Norco has celebrated two years since its Lismore ice cream factory in NSW reopened its doors and resumed production, following the 2022 floods which decimated the factory and left it out of action for 18 months.

Fittingly, the milestone also coincided with National Agriculture Day, a celebration of the people, products, and communities that power Australia’s agricultural sector. As a proud farmer-owned co-operative, Norco says it was delighted to mark the occasion by celebrating its resilience and deep connection to its heartland community.

Since resuming operations in late 2023, Norco’s Lismore ice cream factory has produced over 34 million litres of ice cream, not only for Norco Cape Byron, but also for hundreds of other ice cream products found in supermarket freezers across the country.

Over the past two years, the factory has also delivered almost $50 million worth of economic activity to the Lismore region via local jobs, supplier partnership and ongoing operations.

“We are incredibly proud that in just two years, our operation has been able to repay the community – via economic contribution – more than the value of the government funding that initially helped us get back up and running,” says Norco CEO Michael Hampson. “And that is especially why we wanted this milestone to be a community celebration.”

To mark the occasion, Norco hosted a free community celebration on Friday, 21 November on the front steps of the factory. Locals enjoyed free Cape Byron ice creams along with cow-themed face painting and family friendly games and activities.

“This celebration was about recognising the strength and spirit of the Lismore community, and especially on National Agriculture Day, honouring our producers who work tirelessly to deliver Australia’s best tasting dairy,” says Mr Hampson.

“We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past two years and wanted to thank the community for their unwavering support.”