Volume 5: The Story of Budgalong – Meet the Makers & Local Legends
We’re lucky to be surrounded by a remarkable community of producers — the kind of people who care deeply about their land, the people, and the produce.
These are the neighbours and friends who help bring the Budgalong experience to life. In this edition, we wanted to share a few of their stories with you.
Budgalong
Right here at home, Budgalong is a mixed sheep, cattle, and cropping farm run by Rob and Mary Sutherland, who have dedicated over 30 years to cultivating the land. Their passion lies in building balanced, healthy soil that grows strong plants to feed robust, healthy animals. Nestled in the peaceful landscape of Spicers Creek, Budgalong reflects their deep commitment to sustainable farming and respect for the land.
Alongside their livestock, Budgalong has a long-term partnership with a local beekeeper, producing raw honey straight from the hives — gently harvested to preserve its natural flavour and nutrients. Together, this work embodies a true connection to the land, fostering a thriving, resilient ecosystem. Find out more
Grassland Poultry
Located just off the Twelve Mile, Grassland Poultry is home to award-winning Sommerlad heritage chickens. Bryan and Kim Kiss are dedicated to producing slow-grown, ethically raised poultry that thrives on the natural grassy woodlands of their farm. For them, it's about more than just great-tasting chicken—it's about ensuring access to healthy, regenerative food. Their approach to farming prioritises animal welfare and sustainability, which they believe naturally leads to exceptional taste. Find out more
The Wuuluman Market
Located in the picturesque Wuuluman region, Claudia and Justin Schick are dedicated to delivering high-quality free-range pork and beef products. Their farm operates with a strong commitment to regenerative farming practices, ensuring that their meat is not only delicious but also environmentally sustainable. The Wuuluman Market is known for its dedication to ethical farming, providing the community with pork and beef raised with care and respect for the land. Find out more
See Saw Wines
Situated in the heart of Orange’s cool climate wine region, See Saw Wines is the result of over 30 years of passion and expertise from Pip and Justin Jarrett. Their vineyards, spread across three elevations, are certified organic and meticulously managed to produce exceptional fruit. This dedication to sustainable farming and minimal intervention in the winemaking process allows them to craft wines that truly express the unique character of Orange. Each bottle from See Saw Wines is a celebration of balance, where the harmony of nature and thoughtful craftsmanship come together to create award-winning wines that delight the senses. Find out more
In Two Minds Wines
This is a new and exciting partnership we’re proud of. Founded by Kate (Kathryn) Day and Nina (Katherine) Day—who met studying oenology at university and later became sisters-in-law after marrying identical twin brothers—In Two Minds Wines is a boutique Australian wine venture based in the Mudgee region of NSW. Their wines are made in small-batch, limited releases, crafted from fruit sourced across several regions in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. Emphasising creative collaboration, flexible innovation, and a deep respect for both the land and their craft, they’re dedicated to delivering expressive, honest wines that reflect their unique story and partnership. We can’t wait to share more of their story with you soon. Find out more
Second Mouse Cheese
Based in Orange, SJ Pienaar and her team handcraft cheese using milk from local family farms. Since 2013, they’ve specialised in European-style cheeses—Double Cream Brie, Blue, Semi-Hard, Feta, Halloumi and more—each batch pressed, aged, and packed by hand. Their fanatical commitment to craftsmanship makes their cheese a perfect match for our long-table feasts and cellar tastings. Find out more
Pepe Saya
At Budgalong, we’re proud to stock Pepe Saya’s incredible cultured butter along with a selection of their sweet treats and goodies. Founded by Pierre (“Pepe”) Saya, a passionate buttermaker who lives and breathes dairy, and his wife Melissa (“Mrs Pepe”), who keeps everything rolling behind the scenes, Pepe Saya has become a benchmark for Australian-made butter. Their mission is simple: to celebrate local produce and get more Aussies enjoying real, honest butter on their tables. Find out more
Celebrating the Community
We’re thrilled to be hosting the second Budgalong Fire Feast, a celebration of the incredible produce from our region. We also work with a number of other smaller local producers to provide fresh baked bread and other goods. Tickets are on sale now — read on for all the details.
Budgalong Fire Feast
When: 1st November 2025
What: Wood-fired paddock-to-plate long lunch
Where: Budgalong Lodge
Dining at Budgalong offers a real taste of the destination — a celebration of homegrown, locally sourced, and sustainably produced food. The paddock-to-plate experience takes guests on a multi-sensory journey through the natural landscape and onto the plate, with every bite telling the story of the people and places behind it.
2024’s feast brought together all these legends in one place — long tables, good wine, stories shared under the gums. We’re doing it all again in 2025 with our mates at Terra Firma Dining, and we’d love you to be there.
If you’d like to experience it firsthand, join us for the Budgalong Fire Feast or plan a stay at Budgalong Lodge. You can also follow along on socials for updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the farm.
And if you enjoyed this newsletter, feel free to share it with someone who loves good food, good people, and the good life.
What to Expect from The Story of Budgalong
In each edition of The Story of Budgalong, we’ll explore different aspects of life at Budgalong Lodge. From the history of our farm and our sustainable farming practices to the local producers we partner with and the events we host, each newsletter will offer a unique perspective on our vision and our community.
We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, seasonal updates from the farm, and exclusive previews of upcoming retreats and paddock-to-plate events. Whether you’ve stayed with us before or are looking forward to visiting for the first time, we hope this newsletter will inspire you to reconnect with nature, family, and friends.