The Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn, has announced Australian Government funding of $99,050 for The Old Cheese Factory - Rural Venture Centre at Reidsdale promote tourism in the local area.
Mr Nairn said funding had been allocated to assist the Old Cheese Factory to develop its role as a unique tourism experience.
Sited on a 3/4 acre block with picturesque views across the prime grazing land, the former cheese factory had been purchased earlier this year by the Watkins-Sully family of the Braidwood Deli. Already well known for their gourmet produce and deli food in Braidwood, the family are to pass on some of their skills.
"There are plans afoot to transform the original 1920s cheese factory to provide modern facilities for food production and training, which will help develop the region as a food and beverage destination," Mr Nairn said.
"It's hoped that permanent exhibitions of the region's food heritage and a shop that stocks regional goods will help the The Old Cheese Factory to become a prime tourist attraction.
The Australian Government is investing in the restoration and renovation of the factory and I congratulate Sully Consultants for securing this funding. It is a tribute to their hard work and will bring considerable benefits to our local area" he said.
After taking over the Braidwood Deli in 2002, it was not long before the Watkins-Sully family realized the great demand for regionally produced products. When the tried to expand the range of locally produced products in their shop, it came to light that, although Braidwood is blessed with an abundance of cool climate primary produce and well patronized end markets, there is a surprising lack of commercial food production infrastructure.
They began to develop a concept to create a facility that would assist and encourage food production in the region. When "The Old Cheese Factory" at Reidsdale came on the market, it was almost too good to be true, the space and provenance was ideal and the concept quickly developed into a plan. They planned a multi-functional centre that would encompass commercial food production facilities; food related education and shared marketing opportunities.
With the preliminary plan and a budget prepared it became obvious that if the Watkins-Sullys were to turn their dream into reality additional funding would be needed. Around this time The Braidwood Deli hosted a breakfast meeting for Braidwood Tourism, which was attended by some NSW Tourism Staff. After the meeting the 'Old Cheese Factory' project was discussed with Margaret O'Dwyer theSouthern Area Manager for Tourism New South Wales, who kindly suggested that we look into the Aus Industry Tourism Development program.
The Watkins-Sullys were elated when informed that their application had been successful. Gary said, "the staff at Aus Industry were terrific, in particular Kris Ben who was always willing to provide guidance through the very daunting application process. Without this funding it would have been extremely difficult to realise our goals."
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