There was a similar thread to this some time ago, and one or two members asked me to take a crack at this; for what it is worth, here is what I wrote then; as i said at the time this is just a list of names that have come to attention, with their inclusion not implying anything about whether we 'recommend' them or not! Note, this also doesn't include the pioneers of espresso coffee in Australia, most of whom were of European (Italian, Hungarian & Greek) descent, and usually based in Sydney or Melbourne. Terry Seremetis in Sydney, is usually credited with originating the modern barista emphasis on espresso coffee. Originally with Piazza d'Oro in Sydney, Terry took a great interest in training and improving techniques of younger coffee-makers, who were learning their trade. He now works for Arnotts in their Food service division. Ian Bersten is another of the 'big names' of Australian coffee. Founder of Sydney's Belaroma, he had an incredibly inquiring approach to everything about the technical process of the roasting of coffee, and how to improve it. He has built up a huge collection of domestic and commercial espresso machines with literally thousands of items, dating back to before 1900. He is also well-known as an expert on all things coffee overseas. You can't mention coffee in Australia without mentioning Les Shirato. Originally a junior at Sydney-based Cantarella Bros, he married one of the daughters and ended up owning the company, which of course markets Vittoria Coffee. Les is noted for his uncompromising approach to competitors.
