If community spirit was measured in bags of lollies, the Nestlé Broadford factory has it by the jumbo Party Mix — especially at Christmas.
“Community is at the heart of what we do,” Nestlé Broadford Factory Manager Emily Bradbury, pictured, said.
“As a lolly manufacturer, we love being able to share our sweet treats with the Broadford community throughout the year, and it’s especially meaningful when we can brighten Christmas with our donations.
“Whether it’s for the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Santa Run, Love in Action or the town’s Christmas carols, there are so many opportunities for us to spread festive cheer.”
The Broadford team embraces the Be Treatwise message, also supported by Australian Industry Group’s Confectionery Sector.
“We make up individual portions of our Allen’s lollies for donations, rather than handing over a huge bag,” Emily said.
“We've just finished making 800 lolly bags for the Christmas carols. More than 100 boxes filled with 1000 lolly bags have also been donated to local community groups and charities.”
Nestlé is the biggest private employer in the Mitchell Shire.
“Most of our employees come from this area, which means it's their families and friends participating in these events,” Emily said.
“Donating to an event or community group creates pride among our employees. Their families might say: ‘That's from mum’s work or that’s from my brother’s factory’.”
Broadford is “a country town up the Hume Freeway” about 80km north of Melbourne with a population, including the surrounding smaller townships, of just over 6000.
“It’s got a high school, a primary school and a train station, but it doesn't have attractions as such, so the local sporting clubs and volunteer organisations such as your CFAs are really big parts of the community,” Emily said.
There are 240 employees working across three shifts, five days a week at the Broadford factory.
“Those on the night shift make the lollies — Snakes and Pythons primarily — but the factory produces all our jellies including Pineapples, Black Cats and other favourites,” Emily said.
“We have jelly beans, as well. Our panning lines run during the day and afternoon shifts, along with our Chews lines: your Minties, your Red Ripperz, your Chew Mix.
“Milkos and Sherbies are all getting produced on day and afternoon shifts.”
The lollies are packed in the factory, too.
Other roles at the Broadford factory include those in finance, engineering, HR, safety, manufacturing excellence and the supply chain team.
The factory has been in its existing location for 43 years — since 1982.
“I would dare say there's been a history in all that time of donating lollies, particularly to our local police station and fire brigade, so they have a stash in the car to help get through a long shift,” Emily, pictured with colleague Aleks Glogovac, said.
“It’s an everlasting relationship.”
Emily herself has a long history with the town and factory.
“I come from a little town called Darraweit Guim but went to high school in Broadford,” she said.
“I jumped on the bus from Darraweit across to Broadford every day throughout my high school years.
“When I was in high school, my best friend's dad worked in the factory doing the role I’m doing now, so, yes, it's a long-time connection."
Allen's is a nostalgic brand, especially for the local community, Emily says.
“You've got so many people who have family including grandparents who may have worked here in the past," she added.
“It's so important to be able to give back to our community.
“If we grew apples, we would do the same thing.
“It's not about the product, it's about helping our community come together.”
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at Australian Industry Group.
A former journalist for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK, she is passionate about giving businesses a voice.
