Back for seconds: Bindaree Food Group returns to Casino to serve up another unmissable Industry Dinner.
We’re proud to announce our return as the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Casino Beef Week Industry Dinner.
Taking place on Thursday 29 May at the Clydesdale Motel Steakhouse, the renowned Industry Dinner will again bring together leaders, producers and local patrons to celebrate the beef industry that drives the Northern New South Wales agricultural trade.
After a sizzling debut as Presenting Sponsor last year, Bindaree has an unwavering appetite to return in 2025.
“The energy, community and ambition at last year’s dinner was outstanding, and we knew we’d be back for a second helping,” says Andrew McDonald, Bindaree Food Group CEO. “The Industry Dinner is more than just good food – it’s about bringing together the best minds in beef, sparking conversation, celebrating success and planning for the future.”
Casino has been a foundational part of Bindaree’s heritage and operations since 1981, playing a key role in both service and production.
In recent years, Bindaree has reinforced its commitment to the region through strategic investments, including a three-year service contract with the Casino Co-op and the launch of Bindaree Butchery, an exclusive wholesale, 70 Day Grain fed product coming out of the Casino Co-op since 2023.
The Industry Dinner will feature a panel of notable industry guests, with speakers and ticket sale dates set to be announced soon as Thursday 29 May approaches.
At Bindaree Food Group, International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder of our ongoing drive to build an inclusive and equitable workplace. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is reflected in the steps we’re taking to champion gender equality across our business and the wider industry.
Reflecting on Our International Women’s Day Initiatives
#AccelerateAction Webinar
Following our successful International Women’s Day webinar on March 17th, we’re excited to share some of the highlights and celebrate our progress. This year’s webinar featured insights from:
- Stacey McKenna: Australian Chair of Meat Business Women, Stacey shared her extensive industry experience and passion for elevating women’s roles while driving greater inclusivity.
- Salliann Powell: A physiotherapy practice manager and mother of three, Salliann gave us a glimpse into her extraordinary journey to become the first Australian to complete all five Racing the Planet desert ultramarathons in a single year—all while raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
- Zac McInerney: Our General Manager – Grainfed Supply, Zac reflected on his experience in the beef industry, spoke about leading a team of predominantly women at Bindaree, and his commitment as a leader to accelerate action on inclusion and diversity.
Some key takeaways from our Webinar included:
- From a national perspective, why gender equality is so important including the benefits such as human rights, economics, societal and profitability for business’s.
- The main factors that impact gender equality including the gender pay gap, workplace bias, leadership representation, care work disparity, harassment, gender norms and domestic and family violence.
- What key changes are happening in our government and from a legislation perspective that impact out business and industry (including WGEA reporting).
- Statistics and data from our industry, including that woman only represent 33.5% of the meat industry, the goal for the Food Business Charter is to reach 40% female representation by 2035. Further the industry is seeing little improvement in the first -line manager, skilled and unskilled level of work.
- Practical tips for our businesses and individuals on what they can do to achieve better gender equality including:
- Appointing a senior diversity and inclusion lead
- Benchmark your business stats against industry averages
- Building an inclusive culture
- It takes everyone, men and women, to achieve genuine change when it comes to gender equality.
- The importance of recognising both men and women’s caring responsibilities and priorities.
- The importance of supporting women and their careers, particularly when it comes to taking maternity leave and re-entering the workforce.
- Ensuring not to be gender bias when recruiting and promoting, it should be about the best candidate, who is the most competent.
- Some great advice when it comes to taking on a challenge such as “get out of your comfort zone” and the “importance of setting small goals”.
- What Bindaree is doing to #accelerateaction, reflecting on what we have in place, including our Gender Equality Strategy, Paid Parental Leave Policy, Domestic Violence Leave, Respectful Workplace Plan and flexible work opportunities. We discussed what was next for Bindaree in regards to gender equality, including making a clear commitment, engage with our workforce, continue to communicate and educate our leaders and workforce, incorporate gender equality into all areas of our business and in general – a commitment to continuous improvement.
