Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in the House today to celebrate an Indi family business which has grown from strength to strength since its humble beginnings in 1936. Alpine Breads started as Bertalli's Bakery in Benalla when its founder, Dick Bertalli, began baking fresh bread for his family and friends. Since then it's grown into a successful Australian bread manufacturer selling to major supermarkets all over Australia. They've pioneered hemp bread and led the globe in creating one of the first FODMAP-friendly breads. To top it all off, third-generation baker Andrew Bertalli is also a qualified pastry chef who won the top vanilla slice award at the Victorian Baking Show in 2014.

I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew recently and found him to be a modest but proud man. Andrew recognises the benefits of building a local business, hiring local people and nourishing their families. Alpine Breads is a much loved institution in Benalla, though recent pandemic challenges have made it difficult for the business to find and retain staff. When I entered parliament I was adamant that one of my roles would be to promote the good things happening in my electorate. Alpine Breads is a good thing. It is a delicious thing, and I'm proud to celebrate this enduring family business.