Iconic South Australian ice cream manufacturer Golden North has made the shock announcement that it will be closing its Laura factory and making the move to Murray Bridge. The beloved ice cream brand has been churning out its large range of flavours in the small rural town for more than 100 years, and is Laura’s largest employer. 

The departure – set for June next year – leaves many locals fearing for the future of their town. Frank Bernhardt, owner of Meryle’s Cafe and The Laura Emporium, told The Adelaide Advertiser that the news had local business owners worried. 

“I think most people were a bit devastated,” he said. Bernhardt also told the ABC that the news was like “dropping a bomb” on the town’s people. Locals say the announcement came without any prior warning or community consultation.

Credit: Dean Martin

Meanwhile, Laura pharmacy owner Tash Downing told The Advertiser that she was afraid she may now lose her business. 

“We had no idea, nobody warned us,” she said.

Laura has a population of around 750. Golden North employees also come from districts surrounding Laura, which means that these communities will also be affected. 

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Credit: Dean Martin

Golden North management says that the move to Murray Bridge – 275km away – is to facilitate closer connections with its milk suppliers. 

The South Australian government has said that it will provide $1 million to support the town during the manufacturer’s transition, and Golden North has said that it will give priority to any employees who choose to make the move with them. But for now, locals are still reeling from the news. 

For the people of Laura, this really is the end of an era. 

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