Dicky Bill Farms in Victoria and Queensland Acquired by New Operators

Dicky Bill Farms Acquired by Two Companies Following Administration

Two independent businesses are set to take over the farm operations previously managed by salad operator Dicky Bill in Victoria and Queensland. This follows Dicky Bill entering administration in November 2025 with estimated debts of up to $10 million, which resulted in approximately 165 job losses.

Farm Acquisitions and Operational Plans

Hussey & Co will manage the farm located in Maffra, Victoria, situated approximately 220km west of Melbourne. Concurrently, Riviera Farms will assume control of the Drinan operation, near Bundaberg, Queensland, located 350km north of Brisbane. Both acquiring companies are based in Victoria.

Riviera Farms Managing Director Nelson Cox confirmed the re-employment of two former staff members, with three additional hires anticipated in the coming weeks. Cox stated that winter crop planting at the Drinan site was scheduled to commence in February, and on-site processing operations would also continue. He projected that the Drinan site would employ approximately 30 to 40 staff during winter production once fully established.

Cox commented that Dicky Bill's cessation of operations was regrettable, attributing it to challenging trading conditions experienced throughout the horticultural industry. Riviera Farms, a fifth-generation family-owned farm business, was identified as the source of a spinach contamination outbreak in 2022. Cox explained that the Queensland acquisition aimed to ensure a consistent 12-month supply for customers, addressing winter growing challenges encountered in Victoria.

Hussey & Co Managing Director Jeremy Haw indicated no immediate plans to reopen the on-site processing factory at the Maffra site, a facility that previously employed the majority of Dicky Bill's staff. Haw stated that the Maffra property would be primarily utilized for growing produce rather than processing, citing a need for additional land for cultivation. Hussey & Co anticipates hiring approximately five new farm staff. Haw further commented that reopening the factory might occur in the long term, depending on future development, but not in the short term. The company currently operates a farm near Newry in Gippsland and a salad processing plant in Somerville, Victoria, along with farms and processing facilities in Western Australia.

Property Owner's Statement

Warakirri Asset Management, the owner of both farm properties, released a statement describing the businesses as productive and valued assets for the fund. A Warakirri spokesperson acknowledged the ongoing impact of Dicky Bill's administration on local communities, employees, and creditors. Warakirri confirmed its continued engagement and constructive collaboration with the administrator regarding these issues. The spokesperson also stated that Hussey & Co and Riviera Farms are endeavoring to restore both sites to full operation, aiming to reinstate their economic contribution and employment opportunities within their respective regions. Dicky Bill administrator Cor Cordis has been contacted for comment.