Reinstate Norco as the Dairy Supplier for NSW North Coast Hospitals
Petitioner:
Mr Harper Dalton-Earls
| Member:
Saffin, Janelle
| No. of Signatories:
3,070
| Date closed:
15/11/2024
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
Support Our Local Farmers and Strengthen Our Local Economy.
The undersigned petitioners, call on the Government to reverse its decision to replace Norco as the milk supplier for hospitals across the North Coast and Mid-North Coast regions. Norco is Australia’s last 100% farmer-owned dairy cooperative, with a proud 129-year heritage of producing high-quality dairy products right here in our region.
Support Local, Norco represents 191 farming families who rely on the co-op for their livelihood. By awarding the contract to an international supplier, we risk the financial stability of these families and the broader regional economy.
Norco consistently provides excellent products to our hospitals and supports our local economy, keeping profits in Australia and benefiting farmers and workers. The new foreign-owned supplier will divert profits overseas, weakening our economy.
In 2018, a similar decision was made to replace Norco, which triggered an outcry from the community, local leaders, and farmers. People's power prevailed, and the decision was overturned. Supporting local businesses like Norco is non-negotiable.
We believe that the health and wellbeing of our community should be prioritised by sourcing fresh, local dairy products over cheaper alternatives from foreign-owned companies.
We ask the Legislative Assembly to urge the Government to listen to the voices of the community. Reinstate Norco as the milk supplier for North Coast and Mid-North Coast hospitals. This will support local farmers, secure local jobs, keep profits in our state, and not send them overseas.
