13th August, 2024.
Today I acknowledge and congratulate William Nickl, a school‑based apprentice at Bowral High School, for his extraordinary achievement in representing New South Wales at the prestigious National Excellence Baking Awards – and winning! William has baking in his blood, for his parents Tracy and Vicki are the owners of Gumnut Patisserie in my electorate. William has known since he was six that he wanted to be a pastry chef, and his potential was on full display at these awards. The recipe he developed for the competition was his lamb and rosemary pie with sweet potato mash. The fact that he has managed this achievement while preparing for his HSC makes it even more remarkable. The baking awards were held in Melbourne over two days in June and William competed against first, second, third- and fourth‑year apprentices. In doing so, he showcased his passion and skills for the baking industry. His talent was on full display and this achievement brings pride to our community and sets a new standard for school-based apprentices right across Australia. All of us in the Wollondilly electorate are proud of William and his achievements, and we look forward to his rise in the baking industry.