NBIA members can register for the chance to be featured by clicking on the button and filling out the form. This is a great opportunity to receive a free write up for your business. We encourage you to register your bakery today.
Maldon Bakery
This month the National Baking Industry Association spoke to Rebecca Barnett from Maldon Bakery in Victoria about what she loves most about being a baker and the historic value of her bakery.
Maldon Bakery is located at 51 Main Street, Maldon Victoria, in one of the oldest brick buildings in town. This historic bakery was established in 1854 by George McArthur and has been running continuously under various owners since then. The history books say the bakery was built to feed the thousands of hungry gold miners who flocked to the region during the gold rush. Rebecca, the current owner, loves the charm of Maldon and is extremely proud and respectful of the business’s heritage.
Rebecca comes from a line of bakers spanning five generations. She has fond childhood memories of time spent at her Grandparents bakehouse and her first job at the now closed Browns Bakery in Toorak. Here at the NBIA we are excited to see what Rebecca and her team, Ken Hercott and Katy Baur (both wood fired oven specialists) will bring to the industry. Rebecca encourages anyone thinking about becoming a baker or joining the industry to be creative and think outside of the box.
The Maldon Bakery specialises in organic sourdough bread baked using traditional methods and quality ingredients on site in the beautifully restored 170-year-old Scotch Oven. Other products include Danish pastries, croissants, tarts, sausage rolls, pies, pasties, and more. Their pies are a customer favourite with multiple 5-star reviews on Google and Trip Advisor, not to mention the coffee that is served from a quaint little servery window next to the bakery entrance.
One of the most exciting things about the Maldon Bakery is the original wood-fired Scotch Oven that was installed by the first owner back in 1854 and is still in use today. Rebecca was excited to restore the oven and hear that the oven held heat well and baked bread efficiently. The decision was made to burn Sugar Gum wood to achieve heat efficiency and reduce emissions.
Rebecca purchased the business in 2022 and has since done renovations to the premises with support of the owner, to maintain heritage significance, increase efficiency and introduce sustainable practices, recycled materials were also utilised where possible. Rebecca is working towards a net zero business and has future plans to install solar panels and renovate the bakery garden to provide veg and herbs for the bakery.
The Maldon Bakery has a history rich in community involvement which Rebecca plans to reinstate by participating in local events such as the Great Aussie Scone Bake held during the Maldon Easter Fair. Rebecca is also excited to support the local primary school by encouraging the children to propagate native seedlings.
The Maldon Bakery is open from Wednesday to Sunday serving delicious breads, cakes, pies, and more. You can even purchase steam-train-shaped biscuits as a tribute to the history of the area. We invite you visit this charming little country bakery to enjoy a pie and coffee and experience the history behind one of Australia’s oldest bakeries.