Reverse the decision — State Govt dumps Norco as milk supplier to hospitals

Susanna Freymark

A decision has been made to dump Norco as the milk supplier to all health facilities across the North and Mid North Coast.

This includes Casino Memorial Hospital and Lismore Base Hospital.

State MP Richie Williamson said the removal of the contract could have serious consequences, including potential job losses and reduced income for the 191 farming families who rely on the Lismore based co-operative.

Norco confirmed that North Coast Health facilities will no longer source their hospital milk supply from them.

A Norco spokesperson said given their 129-year heritage in the region, they are “naturally disappointed by their decision to no longer support local and 100% Australian-owned.” 

But what’s even more disheartening, is the decision to instead source their milk from another supplier with foreign shareholders, and this means their profits don’t stay wholly in Australia, Norco said.

“We’re not sure that this is what the people of Australia would want and know with certainty that it’s not what the Northern Rivers community want.” 

“This is not the first time that a company with foreign ownership has been favoured over our 100% Aussie farmer-owned co-operative. The 2018 decision to do the same was met with fierce community and industry opposition and was eventually overturned.” 

In light of the impact this will have on the Northern Rivers community and our hard-working local farmers, we remain hopeful that the decision will be reviewed in its entirety, Norco said.   

Mr Williamson has written to the state Health Minister Ryan Park urging him to intervene.

“NORCO being quietly dumped in favour of another supplier is a real kick in the guts for Australia’s last 100 per cent farmer-owned dairy co-operative,” Mr Williamson said.

“NORCO is more than just a brand.  It’s an iconic and trusted brand that has produced high-quality dairy products for generations, and maintaining partnerships that support local communities is crucial.”

It seems that Sydney-based bureaucrats are making decisions that disregard the needs of the bush, while turning its back on regional jobs and farmers, Mr Williamson said.