Bellarine based business Adelia Fine Foods is the latest local recipient of our energy efficiency grants. These grains are all part of the Albanese government's program to support small business, reduce operational costs, reduce emissions and act on climate change. I'd like to congratulate the business owners, husband and wife team Adam and Amelia, on receiving funding of more than $24,000 to upgrade their food processing machinery. Amelia said the business is investing in a new, energy-efficient automation process for the temporary and finishing of chocolate for its rocky road range of gluten-free treats—and they are good!—an upgrade that will reduce power consumption by 50 per cent. Amelia said, 'With the support of this grant, we're excited to take this important step towards greater energy efficiency in operations.'

Amelia also told me that her business's incredible journey from humble beginnings to the iconic local brand it is today is so significant for her. Adelia started life as a hobby with five varieties of granola, selling at weekend markets around the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast whilst Adam and Amelia kept working full-time jobs. Adelia remained a home based business for three years, but, as sales surged and a grew, Adam and Amelia took the plunge and moved into a warehouse in Ocean Grove before moving into an even bigger facility earlier this year. From there the business has continued to grow, reach new heights and employ more locals in rewarding work. I was lucky enough to experience the work they do behind the scenes making their amazing food. Without giving too much away, it's like walking into a Willie Wonka factory but with an absolute focus on nutrition.

Adelia is now the second recipient I've visited as part of the latest round of the energy efficiency grants, with Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay also receiving funding. Round 2 supported over 1,700 small and medium-size businesses with $41.2 million in grants. There are so many businesses across my region who are doing amazing things: small businesses that have grown from kitchen bench hobbies into regional juggernauts; small businesses that have taken a bright, innovative concept and turned it into a viable commodity, growing jobs and pride in our region. Our energy efficiency grants are supporting these businesses, empowering them to take control of their power bills whilst keeping an absolute focus on sustainability.

These grants are good for the environment, good for business and a great result for my electorate of Corangamite.