Norco Co-operative has been recognised for its role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the Northern Rivers Region at the 2024 Northern Rivers Business Awards.
Previously winning the Excellence in Large Business Award for three consecutive years, this year Norco, for the first time, received the prestigious Business of the Year accolade which is testament to its ongoing commitment to its farmers, employees and the local community.
One of Northern Rivers largest private employers, independent judges applauded Norco for its outstanding business practices and demonstrating excellence with safeguarding its community of 281 farmer members while continuing to build a robust, fully integrated business with outstanding expertise in food and rural retail operations.
The 100 per cent Australian owned business also received the award for Excellence in Sustainability, testament to its innovation and commitment to the Northern Rivers community in the past 12 months.
Norco sustainability manager, Antene Seah said the award recognises Norco’s demonstration of its commitment to sustainable business practices and playing a vital role in reducing the impact of its operations for the environment across key areas.
“At Norco we are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable dairy manufacturers in Australia from our supply chain operations right through to the production and processing of our milk, and other dairy products,” she said.
“Therefore, it is such an honour to be recognised for the sustainability initiatives and projects we have executed at Norco in the past year, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the dedication and commitment from everyone in the co-operative.”
The third accolade, the Outstanding Business Leader Award was awarded to Norco CEO, Michael Hampson who was recognised as an outstanding and inspirational leader, demonstrating his commitment to Norco, the industry and providing mentorship to others.
During his tenure, Michael Hampson has implemented major initiatives to support Norco employees and farmer members including commissioning and launching the National Farmer Wellbeing Report to understand the scale of mental health in farmers.
The launch of the National Farmer Wellbeing Report aligned with raising funds for not-for-profit charity, Black Dog Institute to fund research and resources for those in rural and regional areas.
Other initiatives include holding the farmgate milk price in line with last financial year paying the highest price per litre in New South Wales and Queensland, and Norco Cow Purchasing Program a program designed to assist Norco farmers in rebuilding their lactating herds post-floods and address industry wide supply issues.
Norco will now represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held on October 30 in Sydney