Gold Coast Bulletin and Channel 7 are teaming up to support Coolangatta small businesses – including Rockleigh Café
The boss of a popular café has stopped at nothing to not only ensure the survival of her business but also the jobs of her employees. READ THE LATEST INSTALMENT IN OUR CARE FOR COOLY CAMPAIGN
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THE boss of a popular Coolangatta café has stopped at nothing to not only ensure the survival of her business but also the jobs of her employees.
Lisa Tagidrau took over Rockleigh Café two years ago just before the pandemic hit and has since done everything in her power to stay afloat – even paying wages out of her savings.
Despite losing 70 per cent of recent trade she still rallied behind R U OK? Day, serving up almost $500 worth in free coffee, as well as taking time away from the store to create more hours for staff.
“As soon as New South Wales went into lockdown Cooly became a ghost town, people are too scared to come to our end of the street. It’s a real shame,” Ms Tagidrau said.
Owning a café had long been a “bucket list item” but inheriting Rockleigh’s loyal customers and team members proved an added bonus.
“I can’t thank them enough. They’re like extended family to us, we want to do whatever we can to support them as they have done for us during such challenging times,” she said.
Customers returning to the area off the back of the Bulletin, 7News Gold Coast and Triple M’s campaigning has increased the loss of trade to 30 per cent.
“We’re being acknowledged now. I look around and see how so many businesses are doing it tough and they’re starting to feel a bit more hopeful.”
“I’m feeling very cautious though, especially this time. When I do prepare the prepping for the week, I always make sure that I only cook enough to cover what we need.”
One of her most popular dishes, the Asian omelette, is proving a top choice for long-time customers and newcomers: “It’s the perfect start for the morning, it’s not too heavy.”
CARE FOR COOLY: FULL LIST OF BUSINESSES NEEDING SUPPORT
‘A bit more hopeful’: How lone employee kept florist afloat
September 16, 2021
IT was reduced to a one-woman show amid tightened border restrictions, but that didn’t stop Coolangatta Florist from brightening the days of their loyal fanbase.
Tweed-based Owner Summa Johnson lives just 600 metres from her business, but was unable to travel to the Rainbow Arcade shopfront.
That’s when lone Gold Coast employee Trudy Campbell stepped up, filling orders on her own for more than five weeks: “The first week was the hardest in terms of revenue and the instability because we’ve always been classed as essential,” Mrs Johnson said.
There has been a slight uptake in sales in recent weeks as campaigns by the Bulletin, 7 News Gold Coast and Triple M inspired more visitors to the area.
“It still hasn’t been great; we’re still doing half days and we’re not back to full trade,” Mrs Johnson said.
“It’s also just the fact the fact that I can get back to my own business is making me feel a bit more hopeful. It’ll be nice to get back in the shop.”
Awaiting the long-time florist will be plenty of orders for fresh bouquets, featuring her of all-time favourite Cherry Blossoms: “We always have a fresh flower bar, so we try and keep seasonal. It’s what’s in season and will last the longest. We stock quite a big range including home-made products,” Mrs Johnson said.
“We’ve got a pretty strong return clientele – Cooly locals have always support this business really well.”
‘The first things to go’: Cooly campaigner needs our help
September 15, 2021
SHE’S the brains behind recent campaigning that has helped breath life back into struggling Coolangatta businesses amid strict border closures.
Naturopath Sam Beau Patrick now requires the support of the very community she has been advocating for, as clientele dips to an all-time low.
The best-selling author voluntary took time away from her business amid a slew of recent meetings and media appearances after launching the locally-produced Essentially Cooly ad, but now says she’s feeling the string of temporarily halting operations.
“I can’t get patients over the border or they don’t have incomes so they can’t pay you, when that happens nutrition and naturopathy are some of the first things to go,” she said.
“My business has definitely suffered; in August I didn’t have much income at all.”
Appointments are typically booked out in advance, with cross-border customers and even interstaters turning to her for nutritional and natural medicine advice.
