Bega Cheese – Connecting Communities

Bega Cheese to raise money for Australian farming communities

Ten cents from every purchase to go to fund

Bega, NSW, Tuesday March 27, 2007

Bega Cheese has today launched a national drought relief fund that is expected to raise in excess of $600,000 for Australian farming communities for a six month period.

To kick off the project, Bega Cheese will donate $100,000 as an advance on the total amount raised.

From May 21, 2007 to November 18, 2007 ten cents from every block of Bega cheese sold will go to the Bega Cheese: Connecting Communities fund, which will be distributed to drought affected families and communities by the Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA).

Barry Irvin, Chairman Bega Cheese, said the fund enables every Australian to support drought-affected farmers and communities and to make a positive difference to their lives.

“One of the wonderful things about living in rural Australia is that you are never left to face challenges alone. Neighbours are always there to help in a crisis, whether they are from next door, another region or across the country.

“Bega Cheese and its dairy farmers have faced extraordinarily difficult circumstances over the past few years. With resilience typical of farmers and the support of Bega Cheese, our farmers have continued to supply the quality milk that has made our cheese famous.

“Fortunately there have been good rains in the Bega Valley since February and there has been at least some relief from the drought. Other areas have been less fortunate. It is with this in mind that Bega Cheese is delighted to launch the Bega Cheese: Connecting Communities fund,” said Mr Irvin.

Bega Cheese has partnered with the CWAA, which has the nationwide resources to distribute the funds and provide future support to drought-affected families.

According to the CWAA, they receive hundreds of applications every week and they do not have sufficient funds to help everyone, so the funds from the Bega Cheese: Connecting Communities fund will help to ease the backlog of applications. The CWAA issues assistance grants of up to $2000 per family and $3000 for community groups according to strict guidelines that are reviewed and endorsed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

BASE_URLd on current sales volumes, Bega Cheese expects to be able to donate in excess of $600,000. Bega Cheese has committed to a six month period so there is no real limit to how much can be raised – it all depends on the number of products sold.

Bega is Australia’s favourite cheese and has been in Australian fridges for generations. While Bega Cheese emanates from the Bega Valley in New South Wales, it is enjoyed by all Australians.

Bega Cheese is proud to be able to contribute to drought-affected farmers and communities, and encourages all of its loyal customers to continue buying Bega Cheese to support Australian farmers.

For more information, photos or an interview with Barry Irvin please contact Sarah Fragapane, Bega Cheese on (03) 8541 1284 / 0413 171 705. CWAA enquiries should be directed to Lesley Young, National President CWAA on (03) 6426 7235.