Dairy Co-op opens as a co-working artist makerspace

From a friendship made along the backstreet of a train track and heritage precinct, a new creative co-working space has opened, and it's set to continue to build the reputation of a growing community.

Lachlan Jurgs and John McLean Bennett outside the Dairy Co-operation, a new co-working space in the former offices of the Downs Dairy Factory. Monday, October 28, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

A building and precinct which once significantly contributed to the development of the dairy industry in Queensland is now in experiencing its own growth attracting a variety of businesses, from recreational sports to creative industries.

On Saturday the Dairy Cooperative opened its co-working space after a year-long refurbishment of the former offices of the old Darling Downs Dairy Factory precinct.

Behind the new venture is Mouseproof co-owner John McLean Bennett and Brood Cafe owner Lachlan Jurgs.

John McLean Bennett and Lachlan Jurgs outside the Dairy Co-operation, a new co-working space in the former offices of the Downs Dairy Factory. Monday, October 28, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

Neither are strangers to Brook St, where the dairy precinct is wedged between the train tracks and Gowrie Creek, only 2km north of the Toowoomba CBD.

In the last five years the precinct has become a hive of activity, including a brewery, a cafe, a number of creative collectives, a gym, the Axe N Dagger, an acrobatic studio and various industrial businesses and an NDIS service.

Meeting through the street, Mr McLean Bennett said he had a “light bulb moment” as he was looking for an office, and found out Mr Jurgs needed a space to roast coffee.

“The street really is a community, and it has become a real destination,” Mr Jurgs said.

John McLean Bennett and Lachlan Jurgs outside the Dairy Co-operation, a new co-working space in the former offices of the Downs Dairy Factory. Monday, October 28, 2024. Picture: Christine Schindler

Now they are looking to fill four of the six offices, 12 of the 13 co-working desk spaces which also include access to a meeting room, a kitchen and bar/dining room and two sound-insulated rooms for studio and podcast recording.

While there are still a few finishing touches to do with the sound studio, the entrance to the space is already active and alive, as Leisa Clark and Jade Sweeney, who are part of Pop’d Art Studio and also work from one of the offices work on their paintings.

“It’s really just great to sit here and work on art together,” Ms Clark said.