Airlie Beach cafe, gallery 3 Little Bird Espresso to close December 20

A Whitsunday cafe, boutique and gallery known for hosting local creators and crafts makers will be shutting its doors after more than three years of business.

Co-founders Tracey Kupa, Pauline Kupa-Morgan and Joan Hunter started the shop together in April 2021.

A Whitsunday cafe and creative space will be closing its doors after more than three years of business.

3 Little Birds Espresso opened in April 2021 on Shute Harbour Rd in Airlie Beach and aimed to support local artists and small businesses by creating a place which combined an art gallery, boutique and multi-purpose creative space.

Co-founders and sisters Joan Hunter, Pauline Kupa-Morgan and Tracey Kupa wrote their vision was to highlight the natural beauty of Whitsundays.

The cafe displayed work and sold products belong to local creators and small businesses in need of an outlet, as well as hosting small handmade markets.

“It’s been a fun journey and it’s been good for us,” co-founder Joan Hunter said.

“Thank you to the community their support.”

The cafe is set to officially shut on December 20.

While the sisters gave no explicit reason for the closure, they wrote they would take time to focus on their health and remain hopeful for what the future holds.

“Who knows what we might do in the future,” Ms Hunter said.

Indigenous artist Harold Bowen brought his work down from Hope Vale to be displayed and sold at 3 Little Birds Espresso.

Over the years 3 Little Birds hosted numerous local artists and businesses including Mexican food and art business Picossa Art and Hope Vale indigenous artist Harold Bowen.

They also put on handmade markets where local crafts makers sold their “unique, handcrafted treasures”.

Occasionally 3 Little Birds would open their doors to other businesses to sell their products and food.

Dozens of customers and supporters commented on the sister’s announcement thanking them for their contribution to the community and wishing them happiness

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of this adventure,” the sisters wrote in a Facebook post on October 21.

“We take pride in the support we’ve been able to provide to many on their own professional paths.
“We appreciate your support and loyalty, which have been instrumental in our success.

“We would love to see our space full of familiar faces as we wind down.”