HELEN HUGHES

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Helen Hughes has made an enormous contribution to the hospitality industry in Maitland. For many years Helen has held a teaching leadership role at the TAFE Hunter Valley Hotel Academy. Over the last 25 years Helen has taught front‑of-house students and apprentice chefs who have gone on to make their mark in the industry, both locally and across the globe. Helen's students have often come from disadvantaged, migrant, and refugee backgrounds. Many of them have begun their careers in hospitality at entry level and the skills they have gained have allowed them to work their way up in the industry. With a passion for good food & service Helen has been involved in supporting both hospitality and tourism in the Maitland region. Helen has recently taken on the role of assistant leader of the Slow Foods Hunter Valley Team. Helen can be found delivering cooking demonstrations at Maitland Taste, Maitland Riverlights and as an organiser for the Tocal Field Days teaching us how to use those foods that lurks at the bottom of the fridge vegetable crisper. A champion for sustainability and education I recognise Helen for her contribution to the Maitland region.