It may be the Country Women’s Association who are most famed for their baked goods, but it seems that Ballarat believes there’s plenty of blokes out there just as talented with a mixer. It’s this group who the NSW town hope to celebrate at the turn of the Ballarat on a Plate food festival this May.

The month-long series of edible events will showcase the region’s best growers, producers, chefs, restaurants and cafes from May 1 to 31. “Ballarat is full of very exciting foodie businesses with people who work collaboratively to deliver an amazingly diverse and high-quality culinary experience,” explains Plate Up Ballarat director Kate Davis. “Plate Up Ballarat is our chance to show off what we have. It really is regional dining at its best.”

Among the 50 events taking place is a baking competition hoping to encourage country men to showcase their scone skills (or cupcakes for that matter). From 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday May 19, Ballarat Blokes who Bake will take place. There are two categories in which you can enter – birthday cake or baked goods, with a panel of judges tasting their way to the winner.

“Gents can have their cake and bake it too!” the competition explains.
“Are you a bloke who is secretly a master baker? Or do you know a bloke who knows a bloke who does the best birthday cakes? Well… dob yourself in (or your mate’s mate in) for Ballarat Blokes Who Bake!”

Of course it’s all for a good cause. The competition, and larger festival, hope to normalise the conversation around men’s mental health, and have partnered with the Shaka Project in an effort to do so, as well as raise funds for the charity.

Boys, it’s time to get your bake on. You can register your interest now online.