Trent Chippindall has been called to combine two of his life passions, to pursue a career doing what he loves and supporting local produce in the process.
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Mr Chippindall used the extra time on his hands created by the COVID-19 crisis to open new business, Graze and Table Platters & Co, a hospitality service which uses locally-sourced produce to create grazing platters.
"My passion for fine food and locally sourced produce is something I want to see more of in the Dubbo region," Mr Chippindall said.
"I believe the fresh produce that Dubbo has to offer needs to celebrated.
"It's a passion for me to support local for a few reasons: local produce is absolutely amazing, it's fresh and it's locally grown, so we keep the little businesses going, especially through bad times like drought and COVID-19.
"We need to support local more.I buy my produce from the farmer's markets and the butchers."
Mr Chippindall said it was during times when businesses weren't doing so great that you should take the risk.
I believe, the fresh produce that Dubbo has to offer needs to be celebrated...
- Trent Chippindall
"All it takes is an idea, a dream, passion and determination and you can achieve anything if you really want to," he said.
"I want to be an inspiration to others. If you have a dream, go for it."
Mr Chippindall was encouraged to open the business by family and friends who knew about his strong love of food.
"I started Graze and Table Platters & Co only two weeks ago after many years of my family members and friends saying I should go into business with the platters I make," he said.
"I finally took that step and so far the communities response has been great."
Mr Chippindall, as ambitious and determined as ever, said this was just the start of a bigger picture.
"My idea of starting the business, for me, is just the start of a bigger picture that my partner and I have in store for the businesses, with expanding in mind as well, which is exciting.
"I have a long background In hospitality starting at the Ritz Carlton many years ago, to being functions manager at the Nicks Seafoods Group in Darling Harbour and Wildman Wilderness Lodge, which is a five-star eco lodge In Kakadu.
"The hospitality industry has always been a massive love of mine."