#16: Thea Royal, Shaw River Buffalo (Yambuk, Victoria)

We talk a lot about the importance of story here on this podcast and gee, do we have a good one for you today. Here I talk with Thea Royal from Shaw River Buffalo on not just how they came to be (which is one epic tale), but … as we just hinted … but the story of the person who inspired the name of one of their most renowned cheeses, Annie Baxter.   To be the first in any field is a challenge. It takes determination, resilience and a laser like focus on the outcome, regardless of the obstacles laid out in front of you. For Shaw River, their goal was to make not just Australia’s first buffalo milk mozzarella, but a semi hard style as well.  They were told it couldn’t be done. So they didn’t it anyway and proved the neigh sayers completely wrong. I don’t know about you but I just love and adore that kind drive and resilience. Its overwhelmingly inspiring, especially during these times. But I should say it’s not just with shaw river but ALL cheese makers across this land who strive to be the absolute best they can be. ---------- LINKS ABOUT ANNIE BAXTER http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dawbin-annie-maria-1967 http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE3681b.htm