End of era: Eungella ‘hub’ shuts doors for final time

Customers who became like family resoundingly agreed it was more than a store; it was a ‘hub’

OPENING the Eungella General Store and Cafe to customers for the last time, co-owner Michaela Pritchard said, "I've just got to keep my chin up today and not cry".

Together with fellow co-owner Jamie Mussig, the couple made the hard decision to stop trading today after COVID-19 travel restrictions dealt the final blow to their already struggling business.

Eungella General Store owners Jamie Mussig and Michaela Pritchard with their shop pets, Tully the dog and Sammy aka Chookie the ringneck parrot, wanted to thank the community for all its support. Picture: Heidi Petith

"It's been my work for the last five years," Ms Pritchard said.

"I've lived, breathed and sweated this store."

Friends helping out at the Eungella General Store were Tricia Drennan and Mirta Parenza. Picture: Heidi Petith

Loyal customers which have become friends came to show their support.

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They all resoundingly agreed the place was more than just a store.

It was a community hub, they said.

Eungella residents Myles Jefferson and Marilyn Jefferson have been regular visitors to the Eungella General Store and Cafe for 20 years. Picture: Heidi Petith

Myles Jefferson and his wife Marilyn, who have frequented the store for 20 years, were there having one last cuppa before it closed.

"We've seen a raft of owners come through in that time," Mr Jefferson said.

"Jamie and Michaela are great … they're not just storekeepers; they're friendly, inviting and just always welcoming."

Eungella resident Robyn Burns (grandma) with grandchildren Bryce Williams, 8, Finley Williams, 5, and Jasmine Williams, 10. Ms Burns said the store was her Tuesday coffee catch-up location with a friend after they went for their walk. Picture: Heidi Petith

Indeed, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the patrons for family - such is the atmosphere of the shop.

Kids hang out together in the cafe - united by the evidence of sweet treats still marking their faces.

Eungella General Store shop dog, Tully, is a familiar face for Eungella customers. Picture: Heidi Petith

Boots are taken off at the door; and the shop dog Tully keeps watch out the front, eager to learn who has pulled up for a visit.

Eungella resident Dale Fortescue buying his last cup of coffee prepared by staff member Indiana Sheehy. Picture: Heidi Petith

But the shop's busiest hour was the morning's "mail time", the Eungella residents agreed.

"If you've got a parcel, you get a phone call," John Emms said.

Ms Pritchard and Mr Mussig said they would continue operating the postal service, even though it cost them more than they earned from it. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Pritchard waits by the improvised mail desk just inside the front door - having created the newly formed counter to keep customers sheltered from the winds outside.

It is those small gestures that are the heart of country stores, like the Eungella General Store and Cafe.

Mackay residents Olivia Mackey, 4, Mickaylah Black, 10, and Weston Mackey, 2, were at the store with their parents, making the pit stop many families do when they visit Eungella. Picture: Heidi Petith

Ms Pritchard said they wanted to extend their "warmest gratitude" to those who had supported them over the past five years.

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"Our hope for the community is that new owners will love the business as much as we have and will continue to provide such an essential service to the area"

"I'm sad and sorry I can't keep going."

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