Federation TAFE educator, Brendan Carter, and Michele Walsh from TAFE NSW have been inducted into The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition’s ‘Pie Hall of Fame’.
Brendan has been a judge in the competition for 22 consecutive years and chief judge of the competition’s gourmet section for the past 15 years, while Michele has been a judge for over 20 years and in recent years the senior sausage roll judge. Both are being recognised for being valued team members, as well as for their experience and expertise.
The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition chief judge Mike French said Brendan and Michele have been the “backbone” of the competition.
“I have never met more dedicated people to their trade than Michele and Brendan,” he said.
“[They’re] always willing to go the extra mile with mentoring and support for all team members. An absolute honour and pleasure to have been able to work with them over these many years.
“Congratulations to you both.”
During his teens, Brendan worked before and after school and on weekends in a bakery in a small country town in south-west Victoria.
The day after finishing Year 12, he signed up for his apprenticeship in breadmaking and baking, where he made bread, pastries, and cakes. In the early 90s, he undertook a trade accreditation for pastry.
Brendan worked in several bakeries over the years and owned a bakery in Ballarat. It was during his time attending trade school that he realised he wanted to teach and has now been in the TAFE sector for 30 years, including his current role as bakery teacher at Federation TAFE.
“During my time with the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition, I have come across some very interesting pies,” he said.
“I have met and made friendships with numerous industry people. Judging has been a great opportunity to give something back to the industry that I have gained so much from over the years.”
Michele was presented with her award following the comp, while Brendan received his award at a certificate presentation at Federation TAFE’s SMB Campus.
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“Thank you so much; I am honoured and humbled to be given this award and congratulations to fellow recipient Brendan Carter,” Michele said.
Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and TAFE CEO Liam Sloan said, “We are excited for Brendan to be inducted in the Great Aussie Pie Hall of Fame, and glad he has been acknowledged for his excellence in the baking profession.
“Upholding the quality of our trainers ensures that our students have access to the best education and can learn first-hand from industry experts.”
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