper competition.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of the following sponsors: