Celebrations Go Off With A Bun

February was a significant milestone for Victoria’s baking community, with the Australia’s Best Hot Cross Bun Competition and the Victorian Baking Show turning 10.

Bakers came from far and wide to Shepparton, northern Victoria, to compete in the combined event, with entries from South Australia, New South Wales and the ACT. Nonetheless, it was the strong representation from country Victoria that stood out.

Family-run business Numurkah Bakery took home the prestigious title of best hot cross buns in the country – and they didn’t have far to go, located only 34km north of Shepparton in the Shire of Moira.

Owners Leeanne and Trevor Stewart – who also run a small café and gift shop on the side – won first prize for their fluffy, perfectly-spiced buns, after entering the competition around six times.

Although a humble winner, Trevor said the win had an instant impact on his business.

“It’s incredible what winning the title has done. We are selling more hot cross buns than ever,” he said.

“This year, things just came together for us,” Leeanne told The Weekly Times.

“It’s a very tough competition to win.”

Around 40 different bakeries entered this year’s competition, which is run by the Baking Association of Australia (BAA). Head judge and retired president Stewart Latter said it was great to see the event going strong after 10 years – particularly as there has been a noticeable improvement to end products and celebrations go off with a bun.