Channel your inner Nigella Lawson in Katherine

Katherine locals will be able to study hospitality courses such as Asian Cookery and Cake Decorating as part of a first time expansion into hospitality at Katherine Rural Campus.

CDU will offer a series of short courses over select weeks out of a new kitchen, a $200,000 investment from the University to upgrade facilities at the Katherine Rural Campus (KRC) to cater to Katherine and Big Rivers Region locals.

The project includes upgrades to existing electrical infrastructure and upgrade of the gas systems to cater for a new stove as well as ancillary works to freshen the kitchen area up and make the bench areas meet the spatial needs of students and the teaching environment.

Additional works include repainting the kitchen area, additional stainless-steel benches and modification of the cooking equipment station layout, which have now all been completed.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor for Katherine and Big Rivers Alison Haines said the investment supports CDU’s direction to reinvigorate its presence in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory.

“If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at cooking, baking or cake decorating locally in Katherine now is your opportunity,” Ms Haines said.

“We know that local restaurants and hospitality businesses in the region have struggled to find workers, so expanding into hospitality will further support worker shortages and provides new opportunities for people.”

VET Team Leader Culinary Arts and Hospitality Robert Schwerdt said CDU is pleased to be able to offer catering, baking and hospitality for the first time in Katherine.

“Our team of chefs, bakers and butchers are very excited to bring our broad range of culinary skills to the Big Rivers Region,” Mr Schwerdt said.