Maree Edwards MP, Member for Bendigo West, has joined with the Harcourt community to officially re-open the Blumes Historic Bakery – made possible thanks to $184,300 from the Allan Labor Government’s Victorian Timber Innovation Fund.

The grant has helped owners Jodie and David Pillinger to breathe new life into the building, funding renovations and installation of a new electric deck oven and prover – replacing their reliance on an old wood fired Scotch oven, affectionately known as Pearl.

The bakery’s renovation is set to unlock new possibilities, increasing both the quantity and variety of baked goods, while becoming another drawcard for Central Victoria.

More jobs for local trades have been created during the restoration and fit-out phase. The owners have hired three new staff members as a result of this project, in addition to retaining the two fulltime positions.

“It’s great to see Blumes reopening – generating new employment and tourism opportunities in our region.” Said Ms Edwards.

“I congratulate Jodie, David and the whole team for the fantastic work they’ve done in transforming this bakery, and I know it will continue to be a much-loved meeting space for our community.”

The renovations to the bakery building includes plumbing, plastering, painting and outdoor landscaping.

For more than a century, the bakery has been part of the community. The old oven has been kept as part of its restoration, and the space surrounding it will be used for community workshops and events.

VTIF supports existing forestry businesses to transition away from native timber to alternative fibre, investigate manufacturing opportunities or pivot to other industry sectors.

Round 3 of the grants program is currently open. For more information call 1800 318 182 or visit, vic.gov.au/forestry