Empowering Women in the Meat Industry
Bindaree is committed to driving meaningful change in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. As Rebecca Kelson, our General Manager of Retail Operations, highlighted in a recent interview with Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s (AMPC) More to Meat campaign:
“Leaders need to commit to clear strategies that support gender equality, including equal pay and career pathways for women.”
Rebecca oversees Bindaree Food Solutions in Burleigh Heads, QLD, our retail-ready site supported by Bindaree’s processing plants. As part of our leadership team, she advocates alongside her colleagues for creating opportunities for women and values mentorship and coaching in supporting career growth.
At Bindaree, gender equality isn’t just a conversation – it’s an action. Policies such as Paid Parental Leave, Flexible Work Arrangements, and our Respectful Workplace commitment help create an environment where everyone can succeed. And in 2025, we’re launching Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committees to ensure these conversations turn into lasting change.
Recognising Our 2025 Gender Equality Champions
A diverse and inclusive workplace starts with the people who champion it every day. This year, we invited our team to recognise those making a difference in gender equality at Bindaree. We recognised winners from each site for their contribution in commitment, impact and leadership in promoting gender equality everyday at Bindaree.
Driving Change Year-Round
Our commitment to #AccelerateAction doesn’t stop on International Women’s Day. We’re proud to support initiatives like Meat Business Women and will be the lunch sponsor for the upcoming 2025 Meat Business Women conference. These partnerships help drive real change and highlight the vital role women play in shaping our industry.
At Bindaree, we know there’s always more to do. But as we reflect on this year’s International Women’s Day, one thing is clear – we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just today, but every day.
Pictured below: Stacey McKenna, Salliann Powell, Zac McInerney.
At Bindaree Food Group, we understand the vital role mental health plays in building stronger, more resilient communities. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re now an official Business Supporter of Beyond Blue. This commitment reflects our firm dedication to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and nurturing open conversations about mental wellbeing.
Mental health is one of Australia’s most pressing challenges, particularly in rural communities where challenges are often amplified. These areas, home to many of our team members, producers, and partners, face unique pressures that can impact the emotional and mental wellbeing of individuals.
Taking Action Together
This commitment extends beyond our workplace to the heart of our industry: rural communities, producers, and farmers – the backbone of our industry – who face some of the toughest mental health challenges. By supporting Beyond Blue, we’re also standing alongside the friends and families of Bindaree, driving conversations that matter and encouraging connection.
Through our Bindaree $10,000 Fundraising Goal, awareness campaigns, and local events, we’re taking action together to help ensure Beyond Blue’s services are available to Australians in need. We look forward to sharing updates as we work toward making a difference across our industry and beyond.
About Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue’s mission aligns closely with Bindaree Food Group’s core values: promoting mental wellbeing, offering resources, and driving positive change.
Here are some of the key services Beyond Blue offers:
- 24/7 Support: The Beyond Blue Support Service is available for brief, confidential counselling. You can call 1300 22 4636 or chat to a counsellor online.
- Peer Support Community: Connect with others through Beyond Blue’s Forums, where you can share experiences and learn from people who understand your challenges.
- NewAccess Coaching: This free, guided 6-session program helps you manage everyday life stress, available via telehealth for small business owners nationwide, and in parts of New South Wales and Queensland for individuals.
- Mental Health Tools: Explore tools to better understand your mental health and discover tailored support options.
Looking Ahead Together
Together, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best possible mental health. We encourage everyone to reach out to Beyond Blue for support, whether it’s for a serious discussion or just a friendly chat.
For more information or to get in touch directly with Beyond Blue, visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636.
Join us in supporting Beyond Blue, every contribution makes a difference. To donate Click Here – Thank you!
Our processing facility in Inverell, New South Wales, recently had the honour of hosting the Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Fijian Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. He was accompanied by four colleagues from the Fijian Government:
- Mr. Mataiasi Daulako – Acting Manager (Member Education & Advocacy), Fiji National Provident Fund
- Ms. Elina Adi – Senior Media Liaison Officer, Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations
- Ms. Vandhana Singh – Labour Mobility Officer, Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations
- Mr. Diwan Shankar – Country Liaison Officer
They were also joined by representatives from Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, making this visit a significant moment of international collaboration.
