SHE was one of the first people to show Australians how to use a microwave oven.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was a moment of fear and wonder for those gathered at the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Living Better Electrically pavilion decades ago.
The experience was one of hundreds of memorable moments Bomaderry TAFE Campus’ mother-figure Di Laver recalled on her retirement.
It all started 37 years ago when Mrs Laver began teaching classes at Erowal Bay Progress Hall.
They were classes for enjoyment and were a casual affair, a bit of a make-it-up-as-you-go system.
It quickly grew to include other classes like sewing and floral art.
After two years Mrs Laver walked into Nowra TAFE and told them she wanted to start teaching.
They couldn’t have known it then but signing her up to TAFE was one of the smartest moves the local institution could have made.
She took the hospitality department on, focused on its growth and before long was offering apprentice chefs a career path and inspiring them to be the best in the business.
Many chefs have graduated from that kitchen and gone on to work at, and own respected restaurants around the world.
At every chance Mrs Laver would proudly take her fledgling chefs and hospitality students into the community to help cater at events.
The proclamation of Jervis Bay National Park, the opening of Bundanon with Prime Minister Paul Keating and the opening of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre were a few.
The achievements continued through the years with the department’s partnership with Brand Shoalhaven, and more than 5000 people taking part in the Aussie Host program.
“I’m really proud of what we have done. And the people I have worked with. I couldn’t have done what I did without them,” Mrs Laver said.
“Everyone at TAFE works together. We’ve been through thick and thin together. Some of the team have been with us for over 25 years.
“We have been striving to establish Shoalhaven as a food and wine destination for many years and now we’ve got all these incredible restaurants and wineries all going in the one direction and I’m proud to have been so much a part of that.”
As the senior head teacher of tourism and hospitality, Mrs Laver would bring ideas to the table that with the energy of her staff would grow into success stories.
Even the briefest glimpse at Mrs Laver’s impressive career would not be complete without mentioning her celebrity chef success.
For 12 years she has hosted some of the state’s finest chefs to expose her students to life in a high-pressure kitchen, and give local diners a mouth-watering taste of fine dining.
The celebrity chef experience evolved to offer scholarships for local students in some of Sydney’s most sought-after kitchens.
The program is viewed enviously by other TAFEs from around the state.
“The past 37 years have been an amazing journey and I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said.
“I love the Shoalhaven and I love what I’ve done, and I love the results.
“I’ve got some amazing stories and met some amazing people who will always be in my life.
“I’m really proud of the people I’ve worked with. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute director Dianne Murray congratulated Mrs Laver on behalf of TAFE Illawarra.
“Di has a strong personal commitment to the field of hospitality and her professionalism and ability to maintain relationships with her industry has earned her the respect of staff, business and the community.”
“Di has been a true leader and together with her team, we have valued her passion, her commitment and her professionalism,” she said.