Future Master Chefs given a helping hand to hone their culinary skills at Coleambally Central School.

But while the students show natural talent in the kitchen, there’s only so much the budding cooks can do without a commercial oven.

Especially when it comes to tapping into the growing demand of commercial cookery and hospitality in the region and beyond.

The school’s P&C is a step closer to being able to purchase a new commercial oven for their students thanks to a donation from Murrumbidgee Council and local businesses.

Council Administrator Austin Evans presented P&C President Rae Collier with a cheque for $535 last week, raised from a raffle held at the Growing Murrumbidgee Business Regional Dinner in March.

The event was part of Council’s Back to Business Week activities co-ordinated by Council’s Economic, Tourism and Community Development Manager Gerrie Carr-MacFie.

“I was approached by the Coleambally Central School P&C about where and how they might obtain contributing funding,” she said.

“It was felt this would give students undertaking Hospitality Studies the opportunity to work with commercial grade rather than domestic equipment.

“The school’s P&C was struggling to find a suitable grant program, and they were struggling to raise sufficient money.”

The Back to Business Week function included a celebration of regional produce.

“It seemed like a nice fit for participating businesses, especially the food manufacturers like Goman Foods, Yarrow Park Vinegars and Wines and Tim’s Meats and Catering, to jump in and help,” Ms Carr-MacFie said.

“After all, commercial cookery and hospitality skills are in demand.

“These students may be the Hospitality professionals of tomorrow.”

Mr Evans said the initiative was an ideal way to bridge the gap between commercial industry and education together, giving students a taste of life after school.

“It is a small but practical example of local businesses exercising Corporate Social Responsibility- investing in youth and education.”