Gerringong’s Co-Operative Dairy Society was established in 1888 so that individual local dairy farmers could, by joining together, create stronger bargaining power for the group around pricing, based on larger combined quantities. 

The Co-Op first operated from a timber building where Gerringong Uniting Care now stands. At that time, it wasn’t possible to send whole milk to the cities and cream was skimmed off to make butter. Thanks to the rich local pastures, Gerringong's butter was known for its quality, and commanded a high price. From Boat Harbour, shipments were sent as far as to England and South Africa.

Gerringong Station opened in 1893. In 1908, after a rail siding was built, the Co-Op moved to its current location near the railway station. The siding’s subsequent extension facilitated the transfer of milk to the South Coast Milk Train. A short, preserved section of siding with buffers remains in front of the Co-Op buildings today.

In 2004, the Co-Op was renamed Dairy Farmers Limited, and at that time managed over 1,400 local farms. Until the doors closed in 2007, the factory was Australia’s oldest continually running dairy Co-Op.

The Miller family was one of the Co-Op’s original founders. Fast forward to present day, and current owner Melissa Matters (née Miller – at the time still a prominent local dairy farming family) reminisces about her fond childhood memories of visiting the Co-Op. 

“As children, we just used to love it. It was such an event to go there and meet up with everyone,” she says.

Melissa and her husband Dean, who own and run Gerringong’s popular Hill Bar & Kitchen and Gather by the Hill, bought the heritage-listed Co-Op complex in 2020 with local friends, investment banker David Phillips and his wife Charlene Dawson.

In early 2022, Kiama Council approved the DA for the $5 million plus redevelopment, revitalisation and repurposing of the Co-Op precinct, into an events, dining and wedding destination. The owners are seeking to recreate its past role as a vibrant community hub. While perfectly-located for visitors – right at the train station – they aim to make it an enjoyable gathering place for the local community.

The team has collaborated with heritage advisers to restore and enhance the building. The restoration has seamlessly integrated the Co-Op's original features – like exposed steel beams, and a gabled roof with trusses – with new, stylish, and luxurious elements and touches. 

Stage One of the three-stage development is now complete. The venue is taking bookings and planning events with the expectation that it will very soon be ready to host weddings and sophisticated events in its multi-purpose indoor events space (originally called the Truck Room). A stunning mirror wall, full bar, beautiful lounge area and indoor fireplace add to the atmospheric ambience. The indoor space is complemented by a north-facing lawn, coastal garden and new amenities block. 

Stage Two, on which work is likely to begin later this year, will include a:

courtyard beer garden with Italian alfresco style dining;

state-of-the art commercial cooking facilities, including Traegar smokers, Argentinian grills and a pizza oven; 

children’s play area;

sunny deck and fire pits;

indoors dining and a bar, with double sided fireplaces, and

indoor meeting or private dining room and a cocktail bar (featuring craft beers).

Stage Three is as yet to be advised.

The Co-Op precinct is multi-purpose and versatile. It is expected to become a sought-after wedding venue, a vibrant hub for live music, a picturesque setting for filming and photo shoots, and a pleasant and well-located space for business gatherings and leisure activities.

Upcoming events include the Sam Matters Cup in May, Distilled in June and Christmas by Candlelight in July. 

For more details, visit The Co-Op Gerringong.