Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North, in partnership with the Northern Areas Council, hosted a community forum in Laura on Monday, 18 August 2025. The event brought together approximately 100 people and provided an opportunity to hear from Golden North about the relocation of its operations to Murray Bridge. Golden North will progressively transition its operations over the next 12 months, with the Laura facility expected to close by mid-2026.
The forum was attended by Member for Grey, Tom Venning; Member for Stuart, the Hon. Geoff Brock MP; representatives from government and non-government agencies; and Golden North Managing Director Peter Adamo, who provided an update on the company’s current situation.
A range of support services are available to assist Golden North employees, their families, local businesses, and the wider community during this transition. Agencies in attendance included:
- AtWork – Amber Clayton, aclayton@atworkaustralia.com.au
- Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) – Angela Ruddenklau, angela.ruddenklau2@sa.gov.au
- Department of State Development – Robin O’Dea, robin.o'dea@sa.gov.au
- Employment Facilitator, Mid North SA – Lisa Brock, lisa@usgemployment.com.au
- Honeycomb.design (digital support for businesses through the Adelaide Business Hub) – Giedre Budrius, gbudrius@honeycomb.design
- Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North (Workforce Support) – Alan Zubrinich, azubrinich@yorkeandmidnorth.com.au
- Statewide Group Training – Tracy Northcott, tracyn@sgt.asn.au
- TAFE SA – Kym Cox, kym.cox@tafesa.edu.au
- Uni Hub Spencer Gulf – Adrianna Caputo, adrianna.caputo@unihubsg.org
- Uniting Country SA – Trish Rollins, www.ucsa.org.au
- Workskil – Cam M, camm@workskil.com.au
The Northern Areas Council Mayor, Sue Scarman, said the forum was an important first step in ensuring the community has access to information and support.
“We know this transition will have wide-reaching impacts, and it is vital that Laura feels supported and informed,” Mayor Scarman said. “The good attendance reinforces the importance of this change, and Council will continue to work closely with the community to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Council will continue engagement with the community through the State Government’s $1 million Community Infrastructure Program. A workshop and further update on utilising this funding is ear marked for September 2025.
Northern Areas Council
Mayor
Sue Scarman | 0418 844 935