Mr Waack owned Waack’s Bakery in Stawell, Horsham and Ararat for 21 years, selling the businesses two years ago. 

A supplier Mr Waack worked with at Waack’s Bakery, BNG Trading, offered for him to go to PNG to assist bakeries.

He was in PNG for three weeks based out of Port Moresby, while working with bakeries. 

“Some of the bakeries I worked with were good and others needed some improvements.

“My main goal was to look at the bakeries’ recipes and processes and to improve those. 

“I put systems in place to make those improvements sustainable.

“I also trained the managers further so they could troubleshoot problems if need be.” 

The highlight for Mr Waack in PNG was seeing two shipping containers being fitted together, so it could be turned into a portable bakery. 

“The two containers would go on a truck so it could go out to remote villages and runs off a generator.

“The mines in PNG trialed this and they baked thousands of loaves of bread a day.

“It’s a way for villages to be self-sufficient.” 

Mr Waack said he is hoping to have the opportunity to go to PNG again. 

“Workers in PNG don’t get paid a lot, but they are extremely proud of themselves and their work,” he said.

“The guys were brilliant to work with and happy to accept advice.

“I was amazed with how quickly they made the product.

“They were committed to making good quality bread.” 

He said the loaves of bread were similar to Australia’s, but the bread rolls were sweeter. 

“An unbelievable amount of cream buns and lamingtons were sold,” he said.

“Sweets are emerging in bakeries in PNG.

“We’re considering introducing custard tarts and chocolate eclairs too.”