Established in 1924 as the
proudly serving Brimbank and the North West
20 MAY, 2025
The cream of the crop Alba Cheese Co has something to smile about – and it’s not just the rich, creamy taste of its award-winning cheese. The family-run business has scooped an impressive nine medals at the prestigious Royal Queensland Dairy Awards, cementing its place as one of Australia’s most celebrated cheese producers. The tally includes four gold, four silver, and one bronze, a haul that reflects decades of dedication, tradition, and innovation. Judged by leading dairy experts and industry connoisseurs, the awards highlight excellence in flavour, texture, and technique – all qualities that Alba Cheese Co said are at the heart of every wheel it produces. “This award is more than a recognition – it’s a reflection of our dedication to traditional cheese-making, sustainable sourcing, and bold flavour,” national marketing manager Margaret McLelland said. “In an industry filled with remarkable talent, standing out is an achievement we don’t take lightly. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries while honouring the art of cheese. “Our cheese tells a story. “It’s about the land, our people, and our passion for crafting something truly special.”
Alba Cheese’s Gaetano and Lena Bongiorno. (Damjan Janevski) 478170_01
Superhub funding welcome By Tara Murray
12733904-CV20-25
Brimbank council and LeadWest have welcomed the state government’s commitment to fast-tracking the Sunshine station superhub as part of a public transport blitz. Last week, Premier Jacinta Allan announced that almost $5 billion will be in 2025-26 state budget to fund the blitz. In partnership with the federal government, the state government is building a new transport superhub in Sunshine as the key to delivering airport rail and the first step in electrifying the rail line to Melton. To fast-track the project, $4 billion will be allocated towards the Sunshine station redevelopment – bringing forward $2 billion of
the government’s investment in airport rail – to kickstart works as soon as possible. In February, Brimbank council welcomed the federal government’s announcement of an additional $2 billion in federal funding for the project. Brimbank council has been advocating for appropriate timelines for both the development of Sunshine station and the implementation of the Sunshine station masterplan, campaigning for the Melbourne Airport Rail to be delivered before the third runway opens in 2031. “These projects are urgently needed to support the economic growth, housing needs and development of Melbourne’s western region,” council said. “The redevelopment of Sunshine station,
into an equivalent of the Southern Cross in the west, along with the complete delivery of the Sunshine station masterplan is critical to the success of the Melbourne Airport Rail project. “The council is continuing to call for the funding needed to ensure the full implementation of the station masterplan to reposition Sunshine as greater Melbourne’s next CBD – a key visitor economy hub, generating 30,000 new jobs and housing for more than 40,000 new residents in the west –addressing the nation’s housing shortage.” Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said council was delighted the state government included the funding in the budget. “This is wonderful news for the west, and Brimbank in particular. We look forward
to seeing shovels in the ground soon, and the transformation of Sunshine Station and surrounds. “Brimbank council will continue to work closely with state and federal governments to see these opportunities realised for the west, bringing jobs and economic growth to our communities.” LeadWest chair councillor Phillip Zada said the announcement of investment in public transport rail in Melbourne’s west is more than welcome. “LeadWest has been calling for an investment by the state government to transform the rail network in Melbourne’s west and today’s announcement is a win for people living in the west.”
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