Challenge workers lose jobs

Nine workers at the Challenge Diary Cooperative have been made redundant because the dairy no longer has a supply of milk.

Receivers and managers of Challenge Australian Dairy Pty Ltd, PricewaterhouseCoopers partners Derrick Vickers and Kate Warwick, today confirmed that the company’s operations at Boyanup have been closed.

Mr Vickers said the cooperative was no longer able to supply milk to Challenge Australia Dairy.

“Until this point the dairy had been receiving reduced quantities of milk from the cooperative, meaning we were able to continue limited operation and the employment of the majority of the dairy’s staff,” he said.

“Unfortunately because we no longer have a milk supply, we cannot continue to operate the Boyanup plant and have been left with no choice but to make nine employees redundant.

“Since being appointed Receivers and Managers we have worked hard to keep the plants operational, but without milk, the dairy simply cannot operate.

“We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for all employees and we will work closely with them and the State Government to provide assistance and support.”

A 24-hour worker assistance help line has been set up on 1800 200 680.