📰 What Happened?
The small town of Strathmerton in northern Victoria has been left reeling after Bega Cheese announced it will shut down its local manufacturing site by mid-2026, affecting nearly 300 jobs.
The closure came as a shock to many workers and residents, who described the decision as “blindsiding” and “devastating.”
😢 Workers and Families Hit Hard
👩🏭 Maree Hodgson, who’s worked at the factory for over 30 years, said the news left employees heartbroken.
"We’re shattered, confused, and upset. This factory was our life," she said.
Maree, who is nearing retirement, is especially concerned for younger workers and families.
"There’s a young pregnant woman and her husband, both working here, who just bought a house. What will they do now?"
👨🏭 Her colleague, Tony Rowan, was set to celebrate 23 years at the factory this year but may now be forced into early retirement.
🏘️ Local Businesses and Economy at Risk
Strathmerton bakery owner Van Bui, who opened her shop just six months ago, fears for the future of local businesses:
“Factory workers are our regular customers. If they leave, we might have to close too.”
Long-time resident Dennis Caughey, 86, expressed deep concern:
“The factory built this town. It supported schools and football clubs. We hope another company takes over.”
📣 Union Demands Reversal of Decision
The United Workers Union has strongly condemned the closure.
🗣️ Neil Smith, the union’s national dairy coordinator, said:
“The community was blindsided. Over 300 out of 1,100 people in town work at the factory. This will gut the local economy.”
While the union hopes for a reversal, they acknowledge it’s unlikely.
🏭 What’s Next for Bega?
Bega Cheese says the closure is part of a long-term strategy to stay competitive in the Australian dairy industry.
💬 Barry Irvin, Bega’s executive chairman, stated:
“Sometimes you have to make tough decisions to grow. This move will save us $30 million annually.”
Bega will invest $50 million to upgrade its Ridge Street plant in Bega, creating 100 new jobs there.
🔄 The company says it will offer redeployment options where possible to affected staff.
🧭 Community Hopes for New Opportunities
While the closure is a massive blow, locals like Dennis Caughey remain hopeful:
“If someone else takes over the site, maybe the town can bounce back. We need that hope right now.”
