Best butchers 'meat' to test skills at regional comp

STANTHORPE Quality Meats butcher Corey Tonkin will go on to contest the national titles after winning gold at the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions.

Lochlan Wiley concentrates on the job at hand in the hotly-contested competition. Picture: Bev Lacey

STANTHORPE Quality Meats butcher Corey Tonkin will go on to contest the national titles after winning gold at the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions in Meat Retail.

The top honour followed hours of intense concentration and focus for the young competitors on Sunday.

WorldSkills National judge and Axial senior meat industry trainer Tony Morgan said the eight contenders were those with the determination and dedication to build a strong career in the sector.

He said butchery, which is one of the oldest professions in the world, was changing to meet demands of modern consumers.

"They're becoming more innovative and finding new ways to offer and sell their product,” he said.

"The product range from 10 years ago is increasing as retailers go more into value adding such as with cooked meats.”

CARVING UP: WorldSkills Australia regional competitors in meat retail (from left) Jackson Blake, Lachlan Waters, Lochlan Wiley, Connor Taylor, Matthew Chambers, Lachlan Small, Corey Tonkin (winner) and Jake Holmes. Picture: Bev Lacey

The drought and its impact on meat prices was being felt across the sector, with consumers seeking out better quality cuts and value for money.

Three of the eight competitors yesterday were from Toowoomba, with others from Stanthorpe, Warwick, Roma, Wondai and Crows Nest.

Lachlan Waters of Uniplaza Meats took silver while W Carey and Sons at Warwick's Jackson Blake took bronze.

Mr Tonkin will now go on to contest the national competition next year.

Originally published as Best butchers 'meat' to test skills at regional comp