Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (16:23) 

Cast your mind back 30 years. The year is 1995. Paul Keating is prime minister. The PlayStation just hit our shelves. Toy Story was lighting up our cinemas. And, on 9 August, an 18-year-old bloke named Dave Bower started working at the newly opened Hunter Valley Cheese Factory in Pokolbin. Dave began on the retail side, cutting his teeth before cutting the cheese—before making the gouda move into manufacturing where he found his passion. He studied cheesemaking through the Gilbert Chandler College of Dairy Technology, showing early that he wasn't just a big cheese but a bloke ready to milk every opportunity. Thirty years and more than 55,000 hours later, Dave became one of Australia's most experienced cheesemakers. Every wheel, every wedge and every block has been made by hand, not by machine. That's 'brie-lliant' dedication.

His talent hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2000 he was named a rising food star by the Sydney Morning Herald, proving that he's the cream of the crop. Dave has also been a mentor to the next generation, always happy to share his knowledge and spread love not just the camembert. Today Dave and the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for 30 years—congratulations. Mate, you've done an edam good job, and that has truly aged to perfection. Some may say this is a little cheesy, but congratulations, Dave, and keep up the good work.