David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Most people know Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt as Queensland and Australia's premier wine region, with more than 100 cellar-door wineries producing dozens of wine varieties, but it is also home to Australia's top vinegar manufacturer, Australian Vinegar. Under the Lirah brand, Australian Vinegar supplies a quality product to many of Australia's best restaurants and exports around the world to many countries, including Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The story behind Australian vinegar is a story of true entrepreneurship, vision and innovation. Mr Ian Henderson, the CEO, started making vinegar nine years ago in his backyard in millilitre retail quantities. Only four years ago, he hired his first employee. Today, Mr Henderson employs a growing complement of staff and produces thousands of litres of vinegar per day in his newly constructed facility for bulk export and supply to the domestic market. This Saturday in Stanthorpe, I will be attending the official opening of Australian Vinegar's head office and innovation centre, with the Governor-General. Before I do, I would like to extend my congratulations to Ian and Robyn Henderson ahead of this terrific milestone and for their tireless and inspirational commitment to innovation and the community of Stanthorpe.