No spilt milk

The Gippsland Jersey team conducted a drive-by service for people in Pakenham. Photos: SUPPLIED.

By Shelby Brooks

Rather than popping into the supermarket, people in Pakenham have driven out to support a struggling Gippsland-based milk company over the weekend.

Gippsland Jersey, who have a farm in Jindivick, realised they were stuck with about 4,000 litres of milk and needed a quick solution before it expired.

“It pretty much stemmed from cafés and shops that we supply pulling the pin on orders because of the lockdown,” Gippsland Jersey co-founder Steve Ronalds said.

“Milk doesn’t have a long shelf life and we didn’t want it to go to waste.

“Occasionally we do have left over milk that we hand to people or businesses in need. But milk is hard to get rid of- we’re not the only milk company in the same position.”

A call out on their social media promoted support for a drive-by idea.

In under 18 hours, Gippsland Jersey had arranged to visit Pakenham, Narre Warren and Wheelers Hill for people to pick up pre-purchased boxes of six two litre milk cartons.

“We thought we’d go to a few different places our milk usually isn’t easy to find,” Steve said.

“We invited people to think outside the box, maybe they could give some to their friends, family, make ice cream or cheese or donate to someone or a café in need.”

Co-founder Sallie Jones said she was “overwhelmed” by the support they had received.

“I can’t believe what we were able to do,” she said.

“People showed up with homemade biscuits, words of encouragement and big eye smiles on their masked faces.”