Jen Dorenbusch is a baker who runs Primal Alternative by Jen and makes grain-free, low carb alternatives to wheat products like bread. She spoke to Eddie Russell about her connection to the local community.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I recently started an at-home baking business where I bake grain-free alternatives to bread, cookies, pizza bases, and more. The inspiration came from my daughter, who has a sensitivity to gluten, which resulted in our family needing to adjust the way we eat. I love being able to help others with similar dietary requirements, and being able to offer additive and preservative free alternatives. On weekends you can find me and my products at local and surrounding markets. I have loved the community support and connecting with like-minded people.
What’s your connection to Moorabool?
I grew up here. I attended the local kinder, primary and high school and I have family here. After high school I packed up and left and lived in various places. However, life has a way of coming full circle, and I’ve now returned to my roots and settled down here with my own family. I love it here — it’s very family-friendly and has a strong sense of community.
What do you like about where you live?
There are so many things I like about this area. I love our beautiful surroundings, especially the Werribee and Lerderderg gorges, and enjoy getting outdoors. Having such amazing places nearby to explore and have picnics at is just great. I also love our quirky cafes, and picking fruit along the Avenue of Honour in the warmer months. Even though it’s lost a bit of that country town feeling due to growth, it’s still a relatively peaceful and quiet town. And it’s also conveniently located near the city, Geelong, and Ballarat.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Not much, really. We have plenty of facilities here, and Melton is close by for everything else.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
In my spare time, I train at a local gym, catch up with friends for coffee at the Big Apple Café, or have playdates at one of the many playgrounds around town. I like that we have so many child friendly places, from parks to rivers—it really is a great area to raise a family.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Unless you follow me on social media, you may not know know that I’m training for a half marathon happening in October. With no previous running experience, my goal isn’t to be the fastest but to complete the race. My motivation for this is to run for a good friend of mine who is battling brain cancer and I am hoping to raise funds for the Peace of Mind Foundation.
