Bega

Postcode: 2550

Bega is a town in the south-east of New South Wales, Australia in Bega Valley Shire. It is the economic centre for the Bega Valley.

Bega, 428 km south of Sydney via the Princes Highway, is a dairying town with a population of 4202 situated in the heart of a rich and fertile valley where the Bega and Brogo Rivers and the Princes and Snowy Mountains Highways meet. The heavily forested Brogo Ranges lie to the west of the river flats which stretch eastwards to the sea.

Bega is most well-known for its cheese. Bega Cheese, manufactured by The Bega Co-operative Society Limited one of the larger Australian cheese companies. Their products are exported around the world and distributed across Australia and are available in most supermarkets and general stores.

The introduction of advanced cheese making processes at the Tooth family's Kameruka Estate was critical to the development of the industry in the valley. James Manning, manager of the Twofold Bay Pastoral Association, moved to 'Wanagabra' near Bega in 1864 after selling Kameruka. He was responsible for encouraging the German immigrants, whose ancestors now live in the Bega Valley, to work at the Kameruka estate. He introduced American cheese-making methods, commenced maize cultivation in the district, grew vineyards and, after pressing for the implementation of a telegraph line from Bega to Sydney, sent the first message in 1868.

Bega is Chanel Cole's adopted home town after moving from New Zealand. She came 5th place in the Australian Idol 2004 televised singing competition.

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