Rockliff’s $10 million price-tag to secure King Island Dairy

PICTURE: Premier Jeremy Rockliff, new Dairy owners Nick Dobromilsky and Graeme Wilson, and King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has revealed that the Tasmanian Government will provide the new owners of King Island Dairy with more than $10 million in taxpayer support.

This includes a $2.5m grant to upgrade to facility, stamp duty and payroll tax relief, as well as a concessional loan of up to $15m.

The revelations come after Friday’s news that King Island Dairy has been purchased by Melbourne-based businessman Nick Dobromilsky and Graeme Wilson.

“This is one of the, if not the, proudest moments of my time in Parliament”, Mr Rockliff said. 

“The King Island Dairy has not closed on my watch, and I’m hoping and expecting that it won’t close on any Premier’s watch for a very, very long time”, he said.

The new owners of King Island Dairy acknowledged the Government support, saying that the transition had been made possible with the support of the Tasmanian Government and Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose commitment to regional businesses and local jobs has played a key role in securing this outcome. 

“This is more than an acquisition—it’s about safeguarding great products that are loved throughout Australia, with deep roots in King Island and Tasmania,” said Nick Dobromilsky.

“We recognise the skill and dedication that go into crafting these cheeses, and we are committed to supporting the team and maintaining the brand’s legacy. 

“We’re excited to continue growing this iconic brand. 

“Many people may not realise that King Island’s distinctive climate creates ideal conditions for dairy farming, producing milk perfectly suited for cheesemaking. 

“With some of the cleanest air in the world, the island provides the perfect environment for crafting high-quality, artisanal cheeses.” 

“As an Australian family joint venture, we value quality and community,” added Graeme Wilson. 

“Our goal is to strengthen King Island Dairy’s market position while staying true to its artisanal traditions and rich heritage.” 

The new owners plan to invest in product innovation, enhance retail partnerships, and reinforce King Island Dairy’s connection to the land and its skilled cheesemakers. 

“The future of King Island Dairy is about more than preserving its past—it’s about building a sustainable, thriving business that continues to support the local community. 

“The best way for Australians to support this vision is by choosing King Island Dairy’s quality cheeses.”

Mr Dobromilsky and Mr Wilson currently own Olympus Cheese, Queensland’s largest Mediterranean cheese manufacturer, which has a 50-year heritage of crafting high-quality Halloumi, Fetta, Ricotta, Marinated Cow’s Milk Cheeses, and traditional Greek and natural yoghurts. 

Mr Dobromilsky launched Desi Valley Dairy in 2024—a brand dedicated to traditional South Asian dairy products such as Paneer, Dahi, and Natural Yoghurts. 

About the Transaction 

The acquisition includes the full transfer of King Island Dairy’s factory, brand, and intellectual property, ensuring that this iconic name remains in Australian hands.

King Island Dairy, Australia’s most awarded cheese brand, will now be part of broader portfolio that also includes Heidi Farm, brand, and intellectual property which is being acquired from Saputo as part of this transaction. Heidi Farm, a premium Tasmanian cheese, specialises in Gruyère, Tilsit, and Raclette, with its Tilsit recently earning global recognition as “Best in Class” at the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest in Wisconsin, USA. 

This strategic acquisition complements Olympus Cheese, which has won multiple gold medals for its Mediterranean-style cheeses. 

The new owners have also secured the Dairy’s two dairy farms on King Island, home to over 2,500 dairy cows. These farms will provide the majority of the milk needed for the factory, maintaining full control over milk quality while continuing to source from other dedicated King Island dairy farmers.