Surf Crew Central is closing its doors after more than three decades of making waves in Mildura

A Mildura institution is closing its doors at the end of the month after 31 years as a popular part of the community. Don’t miss your chance to say goodbye.

The Orchard family will close Surf Crew Central on February 29

A popular Mildura retail store is closing its doors at the end of the month for good after 31 years in business.

The Orchard family are shutting Surf Crew Central, citing the choppy waters of the retail industry since Covid-19 and a desire to spend more with family as their reasons for closing down.

The surf store is ubiquitous with Mildura and has endured since 1993 across various locations, but has been in its present spot at Mildura Central for the past five years.

The Orchards run their store out of Mildura Central for the past five years

“When we moved around here, my husband designed this shop. He sourced a lot of the timber and furniture. He made the racks. He put his heart and soul into it, like we all have over the years,” family matriarch Helen Orchard said.

“It’s like losing a big sister,” daughter Holly Orchard said.

The allure of family however, based on the Mornington Peninsula, was too much to resist and the Orchard family made the tough decision to end the Surf Crew Central story.

“Last year I told my husband that I was sick of commuting. The family was separated. My husband and my eldest daughter are down there and me and Holly are here and I just thought enough is enough.”

The tumultuous nature of retail made the decision slightly easier.

On February 29 the iconic Surf Crew Central store will close forever

“Retail just hasn’t been the same since Covid,” Mrs Orchard said.

The community is devastated the Orchards are leaving the town after such a long association with Mildura.

“People have been heartbroken, shocked. They come in the shop and they just can’t believe it. They are so upset about it,” she said.

Ultimately, family comes first though. “I just want our family to be all together and start enjoying life a bit more,” Helen said.

And although Surf Crew Central is closing, Mrs Orchard is keen to remind people that Surf Crew City in Langtree Mall, run by former employee Kate O’Brien, isn’t going anywhere.

“Kate’s store isn’t going anywhere. Every customer that comes in here, I let them know that. I want them to support Kate, support local, go into the mall and please keep supporting Kate,” she said.

Surf Crew Central will have its final day of trading on February 29.