Sweet success for award-winning baking students

Four Kangan Institute baking students have won awards in cake decorating at the recent 2019 Baking Industry Trade Show.

They were part of the Show’s Cake Decorating Competition which attracted entries from students, novices and professional cake decorators from all over Australia.

Eight students from Kangan Institute participated, with the following students clinching awards:

• Janait Solafa of Craigieburn – ‘Third place’ award in ‘Student Novelty Cake’ category
• Sarisa Kaewklang of Caroline Springs – ‘Highly Commended’ award in ‘Student Wedding/Celebration Cake ‘ category
• Katerina Elsaadi of Lalor – ‘Commended’ award in ‘Student Wedding/Celebration Cake ‘ category
• Sandra Gerges of Coburg – ‘Commended’ award in ‘Student Wedding/Celebration Cake ‘ category

Third place winner Janait said a lot of thought and planning went into creating her winning cake.  

“My cake was based on Fortnite, which is a game many people like. I designed and made it all by scratch, and building it took two days. Getting the measurements right to build the tower was especially challenging, but I got it in the end,” she said.

Janait migrated to Australia 11 years ago as a refugee from Iraq. Studying baking and participating in competitions serve as stepping stones to a bigger future.

“I’ve always liked baking and cake decorating and dreamt of becoming a baker. I wanted to do something for myself with my kids now in school, so I enrolled in the course at Kangan Institute,” she said.

“Fred, who encouraged me to join the competition, is a wonderful teacher and I thank the entire teaching team, including Sonya, Matt and Ruwan, for their advice.

“This was my first competition and it was an amazing experience. It was wonderful to win a prize.

“After the course I hope to set up a cake business at home and open my own bakery in the future.

“I’m also looking forward to my next competition where I’ll compete in wedding cake decorating.”

Kangan Institute CEO Phill Murphy congratulated participating students and winners on their achievements.

“Participating in competitions like these provides our students with vital hands-on experience. It’s also a chance to showcase their talent and creativity while pitting their skills against others around the country,” he said.  

“We’re very proud of all the students who represented Kangan Institute. We know this experience will take you closer to your personal and career goals.”

The 2019 Baking Industry Trade Show was held at Moonee Valley Racecourse from 4-6 June. Presented in collaboration with the Cake Decorating Association of Victoria, the Cake Decorating Competition included categories for industry, open, novice and student classes.