In 1982, Franc and Marija Vodusek acquired "Rich Fields" from the Forge family, followed by the purchase of the adjacent property "Glen Loth" from the Bruce family in 1984. Both properties had remained in the same families since 1870, and in tribute to their shared history, the Voduseks combined the names to create "Rich Glen."
In 1997, Franc and his son Daimien planted 36,000 olive trees, and with the establishment of a state-of-the-art processing plant in 2001, the family began producing extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The new plant enabled them to harvest and press the olives within hours, ensuring one of the freshest and finest Australian first cold-pressed EVOOs available.
As time went on, Daimien and his wife, Rosalind Vodusek—an accomplished chef—moved onto the property. Together, they shared a vision of raising their family on the farm, rooted in strong work ethics and traditional values.
When COVID-19 struck, like many business owners, Ros and Daimien had to adapt their approach. The idea to open a small local store was born, as the Voduseks had always enjoyed the loyal support of the community. The response was overwhelming, but soon they realised they had outgrown their initial space.
"The little shop was a wonderful restart, but once the country opened up, we knew we couldn't maintain the level of service we pride ourselves on," Ros explained. "So, we moved just two doors down to a much larger space, allowing us to provide both locals and visitors with a truly exceptional experience."
Ros’s dedication to supporting local and regional producers is evident in the Rich Glen Provedore, which boasts a wide array of artisan goods. From delectable dairy products to Milawa bread, wood-fired pizza bases, sauces, small goods, and health foods, the Provedore has become a go-to destination for high-quality local produce. The 'just add cheese' section—where customers can build their own platter boxes—has become a favourite, alongside their new chocolate and candy section.
As the Provedore grew in popularity, Daimien and Ros decided to expand their offerings. They moved the skincare side of the business into a newly opened space, now called the Rich Glen Orangerie. The Orangerie is home to a stunning range of all-natural skincare, baby care products, natural remedies, artisan soaps, aromatherapy candles, eco-friendly home goods, and unique Australian-made body products.
With the growing success of the business, 2023 saw the opening of a new Rich Glen store in Echuca, just 1.5 hours from Yarrawonga and around 3 hours from Melbourne. This new location has allowed the Voduseks to share their passion for local produce and natural products with an even wider audience, while staying true to their roots.
The end of 2024 marked an exciting new chapter for the Voduseks, with the opening of two new stores in Bright, Victoria. Rich Glen Skincare & Wellness and the Rich Glen Provedore are now part of the vibrant Bright community, offering their signature Olive Oil pantry staples, natural skincare products, wellness items, and high-quality local produce to new customers in the region.
The success of Rich Glen has been a true family affair. Ros and Daimien’s children are all playing an integral role in the business, each bringing their own unique contributions. Their eldest daughter, Hannah, leads the Skincare & Wellness team, overseeing the growth of the Orangerie and ensuring its customers receive personalised care and expert advice. Jack, their son, serves as the CEO, guiding the strategic direction of the company and helping manage its expansion into new markets. In 2023, their daughter Ava launched her very own skincare line, specifically designed for teens and those with sensitive skin, reflecting her passion for self-care and wellness. Finally, Max, the youngest, runs the lolly and chocolate side of the business, with plans to launch a new cologne line in 2025, further expanding the family’s reach into the fragrance market.
Our Yarrawonga, Bright, and Echuca retail stores are open seven days a week. Rich Glen's offerings are more accessible than ever, and the Voduseks are thrilled to continue sharing their passion for quality, local products with even more people. Be sure to visit this summer and treat yourself or find the perfect gift for your loved ones. We can't wait to welcome you in store!
