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Take up the ‘Brie-change’ challenge

BORED by ‘sea-change’? Uninspired by ‘tree-change’? Perhaps you need a ‘Brie-change’. Passionate cheese lovers are invited to apply for one of three annual cheesemaker scholarships offered by Dairy Australia.

By Susan Webster - 13th October 2007 - Back to News

The scholarships offer all-expenses-paid, part-time tuition with Australia’s top fromagers.

Winners will undertake a series of courses through the National Centre for Dairy Education – Australia, as well as hands-on experience and mentoring from three specialty cheese manufacturers across Australia, including King Island Dairies.

Anyone who lives and breathes cheese, not just established cheesemakers, is invited to apply for the scholarships

Previous winners have gone on to establish their own boutique cheese businesses in dairy-rich areas of regional Australia.  They have included Tilba Tilba jersey cow fan Erica Dibden and Kate Woodward, the multi-award-winning owner/operator of Hunter Belle Cheese, at Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley.

Dairy Australia’s Naomi Crisante said: ""Australia produces some of the world’s best milk – the raw material for world-beating artisan cheeses. That’s why specialty cheese is a fast-growing niche market, growing over the last decade from 15,000 tonnes/year to  more than 31,000 tonnes/year."

"There are many people keen to get involved in this dynamic industry, and Dairy Australia is delighted to provide these scholarships to further build the sophistication and skill of those undertakings," Naomi said.   "If ever you’ve dreamed of taking up the cheesemaking challenge, for the successful applicants, these scholarships allow you to grab the dream and make it happen."

Details of cheesemaker scholarship

Applicants must submit a one-page document stating why they would like to become a cheesemaker, a resume with three relevant references, and a recent photograph.

To qualify applicants must be over 18 years old and a permanent resident of Australia.  In addition, they cannot be currently employed full-time as a cheesemaker. 

Candidates must be available to travel to various training venues within Australia between March and October 2008 and to attend the 2008 Australian Grand Dairy Awards ceremony in Melbourne on 6 February, 2008.

The selection panel consists of representatives of Dairy Australia, the National Centre for Dairy Education – Australia and manufacturing sponsors.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 28 December, 2007.

To apply, email your application to gmclardie@dairyaustralia.com.au or mail to Gale McLardie, Dairy Australia, Level 5, IBM Tower, 60 City Road, Melbourne, Vic 3006. 

For more information, contact Gale McLardie at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3700 or visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au.

Scholarship winners will be announced on February 6, 2008 and the manufacturer placements will take place between March 1 and the end of October, 2008.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au