General News
2 July, 2025
No vanilla slice for you Jacinta
WILLAURA Bakery has made waves after owner Peter Sporton placed a sign in his window last Wednesday ‘banning’ Premier Jacinta Allan from the premises.
Peter told the Advocate the move is in protest of the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy.
“I wanted to do something, I couldn't attend any of the rallies or anything like that,” he said.
The move by the Willaura Bakery has sparked widespread discussion and caught the attention of people well beyond the small town.
Peter said his decision was partly inspired by a past conversation with Victoria Police.
“I remember speaking to Victoria Police in the past and they said I could ban anyone I wanted from my business. I'm sure they didn't have the Victorian Premier in mind when we were discussing the issue, but I thought it would be a little bit quirky, a little bit different,” he said.
The sign, seen pictured, was a bit of fun with a serious message behind it.
It created a bit of a laugh, and that’s good medicine.”
After it was posted to social media it took off like wildfire.
Peter says his protest is not an attack but a way to support the local farmers, that visit his bakery weekly.
“It’s not a personal attack, it’s nothing sinister, it’s not having a go at any political party. It’s about a decision that was made (by the government),” said Peter
The bakery has since received a flurry of support both locally and online.
“It got a fantastic response from our customers and on social media from people who never knew where Willaura was. We had a phone call from Western Australia from a 78-year-old guy, he said, ‘I’m sitting here, I’ve seen this, had to ring you up, it’s fantastic, well done,’” he said.
Peter said his frustration lies with how the levy is being rolled out and who is exempt from paying.
“I think what they’ve done, it’s creating discrimination about the way they are trying to get the money, because they are saying some get a discount, some people don’t, some don’t have to pay it now they have to pay it later. I think that’s really discriminatory, if people can’t volunteer in a certain organisation, then they’re not eligible for a discount.”
Peter also criticised Premier Allan’s ABC media appearances around the levy.
“It almost came across that she was ashamed of what she’s done, but she doesn’t know how to get out of it. I think good leadership would clearly give her a way out of what she has done,” he said.
Peter speculated the purpose of the levy may be linked to firefighting efforts in the Grampians and Little Desert.
“I think there was a lack of honesty as to what the money was spent on. I think there are other ways that they can look at raising revenue,” he said.
Despite the sign, Peter said he’d welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with the Premier.
“I’d certainly like the opportunity to sit down with Jacinta and discuss some ideas.”
Read More: Willaura