Noah Turnley, a local culinary sensation, is gearing up to defend his title at the upcoming Bairnsdale Show.
Fresh off a second-place finish at the Royal Melbourne Show, Noah and his family are eager to continue their winning streak.
The Bairnsdale Show holds a special place in the Turnley family’s hearts. While his siblings have traditionally battled it out in the Victorian Agricultural Show Junior Boiled Fruit Cake competition, this year marks the end of their sibling rivalry. Now 18, Noah has transitioned to the adult competitions but remains determined to claim the championship once again.
Noah’s mother, Rachel, credits the show’s cooking competitions with helping him develop his literacy and numeracy skills.
“We would sit together, read the recipe, follow the instructions and learn the correct measurements,” she said.
“It was a fun way to disguise learning.”
Despite his diagnoses of autism, ADHD and dyslexia, Noah thrives in the kitchen and doesn’t let his disabilities hold him back.
“Mum started us in the kitchen when we were really little,” he said.
“We’d all cook at home together, but once our items were submitted to the showgrounds, it was all of us against one another.”
Show president Tegan Roberts recently sat down with Noah to discover his secret to baking the perfect fruit cake.
Noah humbly replied that he doesn’t have a secret, simply a dedication to perfection.
He revealed that he cooked four cakes before submitting the winning entry to the Melbourne Show finals.
While nervous about competing against adults, Noah is excited to take on the challenge and prove himself once again.
Don’t forget to get your entries in, with online entries closing October 31.