It was a change of pace for Ms Beau Patrick, now a specialist in hormonal imbalances, who previously worked as a critical care nurse and pharmaceutical rep during her 33-year career.
“There was always that one thing missing, people were always told they were broken and needed a pill, but I believed there was much more to it,” she said.
She expects business to pick up again with the border bubble reinstated but will for now turn her focus to producing a second instalment of an Essentially Cooly ad.
For more ways to support Coolangatta businesses tune into 7NEWS Gold Coast at 5.30pm weeknights and Triple M Breakfast from 5.30-9am weekdays.
‘Doing everything we can to hold together’: Cooly Cafe keeps hope
September 14, 2021
THE boss of a Coolangatta café which opened just prior to the pandemic is hopeful the lights will stay on as trade returns to the area.
As Queensland’s border entry restrictions ease, The Flying Elephant café co-owner Todd Hiscock expects sales to increase.
It also means his manager can return to work after being shut out of the state due to strict border closures: “When we first opened, it was a different business. Since then we’ve just been doing everything we can to hold it together and to keep our people employed.”
Mr Hiscock said the cafe needed help of locals and tourists to stay afloat: “We’re attempting to raise funds for more shareholder equity to make sure we can survive.”
Despite the hardships the popular café is still slinging out some of its famed coffee roasted locally in Burleigh Heads.
“We roast our coffees locally, we have over 16 different coffees including single origins. We know there’s not one single flavour for every person,” he said.
“If you want to wine and dine come on down to Coolangatta,” he said, adding business had picked up in the wake of ‘Care for Cooly’ campaigning by The Bulletin, 7News Gold Coast and Triple M.
“It’s important that people who are allowed to travel here, Brisbanites especially, that they come down and help us.”
Cooly Toy store a raging success
September 12, 2021
A COOLANGATTA couple who opened a toy store during the pandemic are celebrating the return of customers to the area following weeks of campaigning.
Owners of Sandy Crab Toy Store Kate and Tom McGuinn’s first launched their business in September last year and admit there were times they doubted whether it would reach its first birthday.
“As soon as that lockdown happened and they stopped our local Tweed community accessing us, it turned into a ghost town,” Mrs McGuinn said.
Despite the hardships, the pair, who have two youngsters of their own, forged on to become one of The Strand’s most popular stores.
“We noticed Cooly really lacked a lot of fun things for kids. We have the beautiful beaches, but there’s so many birthday parties and there was no where to buy good quality gifts,” she said.
“We call it an interactive toy store. We have heaps of things out for the kids to come and play. Parents can browse and be relaxed knowing their kids will destroy the store, but that we’re okay with that.”
Among the goodies in store are Cool Cabanas, wooden pinball machines, trikes, gifts for newborns as well as bath toys and arts and crafts – all with complimentary gift wrapping.
’It just felt natural’: How humble store evolved into local favourite
September 11, 2021
LEGIONS of fans would remember Salt Living’s eye-catching shopfront in the heart of Coolangatta for its “beach luxe” vibes.
What started as a homeware store with a bit of fashion in 2015 has evolved into a business centred around designing and producing deluxe French linen for bedding, tables and cushions.
“I suppose the transition came naturally to me,” said owner and award-winning interior designer Jacinta Bishop.
“I have a good eye for things like styling and design.”
Ms Bishop says Covid-induced lockdowns and border closures have reduced sales “massively.”
“Right now, it’s terrible, our foot traffic has reduced because we are a tourist town, we usually rely on them as well as the Tweed community.
“We’re very lucky that we have an online store so that we’re able to support ourselves and still rely on that. We’ve also just launched a kid’s collection with linen cot sheets and bassinet sheets.”
Despite a delay in production Ms Bishop is relishing a slight uptake in sales following campaigning by the Bulletin and 7News Gold Coast’s Care for Cooly.
She said the mood around Coolangatta had improved in recent days: “It’s such a beautiful community, it’s been so amazing to see the support from the rest of the Gold Coast. We’ve had so many customers come down for the day to shop or to eat.”
