Clifford Fleming AM

In 1968, Clifford Fleming AM, alongside his wife Lee and parents Gladys and Neville, launched the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks company after purchasing a local bottling and fermenting business. 

Today, he is a self-proclaimed proud co-founder, who “has always been a dreamer, [but] could have never imagined that we would come this far”.  

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks started as a local business, but now exports its products to places all around the globe. 

“Over the past fifty-five years, so much has changed. The business is a lot bigger these days, and we export our brews to over 60 countries around the world,” Mr Fleming says. 

“We have generations of families who work in our business and some who have worked alongside me for many decades, whom I now call friends. 

“Beyond employment in the region, our brews and our business help drive tourism to this wonderful part of the world.” 

For his work, Mr Fleming was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business and to the community of Bundaberg. 

These days Mr Fleming doesn’t work in the day-to-day business, but he still holds a position on the company’s board. He has previously been chief executive and chair of the company.  

He was also former director of the Beverage Industry Environmental Council, founding director of Australian Beverages Enterprises Cooperative Society and former member of the Australian Beverages Council.  

There are so many people to thank, starting with his family and fellow co-founders, he explains. 

“There have also been many times when I have leaned on the people of this wonderful region for support, advice and guidance, and we just wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for them,” he says.  

“I’d like to say thank you to all those who gave me their time, guidance and support ... and my family who still surround me today and actively run the business day to day.”