A star is born - Western Star hits TV screens and wins gold all in one week

For over 93 years, Cobden has been the home of Western Star™, and now the south west Victorian town is on the map, starring in a new television campaign that aired across the country on Sunday.

The campaign will run until the end of July, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, some familiar community faces will be shining bright – Alma Macdonald, Andrea and John Carlin, and the Bailey family.

The famous butter is expertly crafted by Fonterra’s Cobden team, so it’s no surprise they are also front and centre. 

Matt Anderson has been a butter maker at the Cobden site for 10 years and says it was an awesome experience being involved.

“While the film crew were here, the site was a flurry of activity – the site was still fully operational, so a lot went into working around this. 

“We’re all incredibly proud of the butter we make here, and I know it’s something the Cobden community is proud of as well.

“It’s great that the people behind the brand are showcased, and there’s no doubt everyone in the community will see someone they know,” says Matt.  

Topping off a good week, Western Star™ was awarded Grand Dairy Champion at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards, and also took home Champion Butter – the tenth time it has received the accolade. 

Samir Suri, Production Manager at Fonterra’s Cobden site, says the team is thrilled with the wins and there is a lot of celebrating going on.

“It’s been a really great week for our people, not only is our hard work showcased on national television, it’s again been recognised as the best butter in Australia.

“Winning these awards are a testament to the consistency of the butter we produce – it’s the simple ingredients, the expert craft of our team, and of course, the quality of our south west farmers' milk, which makes it so great,” says Samir.

Western Star is an iconic Aussie favourite, with judges describing it as a classic, pure, creamy butter with a rich satisfying, five-star taste.