June 19, 2013
Some of Queensland’s best young chefs have been given the opportunity to experiment with some of the South Burnett’s best fresh produce as part of the build-up to an important Queensland-wide culinary competition.
The students, from schools across the Darling Downs, gathered at the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE in Toowoomba on June 14 for a special South Burnett “master class” ahead of the Queensland Junior Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge.
The class was organised with the assistance of South Burnett Tourism Association vice-president Michael Beohm and TAFE hospitality instructor Jason Ford.
The students are looking to put together a “signature dish” for the competition.
The master class was an opportunity for them to experiment with samples of South Burnett produce and learn more about the range and quality of what is available from the region.
Pairs of students will represent their schools to battle it out against some of the most talented young cooks in Queensland.
Schools competing from the Darling Downs this year include Centenary Heights State High School, Toowoomba SHS (Mt Lofty), Toowoomba SHS (Wilsonton), St Saviour’s College, Stanthorpe SHS and St Ursula’s College.
Two winning teams from the Darling Downs region will then have the honour of competing against teams from the Gold Coast, Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Sunshine Coast and Cairns.
The final competition to determine the overall Queensland champion will be held at the Brisbane Exhibition in August.
Several South Burnett organisations and companies supported the master class training event, including: the South Burnett Regional Council, Proteco, Bean Growers Australia, Sun Pork, The Peanut Van, Kingaroy Kitchens, Crane Wines, and Kingsley Grove Wines.
Local producers donated samples of their products for the students to touch, taste, and try.
The class was led by TAFE chef Steve Simon, and Gareth Durnell, from the Easternwell Camp Management team.
Co-organiser Michael Beohm thanked the sponsors, school principals and students for making the day possible.
“Next year we also look forward to welcoming two schools from the South Burnett as they will have the chance to compete on a national field,” he said.
[Photos: SQIT]
