WA’s Dellendale Creamery and Bannister Downs Dairy crowned Australia’s best at national dairy awards

Denmark’s Dellendale Creamery and Northcliffe’s Bannister Downs Dairy have scooped major gongs at the 26th Australian Grand Dairy Awards in Melbourne. The awards, held on October 30 at the Melbourne Showground, received 406 entries across 22 categories. Dellendale Creamery was awarded the Grand Champion Cheese title for its Churchill Rd Raclette, while Bannister Downs Dairy was awarded Grand Champion Dairy Product for its Double Cream. Judge Jill Allen said a high quality “wealth of products” was submitted this year. “I’ve seen a lot of flavours that I haven’t encountered before, especially from my past judging in the US, which speaks to the characteristics and diversity of Australian dairy,” she said. “To have this accolade bestowed on a product is a nod to the quality and standard of a producer.” Dellendale Creamery owner Chris Vogel, who founded the company in 2010, said cheesemaking had many “challenges and rewards”. “This prestigious recognition reflects the knowledge we’ve built over 15 years and our small team’s passion and endeavour in handcrafting, washing and tending to every wheel of cheese in our cellar,” he said. “We’ve always believed in the quality and tradition behind our cheeses, and this award is a testament to that commitment.” Bannister Downs Dairy owners Mat and Sue Daubney said receiving the Grand Champion award was a “true honour”. “It reflects the generations of hard work and dedication that have shaped our farm, and the wonderfully abundant area we are so fortunate to farm in” Mr Daubney said. “We’ve seen the industry change, grow, and innovate each year, and we’re excited to be championing our family traditions, all while also embracing innovation to produce the highest quality dairy for our community and beyond.” To be eligible to enter, a product must be produced in Australia with 100 per cent Australian milk and have won gold at a state qualifying competition. This year saw new award categories introduced including Novelty Ice Cream, Fresh Curd Stretched Cheese, and Other Goat, Sheep, Buffalo, and Camel Milk products. Brownes Dairy was awarded Champion modified milk for its Farmdale Full Cream Lactose Free Milk, as well as Champion Natural Yogurt for its The Greek – Unsweetened Natural Yogurt. Malaga-based Jay’s Dairy’s Pineapple Shrikhand was awarded Champion Dairy Desert and its Masala Lassi awarded Champion Flavoured Yogurt.