THE South East farming community is rallying together to support Thomas Foods International (TFI) following the devastating fire at its meat processing plant in Murray Bridge last week.
Mount Gambier Saleyards agent David Creek labelled the multi-million dollar fire “nothing short of a tragedy” for the farming and meat processing industries.
“The blaze is essentially like a bushfire for the industry, it is just devastating for everyone affected,” Mr Creek said.
“In my time, it is most definitely the worst incident I have seen in the industry in South Australia.”
As the blaze continued to burn in the basement of the processing plant at press-time yesterday, more than 100 hours since it began on Wednesday evening, Mr Creek commended the staff and management at TFI for how they have responded.
“They have had such a quick response to try and absorb the impact on the industry as much as possible, which is an extremely positive way to react on their behalf,” Mr Creek said.
“I know on the sheep and lamb side of things of the industry it is business as usual and while there is still a bit of an unknown for the cattle side, we will know more following the sales at the Mount Gambier Saleyards tomorrow.”
Mr Creek said it did not surprise him the way the whole industry and wider community had come together in light of the fire.
“Like you see with things in country towns, when the chips are down, everyone rallies around to help,” he said.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going and in this case everyone has been extremely supportive of TFI, which is great to see.”
One South East company that was quick to offer a helping hand was Teys Australia, which offered staff from TFI the opportunity to work at their plant in Naracoorte.
“The thoughts of all at Teys Australia are with the staff and management of Thomas Foods following the devastating fire at the company’s Murray Bridge plant,” the statement said.
“In the meantime we have made positions available at our Naracoorte plant to assist as many employees as we can during this difficult time.”
The gesture from Teys Australia is sure to alleviate concerns for at least some of the 1400 employees at TFI who were left with their working futures in limbo following the horrific blaze.
“The meat processing industry is based around production and this fire means that many Thomas Foods workers will not have regular income until the company’s plant is back in production,” the statement said.
“Teys Australia stands beside our industry colleagues at Thomas Foods and is available to assist in any way we can.”
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin also released a statement assuring TFI staff they will be supported.
“The disaster at TFI Murray Bridge has understandably rocked the community of Murray Bridge,” Mr Pasin said.
“1400 workers and their families remain uncertain about what the future holds and I understand that this is a stressful time.
“I want them to know that I stand with them and they will be supported.”
Mr Pasin said the impact of the fire will be felt far and wide and he was working with his federal colleagues to assist where possible.
“Thomas Foods is such an important part of the Murraylands and South Australian economy the ramifications of this event will be felt far and wide throughout the community and supply chain,” he said.
“I am working to ensure that all those affected are offered the best support possible.”
