About the Butchery

Family owned and operated, Farm to Fork rebranded from Tawonga South Butchery June 2024- has been a staple in the Kiewa Valley’s business community for almost two decades. Originally established by Lester and Jacinta Corbett as LC’s Quality Meats in 2003, the business was renamed Tawonga South Butchery by Gavin and Tanya Thurkettle in 2007, and taken on by current owners, Will and Monika Hood, in 2021.

The main focus of the butchery is to offer high quality, local, ethical and regeneratively raised produce wherever possible, and to be known as the ‘foodies butcher’ – a place people who genuinely enjoy food know they can source the highest quality products, including boutique sauces and seasonings to complement the meat on offer.

At Farm to Fork Butchery, you’ll find Mt Emu Beef from Tawonga, Koowong Farm Lamb & Beef from Thurgoona and Contender Goat from Kancoona, with Will and the team constantly on the look out for more local produce, ensuring a chemical and stress-free life for animals raised in this pristine part of the country.

It’s not only better for the environment, but results in a tastier meat that is healthier for those who enjoy it.

Tawonga South Butchery is also the place to go for anyone who loves smoked goods, with the team smoking all their own products in store, and you’ll also find a fresh selection of seafood in store every Friday (or as it’s fondly known, every ‘Fresh Fish Friday’).

About the Team

Will Hood

Owner

Will first fell in love withe Kiewa Valley at a young age, holidaying at the Tawonga Caravan Park regularly with his family. It is at the caravan park that he met Moni, and together they decided the Valley is ultimately where they wanted to end up.

In 2003, they took on the Bogong Hotel in Tawonga with family, and moved onto 200 acres of farmland at the base of Mount Emu, where Will’s dream of having his own farm finally became reality.

Having had an interest in butchery since he was a teenager, when he’d spend his free time catching and preparing rabbits and fish, Will soon began butchering his own meat from the farm to enjoy with family and friends, but was always interested in being able to produce quality meat on a commercial scale.

When the opportunity to work alongside Gavin at Tawonga South Butchery came up in 2021, Will jumped at the chance and after three months of finessing his skills, he took over the reins. He has since introduced a variety of locally sourced produce, including his own Mt Emu Beef, and soon pork, to the butchery.

Will genuinely loves feeding people delicious food, and seeing his produce go from paddock to plate has been one of his proudest moments, and he’s dedicated to providing the community and visitors alike with the best quality and regeneratively farmed produce from around the region.

Ursula Coleman

The wonderful Ursula was the first new member to join the A-team at Tawonga South Butchery after Will and Moni first took over in late 2021.

Ursula, along with her husband Dave, has called our beautiful valley ‘home’ since making the move from Melbourne in 2016, lured by their love for the outdoors.

Having spent the last five years working up at Falls Creek, Ursula wanted to add some foodie experience to her hospitality skills, and she’s been an absolutely blessing to the butchery since day one.

She’s the friendly face you’ll most often find behind the counter providing you with exceptional customer service, and is also a big help behind the scenes getting all your orders prepped and ready.

When Ursula’s not at work, look up – you might just see her soaring through the sky tandem paragliding with Dave, or out fishing and walking their two dogs – Billie and Meeka.

Will Betheras

The newest member to join the Tawonga South Butchery team is none other than Willy B! Or should we say returning member, as Will is definitely no stranger to the butcher shop, having worked here with Gav for a couple of years back in 2016-17.

Growing up with the Kiewa Valley boy, Will is a well known and loved member of the community, attending local schools, and playing both cricket for Mount Beauty and football for Dederang Mount Beauty since he was just a small tacker.

Having worked over at Brown Brother’s for the past three years, Will decided to find a job a little closer to home, and aren’t we lucky he landed back at the butchery with us!

Our newly proclaimed ‘Kofta King’ is loving being part of the team, and said it’s brought back lots of fond memories from his time with Gav. He especially enjoys the knock off beers on a Friday next door at Crank Handle Brewery (and we don’t blame him either)!