State and local representatives spoke at the event, announcing the $1.5 million grant. Pictured are David Birley, Natasha Young, Jeff Gilling, Jaclyn Symes, Lavinia Jani, Siddharth Jani and Timothy Gilling.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
A $1.5 million Victorian Government grant awarded to Tongala Nutrition is being hailed as a strong vote of confidence in northern Victorian manufacturing.
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The funding, announced at an event attended by state and local representatives, will help the Tongala-based manufacturer expand its production capabilities, reinforcing the role of regional businesses in northern Victoria’s economy.
The grant is part of the government’s $150 million Victorian Investment Fund.
Tongala Nutrition took over the 100-year-old former Nestlé facility in 2022, bringing it back into production in 2023.
The facility employs about 30 staff, specialising in nutritional and UHT products.
Tongala Nutrition production manager Shannon Tucker guides investor Jeff Gilling, chief executive Siddharth Jani and Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes around the Tongala Nutrition facility.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
Tongala Nutrition founder and chief executive Siddharth Jani said the grant represented more than money.
“This grant is not just financial support — it’s a strong vote of confidence in regional manufacturing,” Mr Jani said.
“It reinforces that businesses built in regional communities have a critical role to play in shaping the future of Victoria’s economy.”
Mr Jani said the support would allow the business to take the next step in its growth journey.
“This project represents a significant milestone for Tongala Nutrition as we continue to build a world-class dairy and nutrition manufacturing platform in regional Victoria,” he said.
The investment will help Tongala Nutrition to expand both its domestic and international markets.
Tongala Nutrition production manager Shannon Tucker said the reopening of the facility was a welcome boost to Tongala.
Photo by
Brynne Timewell
Tongala Nutrition production manager Shannon Tucker said the reopening and expansion of the facility had transformed employment opportunities in the town.
“I used to travel 50 minutes to Shepparton for work — now it’s five minutes down the road,” he said.
“To be able to get this site back up and running again is incredibly exciting for the town.”
The impact is already being felt by local workers.
Rod Donoghue, who returned to the site after working there in the 1990s, said seeing the facility reinvigorated was significant for the community.
“This facility isn’t short of ideas or opportunity ... it’s about getting the legs under it and building from there,” he said.
“Regional Victoria is the engine room of the nation’s food production industry,” Victorian Treasurer Ms Symes said.
Photo by
Brynne Timewell
Victorian Treasurer and Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said the investment demonstrated the importance of backing ambition in regional towns.
“Without ambition, pride and opportunity, small towns don’t succeed — and that’s why investments like this matter,” Ms Symes said.
“You’re creating jobs, strengthening the local supply chain and contributing to the liveability and prosperity of the area — and that’s why we’ve jumped right behind this project.”
Ms Symes said the joint investment between the government and Tongala Nutrition was expected to create new local jobs.
“What this investment says to Tongala is that there is a future here — and that people can stay, return and build their lives in regional communities,” she said.
Tongala Nutrition produces a number specialised dairy and non-dairy nutritional products.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
Campaspe Shire Council representative Astrid O’Farrell said maintaining confidence and investment in the region was particularly important in the current climate.
“Investment at any time is important, but particularly now... keeping investment and confidence in this region is critical,” Ms O’Farrell said.
“There was a real desire to see someone come back in here and bring this site back to life — to see improvement happening in the region again.”
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