The visit was a powerful reminder of the positive impact that Bindaree’s partnership with the Pacific Labour Scheme (PALM Scheme) has had on our team and wider community. Heartwarming stories were shared, showcasing the incredible opportunities and personal growth experienced by our Fijian team members.
One standout story came from Salma Bibi, the first female Pacific Labour Scheme slicer at Bindaree to be sponsored on a skilled visa. Salma arrived in Australia with no prior experience but gained certified qualifications and skills through the support of Bindaree and FIP Group. Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination, providing significant personal milestones, including renovating her home in Fiji and supporting her daughter through university.
This inspiring visit reinforced the strength of international collaboration and the impact of the PALM Scheme on our team.
As shared by our Chief People Officer, Todd Newton, “The PALM Scheme has been wonderful for our business. Without the support of FIP Group and the PALM workers, our operational landscape would have looked vastly different.”
Bindaree Food Group continues to value its strategic partnership with FIP Group, ensuring seamless integration of the PALM Scheme across multiple sites. This collaboration is not only driving operational success but also creating life-changing opportunities for individuals like Salma Bibi, reinforcing our commitment to fostering growth and resilience within our workforce.
To learn more about the recent ministerial visit, read the article published by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation: Fijian workers in Australia praise employer support. You can also explore our previous blogs highlighting the positive impact of the PALM Scheme.
Bindaree Food Group is excited to announce our sponsorship of Salliann Powell, a Brisbane mum and extraordinary athlete determined to become the first Australian to complete what is known in the ultramarathon world as the Racing The Planet Grand Slam Plus. This series, considered the most prestigious foot race globally, consists of five 250-kilometre ultramarathons across the world’s toughest desert terrains.
For those unfamiliar with this incredible challenge, Sal has already completed two of the five races. Her journey began in Namibia, where she trekked through the Namib Desert and Namib-Naukluft National Park, and continued across Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Next, she will tackle three more gruelling environments to achieve her goal: another 750 kilometres, all on foot. In September, Sal will head to Jordan, and later in the year, she will venture to Antarctica and Chile.
Sal isn’t just seeking personal achievement; she’s racing to raise money and awareness for the Nerve Connection Foundation, an organisation devoted to finding a cure for devastating neuromuscular diseases. Her mission is a powerful blend of passion, purpose, and a commitment to help those in need.
When Bindaree heard about Sal’s remarkable journey, we knew we had to get involved. Our support includes financial sponsorship for all five races and a supply of our big, bold BINDAREE beef branded products. Each fortnight, we’ll be providing Sal with a special carton mix, featuring a variety of items from eye fillet, brisket, porterhouse, and scotch fillet to stir fry, helping her keep her protein intake high between these incredible journeys. While Bindaree does not currently produce jerky, Sal, a self-confessed jerky fan with her own dehydrator, is keen to get creative with our beef products at home!
Recently, some of our Bindaree team members spoke with Sal. She shared the reality — the discipline, training, and mental toughness required to complete such a challenge, all while advocating for those living with multiple neuromuscular diseases. Her humility and determination is an inspiration, and we’re honoured to support her mission to overcome these barriers and make life a bit easier for others.
Join us in cheering Sal on as she continues her quest to make history and make Australia proud! We also invite you to support the cause that drives her — raising vital funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation. To learn more and donate, please click here.
Stay tuned for updates as we support her every step of the way.
It’s not often we get the chance to return to our roots, but in May this year, we did just that by hosting the Casino Beef Week Industry Dinner. Our story started in 1951 at the Casino Food Co-op (formerly the Northern Co-operative Meat Company), when our founder, JR McDonald, commenced work in livestock and cattle buying. The Dinner, a regular on the Casino Beef Week calendar, was a wonderful opportunity to look back at the journey that’s brought the Bindaree team to where we are now, reminisce on our growth, and honour the Australian cattle industry.
