New South Wales’ Glenorie Village shopping centre was transformed into cupcake central at the inaugural Hills Kids Cup Cake Bake Off in November.

Despite the temperatures reaching the high 30s, every seat was filled with parents and friends supporting the 42 finalists from 20 primary schools across the Hill district.

Glenorie Bakery owner and Western Sydney Young Entrepreneur of the Year Rob Pirina hosted the event while pastry chef Adriano Zumbo was joined by 2009 The Apprentice Australia winner Andrew Morello and former Wallaby Ben Robinson to guest judge the cupcakes competition.

It was a challenge to come up with four young winners, but at the end of the day the judges crowned Natasha Pellizzer from St. Madelaines Primary School as overall champion. Isabella Cabral, Bailea Titherage and Sebastian Berticcio won their respective categories of taste, creativity and originality.

Rob said he was overwhelmed by the turnout, with nearly $6000 raised for children with disabilities at the end of the day.

“I wanted to thank all the kids in my community for participating in the cupcake event and getting behind this great day. The 2011 cupcake day was a huge success,” Rob said.

The event followed an award-winning year for Rob, having recently being named Young Entrepreneur of the Year and earning Excellence in Retail and Product Services at the Western Sydney Awards In Business Excellence in October.

In October Rob’s second business, Outback Bakehouse, also won the Local Business Award for ‘Outstanding Bakery’ in the Hawkesbury.