National gong for Ballarat bakery

EMMA’S Homemade Cakes has had success at the Baking Association of Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition in Sydney.

Receiving gold medals in the flavoured pie and vegetarian categories, Emma Conroy and her staff were recognised for their Brazilian Pulled Beef pie and Vegetable Coconut Curry pie.

Owner and baker, Emma Conroy said the acknowledgement meant a lot to her hardworking team, who had eight entries trucked up to New South Wales and won six silver medals.

“We are thrilled with the results,” she said.

Ms Conroy’s first year apprentice, Marie Jackson also had success, winning the National Apprentice Traditional Pastie award.

“It’s a dream come true, and it shows that you’re never too old to change career and follow your passion,” she said.

Ms Conroy is proud of her business and its all-female staff, who came close shutting the bakery’s doors earlier in the year due to economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said there’s been plenty of challenges, but they have all been worth it.

“Within a week we lost 90 per cent of our revenue, as we supply many cafes with baked goods across western Victoria.

“Basically overnight we had to pivot from being a supplier to retail, to home deliveries, and it was the right decision to make,” Ms Conroy said.

“We have received great support from the Ballarat community who are appreciating the option of fresh baked goods being delivered to their doors.”