Meet the locals

From Thredbo to Narooma, we’re shining a light on businesses that have been impacted by drought, bushfire and coronavirus – across rural and regional NSW.

Spanning a number of industries and towns, read how natural disasters and a pandemic has changed their businesses and how they are preparing for life after the lockdowns have eased.

These are their stories.

Dr Stephen Van Mil
Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

In this edition of Meet the Locals, we speak with Dr Stephen Van Mil about wildlife injuries and saving our animals.

Kat Montgomery
The Rural Trader, Nevertire

In this edition of Meet the Locals, we speak with Nevertire resident, Kat Montgomery about resilience, secret spots, rodeos and cyclones!

Barnett's Bakery Crescent Head
Barnetts Bakery, Crescent Head

Award winning pies and a world renowned surf break make Crescent Head a must visit stop on any coastal road trip. 

Long Evity Country Kitchen Bundarra
Long Evity Country Kitchen, Bundarra

Even with its popularity, Bundarra has endured considerable hardship in these recent years – speaking to just how tough regional NSW has done it lately.

Bank Art Museum Moree
Bank Art Museum, Moree

Moree Bank Art Museum are ready and waiting for travellers to return after a hard year of floods and COVID restrictions.

Palmer's Market cafe Wee Waa
Palmer's Market, Wee Waa

A once-popular stop for road trippers heading to Queensland from as far south as Victoria, Wee Waa has suffered in the last few years.

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Sprout Café, Eden

Committed to assisting a struggling town and building local tourism, meet Karen Lott, owner of Sprout Café.
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Narooma Marina

Discover the story of two lifelong friends Mac Burge and Peter Hay, who purchased and transformed the Narooma Marina.

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Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours

Meet Philip and Carolyn MacDonnell, the team behind Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours.

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Veldt Restaurant, Dubbo

Established in May 2015, Veldt Restaurant is the culinary brainchild created by Brad and Natalie Myers.

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Saltwood Café & Lifestyle, Kioloa

Living in Kioloa for over 30 years, Susan and her partner Ean are the creative couple behind Saltwood Café and Lifestyle.

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Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

A tangible monument to peace and reconciliation is the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
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Pie in the Sky Bakery, Tumut

Ten years ago, sisters Jane Dean and Maureen Cook took the plunge and went into business together, giving birth to Tumut’s Pie in the Sky Bakery.
Mari Nawi
Tribal Warrior, Sydney

In this NAIDOC-themed Meet the Locals, we sit down with Darren Hammond from Redfern-based community organisation Tribal Warrior. 

Why do road trips matter to your business?

Has your business been impacted by extreme weather or lack of visitation? 

Share your story