Norco Workers Raise $500,000 for Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Employees at Norco’s Lismore facility have reached a remarkable milestone, raising $500,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service through a long-running employee giving program driven entirely by staff generosity.
The funds have been raised gradually over many years through voluntary payroll donations from Norco employees, combined with recycling initiatives run by staff at the Lismore ice cream factory. Workers collect cans throughout the year and donate the proceeds, with every dollar supporting the vital emergency helicopter service that operates across Northern New South Wales.
Unlike traditional corporate fundraising campaigns, the milestone reflects a grassroots effort led by employees themselves, highlighting the strong community values that underpin the farmer-owned cooperative.
For Lismore resident Scott Jones, the helicopter service holds special personal significance. Mr Jones was critically injured in an explosion at the Lismore Turf Club where he worked and was airlifted to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew, providing the critical window of care that helped save his life.
Norco Chief Executive Officer Michael Hampson said the milestone is something the entire Norco family is proud of.
“This isn’t a corporate initiative – it’s our people choosing week after week to support a service that has stood by our community in its toughest moments,” Mr Hampson said.
“As a 100 per cent farmer-owned cooperative, supporting and giving back to our communities is at the heart of who we are. Knowing our contributions help keep the helicopter in the air means everything to us.”
Mr Jones said Norco employees’ commitment to the service is deeply meaningful to those who rely on it in emergencies.
“To know that local workers have been raising money for the service that saved my life means more than I can put into words,” he said.
“Every mission we fly is made possible by the generosity of people like the Norco team.” – John Bancroft
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Regional Partnerships Officer John Bancroft praised the ongoing support from the Norco workforce.
“Every mission we fly is made possible by the generosity of people like the Norco team,” Mr Bancroft said.
To recognise the achievement, the helicopter service recently presented Norco with a framed flight jacket, symbolising the strong partnership between the organisation and the Lismore community.
Founded in 1895 in Byron Bay, Norco remains a 100 per cent Australian farmer-owned dairy cooperative with more than 280 members across northern NSW and south-east Queensland, producing over 200 million litres of milk each year.
