#6: Melissa & Donovan Jacka, Tolpuddle Cheese (High Country, Victoria)

Today, we speak to Melissa and Donavan Jacka from Tolpuddle Cheese in Victoria’s high Country.

To start, and with hand on heart, I have to say I owe a lot to these guys in the context of helping me undertand and … illustrate to me .. what it takes to make truly great Australia cheese.

It came in the form of the best emails I’ve ever received … from anyone!

As for its contents, I explain further into this podcast but I will tell you that it was immediate reminder that great quality, artisan cheese is a labour of absolute love. And something that is not in in-exhaustible supply.

Like so many businesses in 2020, Tolpuddle had to adapt and fast, to not only the impact of the unprecedented Australia bushfires at the start of 2020, but again as COVID-19 hit.

As hard as it was, they drew strength from those around them and it was that genuine , and powerful, sense of community, both local and social, that has seen them through. Ever heard of sponsoring a goat anyone???

We talk a lot about collaboration and not competition here on this podcast and today is no exception.

I’m forever blown away by the resilience .. and good sense of humour, so many farmers and cheese makers have.

Yes, it in indeed tough times but do not ask to save Melissa and Donavan … as thanks to their incredible hard work, and their collaborative spirit, they’ve got this.

What we should do instead is champion and celebrate all in which they, and all Australian cheese makers, do.

I’m sure you’ll be able to tell, I really enjoyed this chat and hope you do too