Dicky Bill Garden renowned as a salad farm, grows leafy vegetables and culinary herbs – year-round. Now, they’ve gone into voluntary administration and owe up to $10 million. The farm is run across two sites – Maffra, Victoria and Drinan, Queensland. Now, creditors and employees are the ones forced to absorb the fiscal burden. Richard William “Dicky Bill” McLeod starting the company in 1996. Since then, it has grown into the industry’s largest northeast supplier of ready-to-eat salads for the domestic and export markets.
The voluntary administration process began at the end of last month. It has particularly shocked the organic farm’s owners, Ryan and Tahirih McLeod. The couple’s biggest challenge still lies ahead. They still need to pick up the pieces from the company’s implosion, which has left 180 employees in limbo.
Financial Implications and Debts
Dicky Bill’s financial difficulties have left her hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to many suppliers and employees. The firm is looking at about $6.5 million in unpaid billed to its suppliers and about $1 million in owed retained pay to its 165 employees. The final debts may be higher as the administrators process their claims from trade creditors.
“It’s quite a substantial amount, and likely as we go through the process, those amounts tend to increase as we have the chance to reconcile the position,” – Mr Kaso, an administrator overseeing the case.
The toll of these obligation burdens enormously on the employees and the McLeod family. Eager to share his condolences, Ryan McLeod posted to let everyone know that he was devastated that this had happened.
“What has happened here will have a lasting impact on our family and on 182 employees who have done absolutely nothing wrong,” – Dicky Bill Mr McLeod.
Plans for Recovery
Even amidst all these challenges, Dicky Bill has been successful. Dicky Bill has indeed been able to bring on new tenants to operate its two farms. The corporation’s target date for reaching full production is January 1, 2026. This plan is a ray of sunshine between the budget clouds.
“Our immediate priority is to explore all viable options that maximise outcomes for stakeholders,” – Mr Kaso stated, highlighting the focus on finding solutions during this difficult period.
Dicky Bill’s summer crops grow well at the Maffra site. They are the original creators of the salad kits that you see in most large grocery stores. Having consistent access to these products will be especially important for any future emergency recovery efforts.
Legacy and Future Outlook
The impact of Dicky Bill goes far beyond its operational faults. Since its founding, the company has been a foundational force for local agriculture. Ryan McLeod thanks the support provided by secured creditors through such a confusing and chaotic period.
“We have the full support of our secured creditor,” – Dicky Bill Mr McLeod noted.
As Dicky Bill finds its way through voluntary administration, the future still isn’t clear. The plans to revitalize production and settle debts will determine whether the company can recover from this setback, allowing it to continue serving its customers and supporting its employees.
