Norco CEO Michael Hampson announces financial support package

170 Norco employees will keep their jobs following a major government funding boost. Here’s what it means for a recovering Lismore.

Norco employees in Lismore are set to keep their jobs following the announcement of a major government funding package.

Extensive flood damage to the Norco ice cream factory had initially forced a lay-off for 170 employees.

The financial rescue package includes salaries for the workers for a minimum of 10 weeks, which will allow time for an application for the Anchor Business Support Package (ABSP).

The major boost comes after lobbying from Norco and other major Lismore businesses, who partnered to plead for further government assistance following the flood devastation.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the ruined Norco Ice Cream factory, a week after declaring a national emergency. Picture: Dave Hunt

Norco CEO Michael Hampson was thrilled to deliver the news to a community in recovery.

“We hope this represents the first step in delivering greater funding outcomes for the region in order to drive a business-led recovery,” Mr Hampson said.

The package allows employees not involved with factory recovery efforts to work for other companies while employed by Norco.

“This significant development fills us with immense optimism that our pleas for greater support for Lismore businesses and the broader community have been heard,” Mr Hampson said.

Norco factory workers are thrilled at the news, particularly following the news they would be stood-down just 24 hours prior.

Trent Dobrunz, 52, is reaching ten years at Norco and said the news was a“big relief”.

“Knowing we'll all be on the payroll for the next ten weeks is great after such a sad day yesterday,” Mr Dobrunz said.

He said workers are more determined than ever to get stuck back into the “new normal”.

“It won’t ever be the same, but it’ll return to some new form of what we had six months ago,” he said.

Trent Dobrunz and James Young work at Norco in Lismore and say they are relieved and optimistic to know they’ll have work for another 10 weeks minumum.

James Young, 30, has worked at Norco for eight years and said the news comes as a massive relief..

“It’s been a flip of emotions from yesterday and now knowing we have security for the next couple months,” Mr Young said.

Mr Young is heavily involved in the rebuilding of the factory.

“Everyone's optimistic - we're all glass half full even though no one can plan for this,” he said.

The package aims to stem worker shortages in the region and support economic recovery – a major step in returning Lismore to a bustling city.

Norco recently united with other major Lismore businesses, including Summerland Credit Union, Mountain Blue Farms and Sunshine Sugar in a plea to increase the current ABSP from $65 million to at least $100 million.

Norco CEO Michael Hampson said he has a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Norco following news of a government support package.

Lismore businesses argue the $65 million currently on offer by the ABSP grant is insufficient to support major flood recovery efforts.

Mr Hampson said the fresh government support package marks “a great day” for Norco workers and Lismore.

“We’ve been part of the Lismore community for more than 127 years and we’re committed to seeing the community thriving once again,” he said.

The factory rebuild remains separate from the government funding, but Mr Hampson said his staff are “ready” for the challenge.

“I have a renewed sense of optimism for the future of the facility and we look forward to the day we celebrate its reopening,” he said.

Norco and other major businesses in the region will apply for the ABSP, in the hopes the Aussie ice cream facility – like other Lismore businesses – will have a bright future beyond the 10 weeks.