Norco wins excellence award

Norco Co-operative has received the Excellence in Large Business Award at the 2022 Northern Rivers Business Awards for the second year in a row.

One of Northern Rivers’ largest private employers, independent judges praised Norco for continuing to safeguard its community of 292 Australian dairy farming producers while also cementing a strong, vertically integrated business with expertise in food and rural retailing.

Receiving the prestigious award was Norco General Manager of Manufacturing Adrian Kings, who said it recognises the hard work and commitment of every single individual within the co-operative.

“This award is for our people. The catastrophic floods in February really tested our strength and resilience but it also gave us the spirit to bide together. Having staff working and assisting the general community was a show of nothing else but love for the local area and without it I’m not sure where we would be right now,” Kings said.

“We have also rolled up our sleeves in other areas that we feel are fundamental for farmer and community wellbeing, including our proactivity towards farmer mental health via our Employee Assistance Program and the Norco Member Cow Purchase Program, which assists farmers in rebuilding their herds following the unprecedented February flooding.”

Norco will now represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held on 18 November in Sydney.

In other award news, four Norco farmers in NSW and Queensland were represented in the Top 100 Australian dairy farmers, an award recognised by industry body Dairy Australia. The award brings national recognition to the highest quality milk producers.

Image credit: iStock.com/trigga