Dimboola is the Wimmeras forerunner in hospitality training since the installation of a state-of-the-art trade kitchen at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College.

The kitchen was designed by hospitality teacher Cat Clarke and installed in the schools former common room at the rear of the canteen before this school year.

DMSC Principal Rob Pyers said that the kitchen was fitted out using local funds without grants and was a priority considering the student demand, and the need to upgrade the cooking centre facilities.

"We employed Cat to teach hospitality to our students, and to design the trade kitchen," Rob said, "her reputation is excellent and we aim to get the best person possible for every position at the College, and support them to be innovative and creative."

"We used local tradesmen where possible to ensure a high quality, low cost job, and we came in under budget as we have for other projects and renovations around the school.

"In recent years the school council has invested $556,000 on projects such as the new Health and Fitness Centre, the stadium refurbishment, the completion of the assembly hall annexe and now the trade kitchen," Rob said.

"I am very impressed by Cats work; she is doing amazing things with the kids within such a short period of time and I look forward to seeing what she will do in the future."

"We also have students travelling from Nhill to study the VET Hospitality Course and also Vet Building and Construction taught by Josh Cook, which assist in keeping our program fees low and adds a further dimension to our program."

Cat, who has been in the hospitality industry for 17 years, cooks each week with years eight and nine, year 11, two hospitality groups, and the VCAL hospitality pathway program for mature-age students that will result in a TAFE qualification.

The kitchen, within the assembly hall building, features both gas and electric ovens and cooktops, portable benches that can accommodate up to 20 students, ample bench space, and the potential to cook for up to 400 people at a time.

10 VCAL students catered a three-course meal for the Dimboola Rotary Club from the kitchen for the first time on Thursday. They made bread, minced lamb and made moussaka, chicken cacciatore and vanilla panna cotta from scratch for over 50 people.

The trade kitchen will be officially opened with a ceremony at 2.30pm on Thursday April 3. Light refreshments will be provided by the VET hospitality students, all community members are welcome, and are asked to notify the school of numbers on 5389 1460.

Cat is pictured, sixth from left, with the students on Thursday.