Natasha brings a wealth of experience to the role, having trained as a chef about 20 years ago.
She worked in some of Melbourne’s top restaurants before moving into teaching and is now enjoying a tree change to the Cobram region to be closer to family.
“I’m looking forward to passing knowledge and skills on to students, teaching them to be creative and experimental with food and knowing that all mistakes can be fixed,” Natasha said.
“I’m also a little excited to be back in a commercial kitchen.”
The college’s VET Cookery program offers students a fantastic opportunity to experience the hospitality industry first-hand, thanks to the generous support of Sporties Barooga, which provides access to its commercial kitchen every Wednesday.
Students learn everything from food safety and kitchen hygiene to preparing and cooking dishes, all while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced environment of a busy hospitality venue.
The program also provides a valuable pathway into employment, with students completing their first year of VET Cookery through the college.
Students then have the opportunity to continue their training through a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, combining further study with paid industry experience.
With nine students already enrolled to commence VET Cookery in 2027, the future of the program is looking bright.
Hospitality skills can open doors to employment opportunities across Australia and around the world, making this a valuable option for students considering life beyond school.
Former CSC students Lachlan Astley and Giselle Wren have both followed this pathway with Sporties Barooga.
CSC sincerely thanked Antonio for the knowledge, enthusiasm and spark he has shared with students over the years and wished him all the best for his next chapter.
Antonio said his time at CSC had been a great experience, and he had really enjoyed his time as a cooking trainer.
“I hope that my passion and love for food has inspired the students I’ve trained in the kitchen,” he said.