Beswick Bistro opens 14 years after store goes into administration

This remote town turned a store that was losing money into a profitable business that gives back to the community and provides a safe place to eat and drink. See the before and after.

THE Beswick Bistro grand opening this week is quite literally a story of a business that has risen from the clutches of closure.

Back in 2008, the remote community store 118km southeast of Katherine was struggling to make a profit.

That’s when Outback Stores stepped in and brought them out from voluntary administration.

It took almost 14 years but the store was able to put themselves enough in the black to not only fund the construction of a restaurant but to also donate more than $150,000 in whitegoods to the community.

Peter Lindsay demonstrating a before and after of the refurbishment of the Beswick Bistro. Picture: Supplied

The bistro opened on Wednesday, August 17, much to the excitement of Wuduluk Progress Aboriginal Corporation chairman Peter Lindsay.

“It has always been a dream of the directors to renovate the old store and create a place for families to enjoy,” he said.

“It’s something that will last a long time. We’re all proud of it.”

Mr Lindsay said with help from Outback Stores, the community had been flourishing.

“We saw changes straight away, with fresh produce and grocery shelves full,” he said.

Able to sit more than 200 patrons, the bistro is an extension of the Beswick Club, and the locally-owned licensed venue has been hailed as a positive addition to the community.

“It reduces the number of people needing to travel for alcohol, which can lead to drink driving, and risks everyone on the road and it also employs people, locally,” remote sergeant officer Daniel Leighton said.