The launch of our newest brand, JR The Founder, was a highlight, especially with the presence of John Lee, Bindaree’s first employee from its beginnings in Casino. Following a meal showcasing our finest beef, an industry discussion moderated by Larry Anthony AO was held. Ripley Atkinson of Stone X Group and Bindaree CEO Andrew McDonald delved into various topics, including cattle prices, labour structures, and the future of the cattle industry, offering insights that kept the audience engaged. The night ended with 10 excited guests taking home Bindaree Tomahawk Steaks in a lucky draw.
In line with Bindaree’s Culture of Care, we proudly raised $6,000 for Jumbunna Community Preschool through a live auction led by Alan Ramsey at the dinner and by donating all proceeds from our Beef Week Saturday mechanical bull.
“Casino Beef Week was thrilled to have Bindaree Food Group come on board as a Major Sponsor for Beef Week 2024. Their support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership in the future. Their involvement has truly elevated Beef Week 2024, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our event and our community.” – Brody Lisha, President, Casino Beef Week.
Bindaree congratulates the Casino Beef Week team for an outstanding celebration. We look forward to next year!
Visit Our Story to learn more.
Pictured left to right: Ryan McDonald (Livestock Manager, Monbeef), Andrew McDonald (CEO, Bindaree Food Group), Matisse McDonald (Boning Room, Bindaree), Larry Anthony AO (SAS Group), Ripley Atkinson (Manager, Australian livestock & commodities Stone X Group), Noeline Olive (Jumbunna Board President), Nerrida Kyle (Head of People & Culture, Bindaree Food Group), Karen McDermott (Jumbunna General Manager), Cheryl Simpkins (Jumbunna Board Secretary), Steve Morrissey (Jumbunna Board Vice President)
Bindaree Food Group operates an innovative paddock-to-plate model, supported by a diverse and committed team across New South Wales and Queensland. A key element of this success is our strategic partnership with FIP Group.
“FIP Group has offered valuable support to tackle the challenges in attracting labor to our primary processing facility in Inverell. We explored various avenues with FIP Group, which included leveraging local recruitment, backpackers, holidaymakers, and more recently, workers from the Pacific Islands under the PALM Scheme,” said Todd Newton, Chief People Officer at Bindaree Food Group.
Creating Positive Impact
The PALM Scheme has allowed Bindaree to welcome over 300 workers from countries like Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea to the team at our Inverell facility. “The PALM Scheme has been wonderful for our business, and I understand for the wider food processing industry as well as the individuals. Without the support of the PALM workers provided by FIP Group, our operational landscape would have looked vastly different,” Todd added.
The scheme also gives individuals the chance to support their families and communities in their home country. Todd highlighted the personal impact, saying, “You hear some great stories about how life-changing these opportunities are. Seeing and hearing these stories personally is truly impactful.”
Watch the video below to meet Isileli Ledua Heleivalu (Dua) form our Myola Feedlot. Dua’s video is a perfect example of how the collaboration and benefits extend into our wider communities.
Expanding Qualifications and Opportunities Across Multiple Sites
PALM Scheme team members have also gained employment at other Bindaree sites, including our Burleigh Heads retail ready facility, Brisbane warehouse, Monbeef processing facility in Cooma and Myola Feedlot at Croppa Creek. This widespread integration indicates the flexibility and broad impact of the PALM Scheme across our business.
The partnership also provides significant skills development among PALM Scheme members. Many start in entry-level roles and progress to senior skilled positions. Bindaree provides the opportunity to gain qualifications such as Certificate II and III in Meat Processing, enhancing their professional growth and employability.
Seamless On-Site Collaboration
The on-site presence at Bindaree of FIP Group’s account management team has been crucial in fostering seamless collaboration. Todd emphasised, “The full employee cycle from start to finish and everything in between is managed really well by the on-site team who work closely with our people team. We see it as one big team working together.”
