Bindaree Beef is celebrating three decades of operations in Inverell, marking a milestone built on regional jobs, local partnerships and a deep connection to the Northern Tablelands and New England communities. Since opening the Inverell facility in 1995, Bindaree has contributed more than $1.25 billion in wages into local households, shops, schools and small businesses, reinforcing its role as a major economic engine for the region.
Three decades of local impact
Over 30 years, the Inverell site has grown to become the largest employer in the region, partnering with more than 5,000 cattle producers and processing over 7 million head of cattle. In that time, the facility has produced more than 2 billion kilograms of beef, supporting both Australian customers and export markets while helping underpin the local economy.
Bindaree’s roots stretch back more than 40 years to its early operations in Casino, but it was in Inverell that founder John R. “JR” McDonald put a bold regional vision into practice. By backing a country town and building a world-class processing facility, JR created a business that local families, employees and producers could stand behind for the long term.
Built by thousands of hands
Bindaree Food Group Chief Executive Officer Andrew McDonald, JR’s son, describes the 30-year milestone as a tribute to the people who have shaped the business over time. He points to the hard work and resilience of thousands of team members who have contributed to the growth of the Inverell operation and helped establish Bindaree as a leading name in Australian beef.
For Andrew and the leadership team, the anniversary is as much about community as it is about cattle and capacity. The business recognises that its success is intertwined with the region’s producers, local businesses and families who have supported Bindaree across three decades.
From Inverell to the world
While Inverell represents the longest chapter in the Bindaree story, the site now anchors a broader national and international network. Today, Bindaree Food Group’s operations span Croppa Creek, Cooma, Burleigh Heads, Brisbane and Sydney, along with overseas offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and London, connecting regional Australia to the world.
Across this network, Bindaree employs more than 1,300 people and operates a vertically integrated paddock-to-plate supply chain focused on premium beef, food safety, animal welfare, sustainability and community. The company’s ongoing investment in people, process and partnerships continues to position Inverell at the heart of a modern, globally connected agri-food business.
Capturing the stories behind the numbers
To mark the 30-year milestone, Bindaree has released a short video featuring reflections from Andrew and team members across the business. The piece highlights key achievements, personal stories and the sense of pride shared by those who have helped build Bindaree Beef in Inverell over the past three decades.
Bindaree invites you to look back on what has been achieved together and to share in the excitement for what comes next.
