A toast to the legacy of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' co-founder Lee Fleming (82)

The Australian beverage industry has lost one of its pioneering spirits with the passing of the co-founders of Australia's iconic ginger beer.

Lee Fleming, who co-founded Bundaberg Brewed Drinks alongside her husband Cliff and in-laws Neville and Gladys Fleming, laid the foundations of a brand that would later on become a household name.


Lee Fleming's legacy was not only measured by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' success, but also by the personal impact she had on those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Cliff, their two children, and four grandchildren.

They now carry the family tradition and the entrepreneurial spirit she embodied.


compressed-lee fleming.jpeg
Lee Fleming talked about her life-changing journey with the brand on a 2019 interview with Bundaberg Now. Image Credit: Instagram/Bundaberg Drinks


Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' social media channels also shared the news of her passing.

They paid tribute to Lee's pivotal role in Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' growth.

'With great sadness, we announce the passing of our Bundaberg Brewed Drinks co-founder, Lee Fleming,' the company wrote in the post.

'Lee was passionate, kind-hearted, and instrumental to the foundation and growth of our much-loved Bundaberg Ginger Beer. The entire Bundaberg Brewed Drinks family will so sorely miss her.'


The Flemings resided in the coastal suburb of Bargara, where Lee talked about her unexpected journey in the food and beverage industry.

She reminisced about her experiences in a 2019 interview with Bundaberg Now.

'I thought I was going to be an executive's wife and make cups of tea and things like that,' she recounted.

'I ended up cleaning a lot and making soft drinks, but I would not change a thing.'

Her words underscored the dedication and hands-on involvement she had with the company.


Lee and her husband Cliff took over the company in 1985 after their in-laws retired from the business.

The brand then expanded its horizons under their leadership.

Bundaberg began exporting its drinks, and as of today, its products are sold in over 60 countries.

As we raise a glass of the spicy, effervescent Bundaberg ginger beer, we honour the legacy of a remarkable woman who has an indelible influence on the Australian beverage industry.

Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the sweet taste of success that came from creating something genuinely beloved by many.

As the Bundaberg community and the broader circle of ginger beer fans mourn her loss, they also celebrate the inspiring legacy she leaves behind.
Key Takeaways

  • Bundaberg Brewed Drinks co-founder Lee Fleming passed away at 82, as announced by the company's social media channels.
  • Lee, along with her husband Cliff and her in-laws, started the company in 1968 and eventually became an international brand available in over 60 countries.
  • She was described as passionate and kind-hearted and played an instrumental role in the foundation and growth of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
  • Lee is survived by her husband, Cliff, their two children, and four grandchildren.
Whether it was a refreshing drink on a hot summer day or a key ingredient in your favourite holiday punch, Lee Fleming's contribution to our food industry is worth reminiscing about.

May she rest in peace.
 
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It is truly devastating as I remember her other friend who died as well. My friend's niece died in her early 20's with bowel cancer in the 90's. It was passed down in their family genes unfortunately, and she got it at such an early age.
My son had thyroid cancer when he was 21yrs old, which was heartbreaking. After treatment, specific test results came back that he was cured. We are extremely grateful that we still have him today. At the time, the thyroid specialists told us that Australian scientists have discovered that our soil is very low in iodine levels. This impacts farmer's vegetables and livestock. Our thyroids need iodine. The low iodine soil levels still stand today and it's the reason why iodine is added to foods, so we don't get iodine deficiency.
One of my daughters has a thyroid problem and is on medication for the rest of her life. She needs to see a specialist once a year.

I was just speaking to my daughter and she couldn't sleep. She said it doesn't feel real that she is gone.

Her and other friends were ready to go to the burial but due to her being Moslem they were told only the men go to the burial, women are not aloud to go because of the crying.
My daughter said this was going to be their way to say goodbye.

She was buried only 12 hours after her passing

Now all I can do is hold my daughter close
 
One of my daughters has a thyroid problem and is on medication for the rest of her life. She needs to see a specialist once a year.

I was just speaking to my daughter and she couldn't sleep. She said it doesn't feel real that she is gone.

Her and other friends were ready to go to the burial but due to her being Moslem they were told only the men go to the burial, women are not aloud to go because of the crying.
My daughter said this was going to be their way to say goodbye.

She was buried only 12 hours after her passing

Now all I can do is hold my daughter close
My son is on medication for life, due to not having a thyroid. Because it's been a long time, he sees his local GP for checking his levels these days.
Hope your daughter and her friends can do something together to have closure.
 

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