Driving Success Through Shared Values
“As Bindaree Food Group expands its operations, the partnership with FIP Group remains pivotal. The shared values and strategic alignment between the two organizations continue to drive success and growth,” Todd concluded.
This dynamic partnership not only enhances Bindaree Food Group’s operational capabilities but also supports the professional and personal growth of its diverse workforce, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence and community.
Held in Melbourne on Wednesday, March 20th, the Meat Business Women conference centred around the theme ‘The Power Of You,’ aiming to empower participants and equip them with the tools to recognise strengths, step up, speak out, and drive positive change in the meat industry.
Representing Bindaree at the conference were three of our remarkable female leaders: Martha Brandao, Quality Assurance Manager; Phillippa Fleming, Training & Improvement Lead; and Rebecca Kelson, Operations Manager. Each embraced the opportunity to connect with other incredible women in the Australian meat industry and gain insights from industry-leading speakers.
Hear From Our Female Attendees
Philippa shares her experience: “Thank you so much to our business for providing me with the opportunity to attend the Meat Business Women conference. The content and the speakers were sensational, relevant, and on-point in our current market. It was very uplifting and inspiring. There was also a lot of opportunity to network with other women in the meat industry. I have already made contact with some of the women I met at the conference and have been able to continue growing my network within the meat industry. There is so much happening in the support networks of our industry, and it is great to now feel like I am a part of it. I enjoyed it so much! It would be great to attend again”.
Martha reflects on her experience: “I appreciate being nominated to represent Bindaree along with Phillippa and Rebecca. It was an amazing experience for me. I connected with other strong women and came back feeling powerful and capable of being part of the change we need.”
Rebecca adds her thoughts: “The MBW event was an awesome and inspiring gathering for women across the industry. Guest speakers, especially Michelle Redfern (Author of The Leadership Compass) and Kate Dillon (Founder of She Lion and Director of Walk Fearlessly), delivered powerful and inspiring messages with high-energy presentations. Meeting so many wonderful people within our industry and connecting with women who want and have been successful in their careers was truly positive and inspiring. It’s encouraging to see the support and encouragement for women to build and further their careers within the meat industry”
Driving Positive Change For Females In The Meat Industry
Following the successful event, Stacey McKenna, Chair of Meat Business Women Australia and Meat Industry Advisor, shared on LinkedIn: “Thanks to all that attended, our partners and our sponsors. We look forward to continuing to work together to shift the dial to create a more inclusive and supportive meat industry.”
At Bindaree, we’re committed to empowering female leaders and providing opportunities for growth and development. We look forward to celebrating ongoing achievements of our female leaders as they drive positive change in the meat industry and beyond.
Pictured above: Kate Dillon, Founder, She Lion Group and Walk Fearlessly Pty Ltd (left), Stacey McKenna, Chair of Meat Business Women Australia (centre) and Michelle Redfern, DEI Expert & Owner, Advancing Women in Business & Sport.
Pictured below: Martha Brandao, Quality Assurance Manager from Bindaree (left) and Rebecca Kelson, Operations Manager at Bindaree (middle) pictured with Colin McKenna, Managing Director of Midfield Group (left) and Stacey McKenna, Chair of Meat Business Women Australia (right).
Bindaree Food Group hosted a company-wide webinar to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, 2024, bringing together team members from our various locations, including Brisbane, Burleigh Heads, Cooma, Croppa Creek, Sydney, and Inverell. The webinar showcased updates from our internal leaders and inspiring talks from external guest speakers, Butcher Girl Alison Meagher and World Athlete Bonnie Hancock.
Nerrida Kyle, Head of People & Culture at Bindaree, kicked-off the webinar by noting the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s call for transparency in workplace diversity. Addressing the Australian national gender pay gap of 21%, Bindaree has made a commendable reduction to 10% over the past three years. Nerrida stated that Bindaree is dedicated to fostering inclusivity through initiatives such as expanded parental leave and a flexible workplace policy.
