The Baking Association of Australia (BAA) has welcomed new national president Amanda MacDonald.

Amanda, who owns Dayboro Bakery and is also the Association’s Queensland Chair, stepped up to the national role in January following former national president Andrew O’Hara’s departure.

“I’ve been a member of the BAA now for six or seven years, I’m on the Queensland board so I’ve had a little bit of involvement on the committee and when Andrew O-Hara, the former president – made the decision to step down Tony rang me up and asked me if I’d like to have a crack at it,” Amanda said.

“Once I’d picked myself up off the floor laughing I considered and saw it would be a really great opportunity.”

Amanda said she made the decision to join the BAA board after needing some assistance in her own business.

“I own a bakery and needed some support and the BAA is really good at giving support and understanding the legislation. They’re there for members for the simple and complex things – that’s mainly bakery owners but also employees and apprentices. They’re there for everybody,” she said.

“But as an owner of a bakery you just feel so supported. I really wanted to be on the board so I could understand the legislation so my business could prosper from that, and now it’s time to give back.”

BAA executive officer Tony Smith said Amanda’s strong business background that, in this day and age, would help the baking industry.

“She’s really passionate about bringing in new talent in to the industry and engaging with apprentices,” he said.

“And she’s got some great ideas for the future, and is very knowledgeable.”