In August, Barry Roberts, who’s been running cheese workshops in Melbourne and Gippsland for three years, will bring all his wealth of dairy knowledge to Waminda Community House.
From 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, August 5, Mr Roberts will be on site delivering morning, afternoon and full-day workshops, where attendees can make up to 11 cheeses.
“In the morning, they make ricotta, Danish feta, Camembert and Danish blue,” he said.
“Over the lunch break, mascarpone is made.
“Then in the afternoon, they make halloumi, farmhouse cheddar, cottage cheese, mozzarella, bocconcini and burrata.”
Mr Roberts began delivering workshops in regional Victoria last year.
He said he perceived a lack of this specialised education in the regions.
“There is a dearth of this type of education in regional Victoria, and a keen interest to learn,” he said.
“Students are able to make their own cheese at home for around $10 per kg and mature it, turning it into highly flavoured cheese worth well over $50 per kilogram.”
During this visit to the region, Mr Roberts is set to run workshops throughout northern and north-eastern parts of the state, stopping in Wangaratta, Kyabram, Numurkah, Mooroopna, Echuca and Cobram.
He said the workshops had previously been received well by students.
“The response has been very good in the past and most courses fill up, or get close to full,” Mr Roberts said.
“The August 5 workshop in Benalla is already two thirds full and tracking well, so I expect it to fill soon.”
If the workshop sees success locally, Benalla can expect Mr Roberts to make a return.
“Based on the demand, there seems to be a justification to return at least twice per annum,” he said.
“I have found in other towns that word of mouth quickly spreads once I have done a workshop, and this creates a demand for future workshops.”
For more information, or to book, visit www.eventbrite.com/cc/northern-victoria-4854082
Mr Roberts can be contacted via cheesewithbarry@gmail.com
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