The search for the Nowra region’s best baker exists as a result of a partnership between the Yellow Pages, White Pages and the New South Wales Country Women’s Association (CWA).

It’s a first of its kind venture that will see all Nowra directories used to celebrate the phenomenal achievements of the state’s largest volunteer women’s organisation, the CWA of NSW, their love of food and the areas’ finest baker.

Johanne Holt won the hearts (and mouths) of a panel of judges from the Yellow Pages, White Pages and CWA of NSW, after a friend entered her into the online competition and demonstrated Johanne’s creativity in baking, as well as best describing why she deserves to win.

I was very surprised and totally thrilled to be chosen as Nowra’s Undiscovered Baking Legend,” Johanne said. 

“This is a fantastic recipe that I use for most of the kids birthday cakes (the big kids and grandkids), it's quick to make and tastes fantastic, definitely one cake that they all frequently ask for. It’s also a great recipe to use for cupcakes, rum balls and cake pops.”

Not only will Johanne feature on the front cover of this year’s Yellow Pages and White Pages Nowra book, but her tantalising rich chocolate cake recipe and ingredients will also appear on the inside front cover for local residents to enjoy, alongside details of the work that the CWA of NSW do in the area.

Talking about the campaign, Sensis spokesperson, Erin Williamson said, “We are extremely proud to partner with the Country Women’s Association for this year’s Yellow Pages and White Pages covers program.”

“It is a fitting partnership as we share a common goal of helping, supporting and connecting the community with the things that matter. We also have a mutual love of food – and cannot wait to see the nation’s undiscovered bakers revealed across our directories over the coming months.”

While working tirelessly for over nine decades to provide a voice and improved life conditions to women and children in regional and rural Australia, the CWA through its network of 1,500 branches, has also built a strong reputation in baking and empowering one another through the love of food, and the 2017/18 Nowra cover will celebrate this aspect of the CWA.

State President of CWA of NSW, Annette Turner said food brings people together. 

“Food is a very powerful thing; not only for the obvious reasons, but it has the ability to unite people,” she said. 

“As most will know, we’re quite famous for our scones, so to have the opportunity to showcase some of our members and their amazing baking delights on the covers of the Yellow Pages and White Pages books, along with details of our recent work is an incredibly exciting thing.”

Distribution of the 2017/18 Nowra Yellow Pages will take place this month.