The National Union of Workers, which represents dairy staff, is driving a campaign to reverse the closure, which was flagged last week.

At a meeting on Monday, 67 Murray Goulburn workers agreed to circulate letters across the Border seeking a review of the decision.

Citizens will be asked to sign the letter pushing the Victorian government to “urgently convene a meeting” with Murray Goulburn to “review and revise” the shutdown.

NUW North East organiser Neil Smith said the workers were determined to save the factory.

“They have unanimously agreed that they want to fight...and they want the company to change its mind and they need government support,” Mr Smith said.

He compared the situation to that faced by automotive sector workers who had been supported with government cash over decades.

“There’s bodies of money that can be made available,” Mr Smith said.

“It might be an interest-free loan so that this building is cleaned up, but the jobs stay in the region.

“The government is better situated to drive what support is out there and it’s their responsibility.

“They can’t just look after the city, they need to look after the regions.”

Bachelor Robert Ramsdell, a pasteuriser operator, who has been at the factory for 14 years, made an impassioned plea for it to stay open.

“Only a month ago they were telling us how this was making a profit, if this is making a profit why are they shutting it?” he said.

“Keep the local milk, keep this operating, put some money in here, keep our jobs.

“There’s plenty of land around here, they could build another factory or a newer factory or update things.”

A week after the unveiling of the closure, which cuts 135 jobs, there is still disbelief.

“We don’t really know really how to take it, we’re all in shock,” Mr Ramsdell, 50, said.

“Another bloke (chief executive Ari Mervis) has come in to just wield the sword again like Gary (Helou, former boss) did...dictate to us and we took it, we’re not going to take it no more.”

Letters will be available to sign at the Kiewa and Tangambalanga shops and will be distributed in Albury and Wodonga on Sunday.