Abattoir owners ‘deeply saddened’ by loss of workers in highway road tragedy

By Murray Silby

Apr 24, 2023

**Mark of respect:** Flags fly at half mast outside the Cobram abattoir where five workers, who lost their lives in a road tragedy on Thursday, April 20, were employed. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

The owners of the Cobram abattoir, which lost five workers in a fatal road accident near Yarroweyah on Thursday, April 20, say they are “deeply saddened” by the loss.

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The abattoir was reopened by JBS Southern in February with a view to employing up to 350 people when at full capacity.

A worker shortage has led to it not only employing local workers, but also filling roles via the Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.

The five workers who died in the crash included local Debbie Markey and four foreign workers, three women and a man, all in their 20s and reportedly from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Further details have not yet been released.

‘Deeply saddened’: JBS Southern says it is working with the local community to support those impacted by the road tragedy. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

“JBS is deeply saddened by the loss of five community members who died tragically in a road accident in Victoria on Thursday,” JBS Southern chief operating officer Sam McConnell said.

“On behalf of the entire JBS organisation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time.

“JBS is working with the local community to support those affected by this tragedy.”