For more than a century, the Golden North factory in Laura has been more than just an ice cream manufacturing site. It has been a workplace, a community hub, a source of regional pride and, for many South Australians, part of the fabric of growing up.
As Golden North prepares to close the doors of its Laura operation after 103 years of ice cream production, the moment marks the end of an iconic chapter in South Australia’s dairy manufacturing history.
The closure follows Golden North’s decision to relocate production to Murray Bridge, where the company will move into the former Beston Foods site as part of a broader strategy to modernise operations and create opportunities for future growth.
A proud history dating back to the 1800s
Golden North’s story began before ice cream production started in Laura. The company’s roots trace back to 1870, when William Bowker and his family moved to the Mid North township and established a dairy business. By 1880, the family was selling fresh milk and cream and had built a factory.
In 1923, ice cream production commenced at the Laura factory, beginning what would become one of South Australia’s most iconic food brands.
Over the decades, Golden North built a reputation for innovation and quality. The company introduced pasteurised milk to the Mid North in 1938 and became the first manufacturer in Australia to introduce the half-gallon (two litre) ice cream container in 1940.
In more recent years, the brand became nationally recognised after winning Canstar Blue’s Australia’s Favourite Ice Cream Tub award for five consecutive years from 2018. The company celebrated the Laura factory’s 100-year anniversary in 2023.
More than a workplace
For many employees, Golden North was never just a job. The Laura site developed a reputation as a close-knit workplace where generations of mid north families worked side by side. Some employees have dedicated more than 40 years to the business, creating a culture that staff describe as “family”.
Operations Manager Rick Willis said the sense of pride within the workforce has remained strong right through to the final weeks of operation.
“There’s a lot of sadness, but also a lot of pride,” he said. “People here genuinely care about the place and about each other. For many, this site has been part of their whole working life.”
As preparations for closure neared, Golden North organised a farewell gathering for staff and former employees with at least 10 years of service. More than 100 people attended the event in late May.
“We had a barbecue lunch followed by a farewell function in the evening. It was an opportunity to enjoy everyone’s company, share some stories and have some fun,” Rick said.
“There’s been a real emotional journey for everyone here at Laura. At first there was shock and some anger, but over time, people have started focusing on what comes next.”
Changing with the times
Golden North Purchasing and Planning Manager John Northcott has worked at Golden North for 37 years and has witnessed big changes in dairy manufacturing over that period. John has done every job at Golden North’s Laura factory, except running the churns.
When he first started, production was far more manual and seasonal. “We used to do seven or eight-hour shifts and production volumes were much smaller,” he said.
Over time, demand grew significantly as Golden North expanded nationally and contract manufacturing became a larger part of the business. Daily production increased from around 20,000 litres to as much as 70,000 litres of ice cream.
Operations evolved from hand-filling and manual pipework to increasingly automated systems and electric churns controlled at the push of a button.
Food safety expectations also transformed dramatically. “In the early days, there was nowhere near the level of paperwork or documentation we have now,” John said.
Dairy manufacturing now requires extensive hygiene controls, detailed records and strict compliance systems to meet modern regulatory and consumer expectations. “But we’ve always had a strong focus on food safety at Golden North, so that hasn’t changed,” John said.
The Murray Bridge facility represents the next stage of that evolution, with more advanced automation, improved hygiene zoning and modern manufacturing capabilities.
Supporting staff through transition
Despite the emotional toll of the closure, Golden North management says significant effort has gone into supporting employees through the transition.
Government-funded training and employment assistance programs have helped many staff secure alternative jobs, pursue study opportunities or prepare for retirement. Only two employees from the approximately 80 staff at Laura planned to relocate to Murray Bridge.
Rick will remain involved through the transition period, assisting with the setup of the Murray Bridge operation before finishing later this year.
Meanwhile, the practical task of relocating production has required extensive planning, including stockpiling product to ensure uninterrupted supply and organising the transfer of tanks, filling equipment and churns to the new site.
Once operations cease, the Laura site will undergo a four-to-six-week decommissioning process before eventually being offered for sale.
Preserving an icon
Golden North Director Dimi Kyriazis acknowledged the significance of the moment and paid tribute to the workforce that helped shape the company over generations.
“Golden North is incredibly proud of its rich 102-year history in Laura. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful years spent there, building our legacy and growing alongside the community,” he said.
“We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated team in Laura, whose unwavering passion and commitment over the years have been the heart of Golden North.”
Part of a proud legacy
Dairysafe auditor Ryan Turner also reflected on the significance of Golden North’s Laura factory, describing it as an important foundation in his early career.
Ryan spent five years working at the site while completing his studies in food science, gaining firsthand experience in dairy manufacturing and food safety processes. The connection runs deeper than just his own experience; three generations of Ryan’s family have worked at Golden North, highlighting the role the factory has played not just in the local workforce, but across families and generations.
For Ryan, while the closure marks the end of an important chapter in South Australian dairy manufacturing, it also represents an exciting transition, with the new Murray Bridge facility carrying forward Golden North’s legacy into a modern era of dairy production and creating opportunities for the new generations.
