Dimi Jayawardene on this week’s semi-final episode of The Great Australian Bake Off. Photos: The Great Australian Bake Off.
What began as ‘procrastibaking’ has now earned Temora’s Dimi Jayawardene a spot in the finals of The Great Australian Bake Off.
Dimi was accepted into season eight of The Great Australian Bake Off last year as one of 12 home bakers after wanting to challenge herself.
The semi-final episode was aired on Wednesday (13 November) revealing the top three contestants who will challenge for the crown as Australia’s Best Amateur Baker next week.
Recalling the moment when she was selected as one of the top three finalists, Dimi told Region it was “surreal”.
“It was a full circle moment and it’s still that same feeling,” she said.
“I feel so excited, proud, nervous, happy and grateful. I’m feeling lots of emotions at the moment.
“It is an emotional time because so much work went into it (competition).”
Dimi was shocked to have made it to the finals.
The 40-year-old revealed she was shocked to make it this far in the competition. Even though her goal was to reach the finals, Dimi said she doubted her chances, being surrounded by many talented bakers.
“When you’re in the shed, you see so many amazing people, so you think, ‘It’s probably not going to happen, but just do your best,'” she said.
“It took a lot of hard work, focus, and determination to get to the end.
“It was never about competing with others. You were just pushing yourself to be better … that’s what got us three to the end.”
The self-proclaimed “Procrastibaker” began her baking journey at university as a way to avoid studying.
Dimi said watching the episodes each week brought back all the emotions.
“Watching the last episode, it was the first time I actually felt the anxiety … even though I already know what happens,” she said.
“I talked to Arvin and Elliot [the other two finalists], and they felt the same.
“I couldn’t have asked for better people to be in the finale with. They’re amazing bakers and beautiful people. It’s like three best friends going into bake.
“It’s really nice walking into the finale with two of my best friends.”
Dimi is a baker, cook, stylist and former teacher of 20 years.
The amateur baker said keeping the news of being one of the finalists a secret for the past year had been challenging.
“I’ve had to catch myself so many times to avoid spilling the beans,” she said.
“Just one more week to go. It’ll be a huge relief once everyone knows.
“I can’t wait!”
The early childhood teacher said her family were extremely supportive and proud of her.
“I honestly could not have done this without their support and encouragement.”
The self-proclaimed “Procrastibaker” began her baking journey at university as a way to avoid studying. It became her creative outlet when she entered as a mature-age student at 28.
Growing up in a family rooted in cooking and baking, Dimi was influenced by her parents, Shan and Dilini Jayawardene – Temora’s fine dining culinary duo.
Dimi’s advice to aspiring bakers is to keep baking, learning, and surround themselves with talented bakers.
“Don’t be intimidated by people who are better bakers than you. They’re the ones you need to learn from.”
Watch Dimi compete for the crown on The Great Australian Bake Off finale on Foxtel or Binge on Wednesday 20 November at 8:30 pm.
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