Louise Fitzpatrick, Chief Legal Counsel at Bindaree, continued the conversation by integrating our ESG into the discussion, which drives our commitment to corporate governance and inclusion. Louise confirmed Bindaree had a higher proportion of women promoted to managerial roles compared to men in the last 12 month period and highlighted female representation at a board level of 40%.
Key Speakers Share Career Journeys, Advice, and Inspiration
Butcher Girl Alison shared her inspiring journey from an Angus cattle farm in Victoria to becoming a renowned figure in the meat industry, overcoming gender biases and stereotypes. Despite initial discouragement, Alison’s passion for butchery led her to self-training and mentorship, highlighting the importance of mental resilience for women in the male-dominated meat industry. She expressed admiration for Vivienne Westwood, a fearless British fashion designer.
Bonnie Hancock, a former professional ironwoman turned world record-breaking paddler, shared her extraordinary journey during the webinar. Originating from Sawtell in New South Wales, Bonnie’s early talent in surf lifesaving paved her path to becoming a professional ironwoman on the Gold Coast at the age of 17. Transitioning to specialist ski paddling after a decade in the sport, she found continued success. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonnie discovered her passion for long-distance paddling through a book recounting Freya Hoffmeister’s circumnavigation of Australia.
In December 2021, Bonnie embarked on an unprecedented challenge, paddling 12,700 kilometres clockwise around Australia. Her incredible feat shattered the world record for the fastest circumnavigation, both male and female, and she also set a 24-hour record for women, covering an astounding 213 kilometres. Throughout her demanding journey, Bonnie emphasised the vital support of her core crew, comprised of both young men and supportive females, who played pivotal roles in ensuring her safety, providing encouragement, and emotional support.
Paul Wightman, General Manager of Operations at Bindaree, shared stories of working with inspiring female leaders, emphasising the importance of breaking barriers. He highlighted that capability should not be hindered by gender and encouraged individuals to pursue their goals. Paul expressed admiration for Michelle Obama, his resilient chef sister, and his daily inspiration, his wife.
Empowering Webinar Success: Gratitude to All Participants
A big thank you to all the speakers for joining our International Women’s Day celebration! The panel covered essential topics like overcoming gender bias and discussing equal opportunities, focusing on making our workplace more diverse and inclusive. Our webinar aimed to inspire, educate, and contribute to positive changes within our group and the beef industry. Bindaree encourages everyone to #InspireInclusion
Pictured below: Butcher Girl Alison (top) and Bonnie Hancock (bottom).
Bindaree Food Group was honoured to welcome New South Wales Governor, the Honourable Margaret Beazley, to our Inverell facility.
Her Excellency toured the facility, and spoke with staff and management about the very important issue of food security, and learned about the significant contribution Bindaree Food Group makes to the region and the nation. Her Excellency was interested in the company’s history and connection with the region since we started our operations at the Casino Food Co-op in 1981.
Bindaree Food Group CEO Andrew McDonald stated “We were deeply honoured to show Her Excellency around our facility. Although we have facilities in six locations across Australia and offices around the world, we are at our heart a New South Wales regional success story.
“We were pleased to talk with her about our recent and upcoming plant and equipment upgrades, which total around $60 million. I was able to explain how these upgrades benefit regional NSW beef producers by allowing us to compete more strongly on global markets.
“Understandably, Her Excellency was interested in issues such as animal welfare, food safety and environmental compliance, and I was happy to outline Bindaree’s world-standard policies in these areas.
“We also talked about the importance of our mutually beneficial relationships with our producers. For us to be successful we first need them to be successful. All our operations are geared to maximising the financial return we can provide to our producer partners, which means that success at Inverell is success for all of northern New South Wales.”
Pictured above is our Chief People Officer – Todd Newton and CEO – Andrew McDonald with the Governor of NSW.
Pictured below is our Bindaree Beef Processing General Manager – Brad Newman giving the Governor of NSW a tour of our processing facility in Inverell
From humble beginnings we’ve grown to deliver tailored protein solutions from the paddock to the plate across Australian and international markets. We are at the forefront of food trends with a global protein network, and believe in a connected, sustainable Australian beef supply chain.
