The company announced in May it was closing the factory and transferring the cheese processing and packaging to the Bega area in NSW by mid next year.
The Bega Group has worked with Moira Shire Council, Regional Development Victoria and Workforce Australia Local Jobs (Goulburn Murray) to organise a jobs and career fair on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Strathmerton site.
Production will pause to ensure all employees can attend the Jobs and Career Fair. The event is dedicated to creating new pathways, connecting employees with meaningful employment opportunities across the region and will feature a wide range of local employers, training providers, and career support services.
“Our priority is to ensure every employee feels supported and respected throughout this transition,” Bega Group chief executive Pete Findlay said.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration with Moira Shire Council, Regional Development Victoria, and the broader community, including the prospective employers who will be attending the fair.
“Importantly, we’ve listened to our employees and understand that many want to stay in the local area, which is why connecting them with regional opportunities is at the heart of this initiative.”
Attendees will have access to career coaching, resume support and introductions to hiring businesses across the region.
Bega’s financial reports disclose the shift will save the company about $30 million annually, and the combined cost of redundancies at Strathmerton and two Queensland peanut production sites (also slated for closure) are expected to generate one-off redundancy costs of $34 million.
Moira Shire Council chief executive Matthew Morgan said the job fair was a vital step in helping the community navigate change and find new opportunities.
“Bega’s initiative in providing this opportunity to affected employees will build on the success of the Moira Jobs Fair that we held in Cobram in June 2025,” he said.
“Council has been working proactively with Bega Group, Regional Development Victoria and Workforce Australia Local Jobs to identify opportunities for locals currently employed at Bega Group to continue to stay local and ideally find a new job within our community.
“Our highest priority is to keep local people and local jobs within our community.”
The Jobs and Career Fair is open to all current Strathmerton employees and will be held on site. Employers interested in participating in the Jobs and Career Fair can visit forms.office.com/r/yyxuGqLm7X to register their interest with Workforce Australia Local Jobs.
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