Clove Organics Mildura killed by Covid, now looking for a buyer

The devastating impact of repeated Covid lockdowns is still being felt by Victorian businesses, with a longstanding Mildura cafe the latest to shut its doors.

A longstanding Mildura cafe is closing its doors after 20 years, unable to survive repeated Covid lockdowns.

Clove Organics, which has been operating in the town for two decades under the management of a volunteer committee, is closing on Friday, after suffering a huge financial hit during the state’s six lockdowns.

Secretary of the Clove Organics committee Rowena Keenan said the continued impact of Covid lockdowns meant that the store hasn’t been able to recover after the most recent lockdown last October.

Ms Keenan said it was no longer sustainable to run the cafe under the current model, forcing the committee to make the “devastating” decision to close its doors.

“Usually we would have had a big December to get us through this quieter period but it was still a very cautious market coming out of lockdown only a couple of months prior,” she said.

“We haven’t been able to recover those funds that would act as a buffer in these quieter months.

“We have had tough times in the past and we have survived but this time we just can’t make it through.

“It is so sad to have to make that decision but the big hope is that someone will come and rescue Clove.”

The committee is desperate for a private buyer to take on the store so that the Mildura community can continue to enjoy the benefits of eco-conscious, local shopping.

Ms Keenan said that the amount of support that has been thrown their way after the announcement that Clove would close has been overwhelming.

“Clove is a place not just to buy your stuff but a place to connect with the other people who are in the shop, workers and customers and there is a shared personal connection with the community that has been lost in so many other ways,” she said.

“Clove is another place for place for people to find their people. We have such a diverse customer base, it is really special.”

Dedicated staff and volunteers enjoy a meal at Clove.

Clove came from humble beginnings, simply an idea and a vision to create a place in Mildura where residents could go to not only shop in a more eco-conscious way but to learn more about how their shopping choices could impact the environment.

It all started with Garry Sher who started a buyers group in Mildura, committed to getting food produced which had a lower impact on the environment and a higher level of nutrition. From that group grew a shop called Organics on Eleventh and then that grew into Clove Organics.

“There has always been a strong emphasis on social justice right from the beginning too,” Rowena said.

When Clove announced on Facebook that it would be closing its doors the community was devastated, with hundreds of people commenting on their original post.

“So grateful for many nourishing, soulful, community minded experiences shared at Clove over the years! A great loss,” one commenter wrote.

“You will be very missed … your beautiful food and produce, local art works displayed, friendly smiles and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for providing such a soul soothing healthy place for the community,” wrote another.

The outpouring of support led to Clove announcing the next day that it was now hopeful someone in the Mildura community might buy the shop and continue Clove’s legacy.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of fond memories and old connections. It has made us think that there is someone out there who could be tempted to take it on and make it their own,” the post said.

The post has been shared nearly 100 times, with people begging in the comments for a buyer to put their hand up.

“A private buyer would just be able to dedicate the time and money and love that the committee just can’t do anymore,” Rowena said.

Clove is certainly an important place for the community and Ms Keenan that there is a sign in the shop that perfectly reflects the mission of Clove.

The sign says “Clove is run by volunteer members of the Fat Hen Inc. A not for profit organisation working towards environmental sustainability and social inclusion. We work hard to provide an enjoyable shopping experience and the opportunity to access a range of organic and biodynamic foods.”

She hopes that this sign and the message in it will be able to live on in Mildura.

Clove Organics in Mildura is closing down after 20 years of providing the community with a place to shop eco-consciously.

The store is hosting a goodbye party on Sunday, March 20 to say goodbye to the community.

Anyone interested in taking over the shop should get in touch via the Clove Facebook page or phone Ms Keenan om 0437144090.