Swarm of support for Eungella stores

Eungella Store owners ‘blown away’ by the 130 motorcyclists who revved up to support the closing shop

More than 100 motorcyclists rode up to Eungella to support the small businesses that had taken a hit due to the COVID-19 environment. Picture: Dave Monk

THE SOUND of 130 motorbikes revved up the Eungella Range in a show of support for local businesses which had taken a hit from COVID-19.

Mackay tattooist and motorcyclist Dave Monk organised the rally to put money back in businesses' pockets.

"I felt sorry for them," Mr Monk said.

"Before COVID, we all enjoyed going up there, grabbing a beer, a pie and everything."

More than 100 motorcyclists rode up to Eungella to support the small businesses that had taken a hit due to the COVID-19 environment. Picture: Dave Monk

Mr Monk posted on Facebook asking for people to join the cause and was "inundated" with eager participants.

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The "biker community scene has a heart of gold", he said.

The Eungella General Store and Cafe broke the news last week that it would cease operating at the end of June after a lack of trade.

Eungella General Store and Cafe owners Jamie Mussig and Michaela Pritchard with Dave Monk, who organised the rally of support. Picture: Contributed

Upon learning a swarm of motorcyclists would be visiting the shop today, the staff had bought 30kg of mince to prepare enough homemade pies and sausage rolls, Mr Monk said.

More than 100 motorcyclists rode up to Eungella to support the small businesses that had taken a hit due to the COVID-19 environment. Picture: Dave Monk

Store owner Jamie Mussig said they were blown away by the spectacle of about 300 customers who had filtered in through the day.

"We were actually so humbled by it," Mr Mussig said.

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He said staff who had been ineligible for the coronavirus JobKeeper payments had been given another opportunity to work to manage the influx of customers.

Eungella General Store and Cafe staff Charlee Lennox, Amie Cunningham, Tara Cunningham, Ruby Mathews, Indy Sheehy, and Michaela Pritchard. Picture: Contributed

"I think we had 14 (staff) all up including Michaela (Pritchard) and I," he said.

Mr Mussig said they would still be closing come June 30 but would continue operating the Post Office for the Pioneer Valley community.

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