Brian Ahmed’s father established L.T.’s Egg Farm in Werribee South more than four decades ago. 76163 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Alesha Capone
AT 10 YEARS of age, Brian Ahmed began working in his family farm’s small tin shed in Werribee South.
“I was the egg collector and also the shed cleaner. My brother and I used to shovel chook manure, that was our weekend job,” he said.
“We also fed the chooks before and after school.”
Mr Ahmed’s father Irfan (John) founded L.T.’s Egg Farm more than 40 years ago, after leaving Cyprus for Australia in 1949.
After falling in love and marrying fellow Turkish Cypriot immigrant Aliye (Julie) in 1955, the couple had two sons, Brian and Hilmi.
In 1970, the couple started their farm with 1500 birds – which Mr Ahmed and his family are proud to be running today.
They have expanded the business to include a nationally based wholesale egg business, fresh food outlet on the farm and a packaging company, in addition to Wyndham Cache – a popular deli and café which opened in December 2010.
Younger brother Hilmi is in charge of the egg farm, while Mr Ahmed’s wife Nuge takes care of the accounts and bookkeeping.
“We employ about 35 staff, and they are all local. The business is about being local always,” said Mr Ahmed, who is also the Victorian Farmers Federation Egg Group president.
“We also want to let people know what Wyndham has to offer, and we stock a lot of local gourmet products.
“What we love is the area, we love Wyndham. We’ve seen it change from a little country town to what it is now.
“What we hoped to achieve is something locals are proud of and another attraction in the area, like the Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Werribee Mansion.”
L.T.’s Egg Farm and Wyndham Cache are located in K Rd, Werribee South, contact 9742 1526or www.wyndhamcache.com.au for more information.
