The BITA Team is comprised of a selection of highly skilled, focused, and experienced individuals who provide flexible training and assessment for the baking industry in Queensland and New South Wales. Our team are available to assist you in becoming a qualified baker or pastrycook.
Dean Musgrave
General Manager
Dean has 44 years of experience in the baking industry along with more than 20 years of experience in a training environment. He ran his own bakery for a number of years as well as assisting many bakeries with production and other business needs. Dean is passionate about the industry and excited to be part of the BITA team to share his knowledge and expertise.
Mel Marquis
RTO Administrator
Mel joined the BITA team in 2022 and has 35 years of experience in customer service and more than 12 years of experience working in an RTO environment. She is process focused and supports BITA trainers/students with all things related to training administration. Mel is a bright and bubbly person who has a consistently positive demeanor.
Martin Schett
Industry Assessor/Trainer
Martin has gained a wealth of knowledge and broad array of experience within his long-term career in the baking industry. He spent many years as an Executive Pastry Chef at 5-star hotels throughout Austria, Switzerland, England, and Queensland. His passion for the baking industry led to the successful completion of a Bachelor of Adult Education at QUT in 2004, which has resulted in an ongoing career educating the younger generation of bakers and pastrycooks since. Martin joined the BITA team in August 2010 and has taught many apprentices the science of baking.
In 2011, Martin was selected to participate in the Capability Building – Enterprise Engagement Project established by the Department of Education and Training which further established his career as a trainer and advocate for the baking industry.
Chris Hurford
Industry Assessor/Trainer
Chris has more than 30 years of experience in the baking industry and a career that has seen him travel the world holding positions of all levels in England, Greece, Africa, and Australia. From 2004 to 2014 he owned and managed his own bakery in Queensland which received several awards including Queensland Bakery of the Year (three times) and a Quest Business Achiever Award (five times). This achievement also saw the businesses induction into the Quest Hall of Fame. Chris is an active competitor and judge of bread shows and known for his passion for artisan breads. Most recently Chris was a finalist in the 2019 Australia Society of Baking Sydney J Packham Scholarship.
Rodney Stanaway
Industry Assessor/Trainer
With more than 35 years of experience in the baking industry, Rodney is the most recent trainer to joined the BITA team in 2021. During his career he has performed in many roles including Bakery Manager and Bakery Owner and has also worked closely with milling companies Maralong Milling and OBP Milling in various representative roles. As a baker he has worked throughout Queensland and Papua New Guinea with teams varying in size, managing relationships, wages, customers, and more. Rodney’s most recent achievement is the completion of his training qualification allowing him to share his extensive bakery skills with the young emerging bakers of today.
Allan Hodges
Industry Assessor/Trainer
Allan has 30 years of experience in the baking industry holding a Certificate III in Baking. He has worked throughout Australia in various position at independent bakeries, major supermarket bakeries and as an Account Manager/Technical Sales Representative with Allied Pinnacle. Allan received a Certificate of Excellence for the ASB Arthur E Denison Trophy in 2017, 2018, and 2022. His passion for the baking industry has lead to judging many bread shows such as the Toowoomba Bread Show and attending many industry events. Allan loves a sparkling clean bakery and is excited to shape the future of the baking industry.
Natalie Kingcott
Marketing and Sponsorship
Natalie has more than 10 years of experience in the marketing industry and is highly qualified in all areas of graphic design. Prior to venturing into the marketing industry Natalie received exposure to all aspects of graphic design, advertising, and media as a Senior Graphic Designer for various companies in the education and construction industries. In total, her career as a creative all-rounder spans more than 20 years and includes running her own freelance graphic design business.