Push for North Hobart grocery store ‘tribute’ to Voula Delios continues

NORTH Hobart locals remain determined to continue the 30-year tradition begun by late shopkeeper Voula Delios.

Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet, left, with locals Ivano Del Pio and Gabriela O'Leary outside the former North Hobart Grocer. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

NORTH Hobart locals will consider their options for a grocery stop on the Elizabeth St strip, with a bid to reopen late shopkeeper Voula Delios’s deli facing delays.

Residents and local business owners came together last year in an attempt to open the shop’s doors again, and pay the ultimate tribute to its owner of 30 years.

Mrs Delios was stabbed to death in the store in 2016.

Locals were shocked and saddened by her death, but have also been without a basic grocery store on the busy strip for almost two years.

Voula Delios

A locals-run co-op was floated by some, including Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet.

More than $30,000 was pledged to help open the social enterprise.

The North Hobart Traders Association made a lease offer on the store in January but an agreement is yet to be reached with the owners.

“We’re looking at just what might be possible,” Ald Burnet said.

“We would like to have an offer to present to them and we’ve certainly worked hard to put the business case together to make an offer.

“But we need to take it back to the community to determine where to from here.”

Ald Burnet said a meeting this weekend would be asked to consider what the suburb’s needs were.

The possibility of alternative premises would be part of the discussion, she said, along with whether the co-op model should be pursued.

“I’d like to think that might be the overriding factor,” Ald Burnet said.
“We still haven’t got anywhere to buy eggs and to buy fresh fruit and veg in an area that is definitely in need.”

Claremont man Daryl Royston Wayne Cook has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mrs Delios, 68, and is expected to face trial later this year.

The community meeting will take place at 11am on Saturday at the State Cinema.