Community & Business
26 May, 2024
Importance of milk factory highlighted
THE history and continued importance of the Bega milk factory in Malanda was highlighted at a recent “Growing Malanda Business Networks” event.
Initiated by the Malanda Chamber of Commerce as part of Queensland Small Business Month, the event highlighted the importance of the factory to the region.
The combination of a milk factory tour and networking luncheon offered valuable insights to the 60 attendees which included representatives from the farming, local government, and business sectors as well as members of the RSL and the general public.
Chamber secretary John de Rooy said one of the aims of the event was to allow people to experience the factory.
“Many residents from Malanda and surrounding areas have never seen inside the milk factory,” John said.
“The Bega milk factory dominates the business landscape in James Street, Malanda as the major employer in town as well as their connection to their dairy farm milk suppliers,” John said.
“The Malanda Chamber of Commerce and Bega conducted the factory tour to raise business awareness of the management complexities of the Malanda Milk factory operations, and to keep us informed of Bega’s operation and plans for the future.”
In January 2021, Bega purchased the Lion dairy and drinks business which included the Malanda factory.
“Since taking over the milk factory, Bega has been very supportive of the Malanda community and the Malanda Chamber of Commerce,” John said.
“Our two guides through the factory were Emma Hughes and Emma Ridd from Bega, and they did an excellent job, providing all the background and facts on this very important part of the Malanda economy.”
Following the milk factory tour, a networking function and luncheon was held in the ballroom of The BIG Pub, Malanda.
At the luncheon, fourth generation dairy farmer from Millaa Millaa, James Geraghty, provided a insight into the history and future of the Tablelands’ dairy industry, along with potential future opportunities for dairy farmers in the region.
Speaker Katrina Mellick also spoke on the importance of mental health.
