The co-owner of a Southern Highlands bakery has described their win at the Sydney Royal Easter Show as "incredibly humbling" as customers formed a long queue outside the premises at the weekend to sample the award-winning cakes and pastries.
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Gumnut Patisserie has been so busy since claiming the 14th annual President's Medal last week, they're now in the process of hiring more pastry cooks.
The bakery - which has stores in Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima - was selected from more than 5000 entrants and 90 Sydney Royal Champions awarded throughout the 2019 Sydney Royal year.
The pinnacle of the RAS Sydney Royal competitions, the President's Medal finalist is judged on a triple bottom line assessment to determine a producer's social, economic and environmental impact on not only the industry but their local communities.
Gumnut Patisserie owner Tracey Nickl said it was a great honour to be named the 14th Annual President's Medal winner.
"This is an overwhelming moment, and I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved over the years and of the wonderful Gumnut Patisserie team we have created - this award goes to them," he said.
"The mentorship program is by far one of our greatest achievements; to see those we have trained, go on and become trailblazers in the industry is an amazing feeling.
"They are like family to us and from that we have created a strong network that can share ideas and drive the industry forward.
"The past 12 months have been incredibly hard, but out of that struggle we have managed to refocus on new ways to improve our business and band together to get through."
Vicki Nickl said the judging process was a lot of work.
"You have to win a championship first and then make the top six," she said.
"Then you have an interview process, where you have to write a proposal and the judges' walkthrough.
"There's a whole process to it."
Before the awards evening, Tracey and Vicki were in the car looking at their competition.
"We had no idea we would win," she said.
"We looked at the competition and thought if anything we would have a nice night out.
"I was stunned when they announced us winners.
"We work hard. It's nice to be rewarded, every finalist does."
Vicki said the reception at NSW Parliament House was beautiful.
"It was lovely, we met with NSW Governor General Margaret Beazley," she said.
"She's very lovely and polite."
The next day after the win, Vicki, Tracey and three of their kids were at the Sydney Royal Easter Show performing official duties.
"We got to put ribbons on for the wood chopping competition.
"There was a competitor from Mittagong who came fourth.
"It was exciting."
While Tracey and Vicki where at the show, their son Josh Nickl stayed back to help in the kitchen.
"It's a huge achievement," he said.
"We're incredibly humbled to be named in the top six across Australia and to win."
"We enter in the Sydney Royal Easter Show regularly and in 2019 we were named Champion Cake and Champion Pastry.
"From there we went forward."
Sydney Royal President's Medal Judge, Michael Bullen said Gumnut Patisserie was an outstanding Australian fine food business that gave back to its community and embodies everything the RAS President Medal stood for.
"Gumnut Patisserie should be admired for their commitment to the Australian fine food industry and their innovation in driving business to the Southern Highlands for over 25 years," he said.
"It is remarkable to see the impact one business can have on a local community from supporting local producers, to creating a mentorship program that drives the business forward and ensures the longevity of the trade.
"The President's Medal's aim is to look beyond a product, delving into the social, economic and environmental impact of a business and its long- term sustainability.
"Gumnut Patisserie is an outstanding example of how a business can achieve success by taking this holistic approach; looking to innovation practices and creativity to continuously improve the industry."
If you're keen to get your hands on some of the pastries at Gumnut Patisserie, Vicki Nickl has some advice.
"Place your orders online so you don't miss out," she said.
"You can then pick them up from the express queue at our Mittagong Store."
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
