The Strathmerton Bega Cheese factory will officially close its doors on Tuesday, June 30.
Photo by
Abby Green
“The factory made the town.”
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That's how third-generation Strathmerton-born Rachel McKay describes the Bega Cheese factory, which will close on June 30, affecting more than 300 employees.
Bega Group announced the closure in May last year, with the company saying redeployment opportunities would be offered where possible.
The decision has sparked concern among residents about the long-term impact on the small town, where generations of families have had ties to the factory.
Mrs McKay, whose family has lived in Strathmerton since the 1950s, said the factory had played a key role in the town’s development.
“If the factory wasn’t there, Strathmerton probably wouldn’t have developed,” she said.
“Everything was built because people were coming to the town, and everyone in the community has some sort of connection to the factory.
“I’m really sad for the town and the employees of the factory because it is a big part of the town.”
Strathmerton resident Carolyn McGregor said the closure still felt difficult to comprehend.
“It doesn’t seem real,” she said.
“It’s been there my whole life ... it’s hard to fathom that it won’t be open any more.
“Hopefully, everyone doesn’t sell up and move on. I don’t want it to become a ghost town."
Strathmerton Football Netball Club committee member Mick Keane said he did not see the closure as entirely “doom and gloom”, but was concerned about the longer-term impact if employment opportunities declined.
“Where I think the issues may come in potentially is not having those job opportunities there in years to come, and the school numbers start to affect footy club numbers through our juniors,” he said.
He said he hoped the site would be repurposed and continue to provide local employment.
“I hope the town continues to thrive, and I also hope we can find another suitor to move into that factory and create some opportunities from within the town,” he said.
Strathmerton bakery owner Van Bui is worried about what the closure of the Bega Cheese Factory will mean for her business.
Photo by
Abby Green
Strathmerton bakery owner Van Bui said some residents had told her they wanted to remain in the town, but may be forced to leave if they could not find work locally.
“I’m really worried,” she said.
Moira Shire Council chief executive Matthew Morgan said council had been working with Bega Group, Regional Development Victoria and Workforce Australia Local Jobs to help employees find new employment following the closure announcement.
As part of those efforts, council partnered with Bega Group and other employment organisations to host career expos for Bega employees in June 2025 and February 2026.
Mr Morgan said council was also running an anonymous survey for Bega employees to gauge how many workers might still be seeking employment after the plant closed.
“The survey results will help us understand what level of support is going to be needed in our community over the next six to 12 months,” Mr Morgan said.
Looking ahead, Mr Morgan said council was keen to discuss Bega Group’s plans for the Strathmerton site.
“It would be a shame for the factory to sit there empty when it has potential to be used to create jobs in our community,” he said.
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