Throughout May, staff from Tatura Milk, part of the Bega Group of companies, collected and donated pantry staples to support families connected to the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s Family Haven in Mooroopna.

The Haven provides a safe and welcoming space where families can share a meal, access support, and build connections with others in the community. With the rising cost of living continuing to impact families, demand for food relief at the Family Haven has grown significantly.

Lighthouse Volunteer and Partnerships Broker Kathy Fuller said the food drive was a practical and timely way for a local business to get involved and help to address the hurdles some families face.

“Tatura Milk staff stepped up,” Kathy said. “Their contribution means we can continue to respond to the needs we’re seeing on the ground.”

The partnership was developed through Lighthouse’s business engagement work, which focuses on linking organisations with local initiatives in a way that delivers direct impact.

“We work alongside businesses to shape support that is realistic, relevant and useful within our community,” Kathy said. “Tatura Milk have been fantastic to work with and committed to helping in a way that makes sense for everyone.”

A Tatura Milk spokesperson Lily Botterill said the team was pleased to support an initiative with strong local ties.

“As a company deeply rooted in our local community, we believe in supporting those who support us. Participating in the Food Drive for the Family Haven was a meaningful way for our team to give back and help ensure that no family in our region goes without.”

Lighthouse offers many opportunities for businesses and organisations to contribute—from donating laptops to the Laptops with Love program, offering industry tours for students, volunteering at programs like OLLY, school breakfast clubs and reading sessions, to providing hands-on skills through Pit Stop. Businesses can also support fundraising efforts or donate essential items to meet immediate needs.

Lighthouse welcomes conversations with local businesses looking to give back. To learn more about how your organisation can support children and families in Greater Shepparton, contact Kathy Fuller at kfuller@gslp.com.au.

Below: Family Haven Coordinator Courtney Wilson, Lily Botterill Executive Assistant Bega Cheese, Georgia Vibert People and Capability Partner (Tatura), Amy Robinson, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project Executive Officer and Jas Kaur, Family Haven Cook