Noosa luxury swim wear retailer goes under

Liquidators have been appointed to a luxury swimwear retailer in Noosa after border closures slashed the number of holiday makers in the town’s iconic shopping strip.

A Noosa swimwear retailer has gone belly up owing a six-figure sum after border closures hit the number of holiday makers in the tourist haven.

Blue Heaven Noosa, which had operated out of a boutique in popular Hastings St, was founded in 2009 by veteran rag trader Julia Dunstall.

The company has ceased trading.

Liquidator Jarvis Archer, of Revive Financial, says the business was heavily exposed to the tourist trade and had been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The majority of customers were holiday-makers travelling to Noosa from interstate.” says Archer. “Accordingly, the border closures caused a drop in sales leading to trading losses and cash flow difficulties.”

Blue Heaven Noosa specialised in stock from Maryan Mehlhorn, a leading international swimwear designer from Germany known for premium quality beachwear and accessories costing upwards of $400.

Archer says the director believes the business is still viable, but due to lower turnover it has downsized to reduce overhead expenses including rent and wages.

The Noosa boutique specialised in swim wear from Maryan Mehlhorn.

“This is something we’re seeing many business owners considering, even those that have had strong results through Covid that are now seeing turnover decline,” he says.

Based on information provided by the director, known creditors are owed approximately $115,000. This is predominantly owed to the company’s former landlord, bank and the Australian Taxation Office.

Archer says that to date Sunshine Coast businesses have fared relatively well with very low levels of insolvency during the pandemic.

“However, we’ve recently undertaken liquidations of a number of local businesses in retail, hospitality and personal services, indicating the tough couple of years and accrued debts are catching up with small businesses,” he says.

“A lot of this debt is owed to landlords and the Australian Taxation Office, and as recovery action recommences for these debts, a corresponding rise in insolvencies is generally expected.”

Right Note

Brisbane accounting firm BDO is hitting the right note after renewing its sponsorship deal with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s acclaimed Maestro Series.

BDO has signed up as major partners of the series next year that will feature the internationally famed Umberto Clerici as chief conductor.

BDO Brisbane managing partner Steven Sorbello (illustrated) says music mattered more and more in a rapidly changing world.

“QSO’s philosophy of being powered by music strongly resonates with us at BDO, and our decision to continue to align our brand with such a highly regarded company was not difficult,” says Sorbello. “We are really pleased to be part of an organisation that can support local artists and musicians, while also welcoming world-class soloists to Queensland.

“Music matters more and more in our world, and we look forward to soaking up the sounds and inspiration from QSO.”

QSO development director Toni Palmer says celebrating the continuation of BDO as a partner was welcome after such a challenging few years.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra in full swing.

Golden Touch

QMines, which operates the historic Mt Chalmers copper and gold mine, is becoming more upbeat about the potential of the central Queensland operation.

The ASX-listed company says it is receiving outstanding drilling results for the mine as it works toward bringing the reserve back into production.

Mount Chalmers is already recognised as one of the highest-grade gold-rich volcanic systems in the world. The company first flagged that the Mount Chalmers deposit also included high-grade zinc and lead back last year.

Mount Chalmers was mined sporadically between 1898 and 1982, producing gold, silver and copper. No mining has been undertaken since 1982, but QMines’ exploration efforts are proving there is still plenty of potential to get it back into operation.

QMines says it is focused on utilising local employment and services, which will help boost the surrounding Queensland communities.

QMines is one of only three ASX-listed resources companies to achieve carbon neutrality under the Australian Government’s voluntary Climate Active program.

Mount Chalmers mine pits.