Moore Cafe owners Darron and Barb Skinner-Martin welcomed into community
It’s all about connection and belonging for a new South Burnett business duo who relocated to the region six months ago and have not looked back.
South Burnett
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Although open for only one week, the new Moore Cafe has been a hit with locals and passers-by as new owners and residents Darron and Barb Skinner-Martin prove to be valuable members of the community.
A former schoolteacher of almost 20 years, Mr Skinner-Martin taught at Faith Lutheran College in Plainland and Lockyer District High School in Gatton before moving to the South Burnett with his wife Barb for a change of pace.
He also did a short stint at Nanango State High School upon arriving.
“We moved here six months ago, bought a house and we’ve been looking for a business and decided to have a crack at the cafe in Moore,” he said.
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The 44-year-old said his wife, who has bred parrots for years, wanted to get into an industry where she could have the chance to talk to people, so a cafe seemed ideal for them.
“We wanted to get back to that connection and belonging,” he said.
The building was originally a post office and general store before being turned into a cafe called Pol’s at Moore.
It was then transformed into an art gallery called Ecclectica which housed unusual and quirky artwork including a coffin surrounded by other peculiar ornaments.
After the art gallery closed it was turned into short-lived cafe before Mr and Mrs Skinner-Martin moved in and changed it to the Moore Cafe.
“There’s no more coffins here,” he laughed.
After completing the relevant courses, including barista courses, they opened up their new business a week ago and said they have been amazed by the support received from the community.
“It’s been great, the community has been really welcoming, they’ve really tried to help us.
“They’ve been spreading the word so the business has been going pretty well for the quietest time of the year,” Mr Skinner-Martin said.
He also indicated that he wanted to bring in art to help local artists sell their work.
“It’s to help out the local art industry, that’s the plan.”
Mr Skinner-Martin has also made inquiries about getting a post office back into Moore after hearing feedback from locals.
“A lot of people have been asking for it but (Australia) post has indicated they don’t want to reopen it.
“They said if you get complaints to get them in writing and send it through and that’s what the plan is.
“If the people want it they will do the letters … people have to vote with their feet so-to-speak,” he said.
Although the post office doesn’t affect them personally, Mr Skinner-Martin said he and his wife were always happy to lend a hand if they saw a need in the community.
Popular menu items include the bacon and egg cheese and barbecue roll toasted on Turkish bread.
“There’s a chicken, cheese and aioli on Turkish bread, that’s another popular one,” he said.
They also have a range of gluten free options too including mud cake and banana bread.
Moore Cafe is located on 7 Main St S, Moore.
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