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Opportunities for people with a disability

April 1, 2010

Our Kitchen Rules

Kingaroy Kitchen has capitalised on its commercial success – and added to its growing trophy cabinet – by winning a prestigious international award for its website.

Beating off global heavyweights like Cadbury Schweppes and Kraft, Kingaroy Kitchen has won the prestigious Interactive Media Awards (IMA) Best in Class for Food, with 494 points out of a possible 500.

Previous winners of the award include the likes of Red Bull, Lipton and Mountain Dew.

Kingaroy Kitchen shared the Best in Class podium - the highest honour at the Awards - with elite performers Disney, Adidas and Accenture.

Endeavour's Manager Online & Digital Sally Williams, who led the project team, said the IMAs recognised the very best in planning, execution and professionalism in website design.

“Websites undergo a comprehensive judging process to evaluate five key areas: design, content, usability, functionality and layout,” Sally said.

“The project team was passionate about creating the most fun, functional site possible.

“The site's fresh, exciting appearance was complemented by some stunning photography.”

Kingaroy Kitchen founder and town icon Hazel Patterson said: “Feedback from customers was that they loved being able to order genuine country-style foods online and have them home-delivered rather than having to go to a market or fete.

“They also loved the recipes, which showed just how delicious and versatile the products were.”

The website accolade tops a successful start to the year for Kingaroy Kitchen, after it was invited to participate in the town's Wine & Food in the Park on 13 March.

The Kitchen offers a range of gourmet-quality foods made to home-style recipes from fresh produce sourced throughout the South Burnett region.

It is owned and operated by Endeavour Foundation, which provides support and opportunities for people with a disability.

Both volunteers and Endeavour clients have had a hand in the brand's success and are intensely proud of their achievements.

Supported employee Leigh Izlaub said: “I looked at the [new] website and called my mum over to see 'our page' – it was really exciting.”

Leigh said Endeavour had given her a “second chance” at happiness by employing her at the Kitchen, after being bullied “all my life”.

“I have never felt 'at home' before this,” she said.

Fellow worker Peter Smith said he also enjoyed the supportive environment Endeavour offered.

“Endeavour gives me the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends,” he said.

But that's not necessarily what first springs to his mind when talking about working at Kingaroy Kitchen.

“I like loading the oven and pumping jam into the Jam Drops,” he said.

Visit the award-winning site at www.kingaroykitchen.com.au.

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