PROFILE OF A CHEESEMAKER/PRODUCTION MANAGER

After completing secondary school in Launceston, Jane studied the Advanced Certificate of Dairy Technology at Gilbert Chandler Werribee. She then traveled to the United Kingdom where she worked for 2 years in farmhouse cheese operations. At one location, Jane prepared the HACCP and quality assurance program that enabled the company to supply Tesco - one of the large UK supermarket chains.

On her return home to Tasmania, Jane helped with the design and building of the cheese factory for Ashgrove Farms. They make English style cheeses and have won many awards for their cheeses at Industry competitions across Australia. Jane supervises 4 to 10 staff depending on the time of the year.

As part of the market research for Ashgrove Farm Cheeses, Jane has traveled to Japan to learn more about their market requirements. Jane says she has had tremendous support from her family and she has gone places she would not have dreamed of when she left school.

For her community and business achievements, Jane has received many awards. These include ABC Rural Woman of the Year - Tasmania and National, and the Regional Development Category of Young Australian of the Year - Tasmania and National.