OWNER of Kelly’s Bakery, Michelle Beggs, held her first job in a bakery before finding herself owning her own bakery a few short years later. Michelle took ownership of Kelly’s Bakery in 2018, taking the reins from the original owners who opened the doors in the early 1990s, and this year, the Bakehouse team were presented with six awards at the Great Aussie Pie Competition – taking away gold for the first time, in two categories.
Awards:
Gold: Chilli Cheese sausage roll
Gold: Chicken Vegetable Pie
Silver: Sausage Roll
Silver: Ned Kelly Pie
Silver: Triple Pepper Pie
Bronze: Plain Meat Pie
“Each product that was sent through to Sydney to be judged is the same as what is available for purchase daily at Kelly’s Bakery,” said Michelle. “We aim to provide quality consistently, knowing that every time someone chooses Kelly’s, they will be sharing in something we are proud of.”
Over the seven years, Michelle said, Kelly’s has taken away the silver and bronze awards, “but this will be our first year with not one Gold but two.”
The awards reflect the efforts of the bakehouse team, made up of Todd Dorling (Head Baker), Tom Matthies, Jay Matthies, and Natalie Sinclair. “We are very proud to witness this young team achieve these incredible results on a national level,” Michelle said. “To have the recognition in such a competitive event with thousands of hopefuls speaks volumes for the quality of what they produce.”
Kelly’s Bakery employs 44 locals. That ranges from the juniors who work a few hours a week to those working full-time. “We are lucky enough to have an incredible team and quality ingredients,” Michelle explained.
“From the bakehouse team that produces amazing food, the front of house team that helps provide a brilliant experience, to the back of house team that keeps it all running as smoothly as it does.”
To be in South Gippsland gives Kelly’s Bakery access to so many quality local ingredients. “From our free-range eggs sourced just kilometres away at Kardella South's Paddock Yolks to the local Gippsland butcher, Di Grandi’s. We aim to use the best of what’s available, which just so happens to be right on our doorstep.”
The Great Aussie Pie Competition was held in Sydney, with the pies and sausage rolls couriered overnight for judging. Michelle and the team attended the awards in previous years, when held in Melbourne. “This time we waited anxiously for the results to be posted online, and we’re so proud of the result.”
Kelly’s Bakery is located at 16 – 22 Commercial Street, Korumburra, so whether you’re a local or passing through South Gippsland, take the time to try the award-winning pastries that nationally pleased the judges.