“The other business owners, their spirits seem to have been lifted since it all started. Everyone’s a bit more positive, cheerful.”
For more ways to spend your time at Coolangatta tune into 7NEWS Gold Coast at 5.30pm weeknights and Triple M Breakfast from 5.30-9am weekdays.
‘Got to try keep the cogs turning’: Surf club’s dramatic dip in Nipper sign-ons
September 10, 2021
For 110 years, Coolangatta waters have stayed safe place for ocean-goers thanks to the tireless efforts of Greenmount Surf Life Saving Club volunteers.
Now, the club needs the help of the community with the ongoing hit to revenue due to lockdowns and border closures.
General Manager Marty Damjanoski said: “We had a very successful business before this, we spent some money renovating the club but now we’re at a standstill with all of that.
“Last year we had over 300 Nippers sign up but that’s dipped to 28 this year as everyone lives over the border.
“I’ve still been able to trade seven days a week, but I’m certainly not breaking records – it’s more like I’m treading water.”
While it’s been tough going, the boss of five years is as chipper as ever: “You’ve got to try and keep the cogs turning. You’ve going to keep going,” he said.
Promotional campaigns like the Bulletin and 7 News Gold Coast’s Care for Cooly provided some reprieve in recent days as punters returned to the venue – but not enough to stop the ceasing of funds to its volunteer lifesavers.
“There has been a little bit of an uplift especially over the weekend but it’s obviously not like anything we’re used to.
“We still consistently offer specials and things like that. We’re still doing all the same things our customers love like our Happy Hours on Monday and Friday.”
Particularly special was the venue’s view of the famed surf break which often sees champion surfers Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning in the line-up.
Among a selection of dishes includes classic pub favourites – a parma, perfectly grilled steaks and a smattering of seafood dishes.
‘How lovely’: Father’s Day crowds rally to support Cooly cafe
September 9, 2021
WHEN Kylie Bastos moved to Coolangatta from Melbourne five years ago to take over Griffith Street Larder it was a dream come true.
The cafe, known for its specialty Blackboard coffee, was already a favourite thanks to its smashed avo dish and hearty breakfast bowl – but Ms Bastos made it her own.
“I’ll never forget the day we drove around Kirra Point; it was just breathtaking. What I also noticed when I moved up is how lovely everyone is,” she said.
She felt that same kindness on Father’s Day as diners flocked to the cafe – inspired by the Bulletin and 7 News Gold Coast’s Care for Cooly Campaign – before heading to the border to meet loved ones.
“It was so nice to see everyone come on down and support. People are obviously taking it on board to spend their weekends down here, which is great.”
The cafe is operating off a takeaway-only menu but that doesn’t mean new dishes aren’t on the cards: “We’ve got brekkie rolls, we’ve just added chicken waffles to the menu too. Our cakes and treats are made in-house, and we try to do that with dietary requirements in mind.”
‘Been a little better’: Cooly restaurant’s boost in local support
September 8, 2021
WITH international travel off the cards for now, those craving an authentic European experience on the Gold Coast need not look any further.
Radici Pasta House at Coolangatta has been serving up specialty Italian dishes and homemade pasta for more than two years.
Many seats now sit bare but the flavour is as strong as ever: “We do fresh pasta every day, this is an Italian place in the real way. We are all Italians who work here,” owner Otello Mancini said.
“We make all the traditional things and all the Australians who travel and come here always say it’s the first time they feel like they are back in Italy.”
Despite Radici suffering a near 75 per cent loss in trade in the past five weeks, Mr Mancini said that an uptake in diners in recent days had him feeling more hopeful.
It comes off the back of campaigning – including the Bulletin and 7 News Gold Coast’s Care for Cooly – that has prompted the return of Queenslanders to the area.
“It’s been a little bit better, there’s been some signs that it will continue,” Mr Mancini said.
“What we lost during previous weeks you cannot make back but now that customers are starting to return it’s a bit more positive.”
