Tuesday, 15 August 2023

 Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (13:23): The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards night was held on Thursday 10 August, and I was honoured to attend to witness a local manufacturer, That’s Amore Cheese, win the award for leader in food and beverage. I was also proud to see a number of companies that operate in the Thomastown electorate that made it as finalists, although not achieving the highest award on this day. But there will be plenty more opportunities to showcase the exceptional quality and innovation combined with handcrafted tradition that mark many of the businesses in the electorate at future award nights. The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards were established under the Bracks Labor government in 2001 and pay homage to Victorian made and those that make it. We are the manufacturing centre of Australia, and it is fitting that we celebrate the skills, dedication, determination, hard work and creativity that make Victorian manufacturing succeed. This is a night to recognise and applaud the 260,000 Victorian manufacturing workers, the 23,000 businesses and the $31 billion that manufacturing brings to our economy each year. Congratulations to owner–operator of That’s Amore Cheese, Giorgio Linguanti, and the team on achieving this award, and for all the passion and care you put into your cheesemaking. I have to say your cafe and deli is very good too; maybe next year we can agitate for an award category for best onsite cafe and deli, because, as a customer, I am sure you would take that one home too.