POTTERING ON: Lavender farm recovers after storm

Pottique soldiers on in the aftermath of the Coolabunia storm with business as usual

PURPLE SKIES: Pottique was hit hard by the super-cell that tore through Coolabunia three weeks ago. Picture: Kate McCormack

"AFTER nearly 40 years of business in the South Burnett I've never seen anything quite like it."

This was what Pottique Lavender Farm owner, Annie McBride, said about a monster storm that ripped through Coolabunia earlier this month.

The iconic antique shop, lavender farm and cafe is in recovery mode three weeks after the Coolabunia super-cell hit, destroying gardens, a roof and a shed full of merchandise.

"We are just lucky no one was hurt," Mrs McBride said.

Despite losing much of the roof off its shed, a number of windows, much of their beloved garden and a significant amount of stock, Pottique was not the most damaged property in the area, Mrs McBride said.

One of the biggest losses was the magnificent Pottique rose garden, which was more than 60 years old and had originally belonged to Mrs McBride's mother.

"But that's the way it is. We will repair and replant and get on with it," Mrs McBride said.

Pottique Lavender Farm storm recovery

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"The community have been so supportive. We received a lovely package from Baked Relief, thanks to councillor Ros Heit. It's after tough times like this, the overwhelming kindness shown from the South Burnett is very moving," she said.

"Graham Wieden from Wieden Developments Earthmoving and Land Development and his family as well as Greg Evans Excavator Hire played a huge role in getting the business cleaned up so we could get back up and running again."

Mrs McBride lost dozens of beautiful quilts in the storm after the roof was torn from the antique shed, but thanks to some quick thinking she did manage to salvage what she could and has announced they will be holding a massive quilt sale this weekend.

"We have no idea what the total damages will come to, but Elders Insurance have been incredible," Mrs McBride said.

She confirmed business was back to normal with Saturday and Sunday opening at 10am and closing at 4.30pm.