‘Come on down and share the love’: Cooly shop owner begging for support
September 7, 2021
FOR more than a decade Things We Love at Coolangatta has cemented itself as a go-to for the perfect gift or homewares.
A love for “all things beautiful” first inspired owner Alexandra Casey to launch the Marine Parade shopfront 11 years ago.
While her beaming smile remains firmly in place, the sight of shelves lined with untouched trinkets and designer clothes stand as a firm reminder of the difficulties she faces.
“I’ve actually started an online store to try and get in touch with my ladies locally, but a lot of them do come from elsewhere too.”
A secret to her longstanding success, she said, was evolving with desires of loyal customers by introducing fashion and accessories: “I’ve been forever changing to according to what my customers have been asking for.
“I’m bringing in labels that aren’t easily accessible around this area. If you want something just a little bit out of the ordinary, then this is the place to look.”
Much-loved Glasshouse Candles plus fragrances, crystal coups and teapots are just some of the goods in-store and online.
“We can’t sit at home forever and not spend on things we used to. we might not be doing that now, but there’ll be a time when we do and I look forward to it.”
The Bulletin and 7 News Gold Coast are jointly promoting Coolangatta small business, struggling due to the border divide, under the ‘Care for Cooly’ banner.
‘That’s what inspires me’: Coast restaurant thankful for local support
THERE’S a reason one of Coolangatta’s longest-running Mexican restaurants remains a much-loved institution – fresh ingredients and a genuine connection with customers.
Owner Mark Belcher has witnessed the southern Gold Coast change aplenty over the past 27 years in operation, but one constant are his loyal customers.
“I’ve seen parents bring their little kids in years back and now I see them come in as teenagers or young adults,” Mr Belcher said.
“That’s what inspires me, the product that we have is very unique to our business and people really enjoy and love that.”
Mr Belcher is one of many businesses doing it tough amid hard border closures and lockdowns but says there’s been a slight uptake in patronage since the launch of the locally-produced Essentially Cooly campaign.
‘AN EMOTIONAL TIME’: JUST ONE FINED AFTER BORDER GATHERING
“For people to react on that quickly, it’s very positive and the on flow already is people are venturing down to Cooly to pay us a visit,” he explained.
To further support the area, the Bulletin and Channel 7 are teaming up to deliver the Care for Cooly campaign – highlighting local businesses.
“It’s very exciting, people are used to this restaurant and definitely on the New South Wales side they’re struggling with not being able to get here.”
Care for Cooly has one aim: to attract Gold Coast and South East Queensland communities to Coolangatta. It will give Coolangatta-based businesses a platform to promote their goods and services to the combined television, print and online audience reach of 7NEWS Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Bulletin.
The initiative will run over a two-week period, with daily editorial aimed at promoting local business in the region, while further coverage will be supported via social media platforms and outdoor activity.
Despite the hardships thrown his way, grit determination to make it “out the other end” remains his biggest focus – as well as continue serving up the venue’s famed enchiladas and margaritas.
“Coolangatta is still open, we’re still here. With all the happiness, all the brightness, the colour of the area. The food, the retail, it’s all here for everyone to come and enjoy,” Mr Belcher said.
“Let’s join together and do what we can, hang tough and see you all again soon.”
“Coolangatta has had it’s tourism heart ripped out as a result of the lockouts and lockdowns and now more than ever needs the support of Queenslanders to get behind it,’’ Gold Coast Bulletin editor Rachel Hancock said.
“The Gold Coast Bulletin and Seven Gold Coast are local, too, and know the devastation many businesses and residents are suffering. We want to shine a light on the wonderful things Coolangatta has to offer. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a weekend away, every little bit will help.”
7NEWS Gold Coast presenter Amanda Abate said: “The stories from the border are heartbreaking. The very least we can do is throw our support behind this campaign and its message. We are a tight knit city and we are all in this together”
Fellow presenter Steve Titmus said: “If you are looking to have a little trip away spend some time at the southern end of the Gold Coast, they would love to see your smiling faces.”
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