Closure of Bega Cheese Strathmerton site a major blow to rural families

The decision by Bega Cheese to shut down its Strathmerton site by mid-2026 is a devastating blow to our rural communities — particularly for the hardworking families across Strathmerton, Cobram, Yarrawonga and the wider Moira Shire.

This isn’t just about 300 jobs being lost. It’s about 300 local families, many of whom have spent years, even decades, contributing to one of our region’s largest employers. It’s about the ripple effect this closure will have on small businesses, freight operators, local suppliers, and the broader local economy.

In rural towns like ours, a closure of this magnitude doesn’t stay confined to one postcode, it impacts everyone. The financial pressure, emotional stress and loss of opportunity are real and will be felt deeply.

While Bega seeks to save $30 million and shift operations interstate, we cannot allow our regional workers to be discarded as collateral.

Promises of support and limited redeployment don’t go far enough for those who’ve built their lives around this employer.

The Allan Labor Government must step in immediately to ensure these communities are not left behind. We need targeted support for affected workers, investment in job creation, and long-term economic planning for our region.

I will continue fighting for our rural communities to ensure their voices are heard, their futures protected, and that Strathmerton and surrounds are not left to carry this burden alone.