Naremburn Matters \ July 2024 Volume 22 No. 2 Page 11 School where our kids went. I mentioned to Karl that it was a shame that all the public works being performed outside the Flat Rock limited the amount of people who could partake in the event. However, it was promising to see how many patrons were still enjoying the Cask Day. Surprisingly, Karl who I’ve always known to be quite stoic, wore his heart on his sleeve, opening up about the downturn in business. Things were so dire that he was behind on rent and had not drawn a wage for some time! Unsurprisingly, his rental agent and landlord still expect full payment but will take it late. Karl mentioned that he would need to shut the doors if this continued. I was so moved by this as Karl established the Flat Rock Brew Café to replicate the English village pub feel where individuals, families and the community have a hub to gather and socialise. We have been fortunate since 2013 to have the Lower North Shores first craft brewery on our doorstep. Karl, and Jenny his wife, have been pillars of our society, sitting on P&C committees for local schools and running the North Sydney District Junior Cricket Club to mention a few of their benevolent contributions – supporting local community is a huge drive for them. There would be few families in Naremburn and the surrounds who would not have benefited KH, LOCAL RESIDENT SINCE 2008 I was moved and prompted to write this article after having an impromptu conversation with one of our local business owners, which then led to me chatting to a few more. All with the same message……. that times have never been so tough for them as long as they have been here. Like many families, we are in tough economic times: interest rates continually rising and cost of living in Sydney exploding. Balancing how we spend our disposable income is understandably more important than ever. Our local shops are no different: higher rents, wages, cost of supplies, and aberrations like the local road works - all creating an added downturn to the one they have already been experiencing over the last year. Previously, like most people, I just assumed that shops that had been in Naremburn for as long I have been here had a good formula; and that if they had survived all this time, then they would continue to. I read articles in previous editions of Naremburn Matters promoting our shops and am aware of Council-sponsored initiatives like the current ‘Love Your Locals’ Campaign to help encourage customers while the council works have displaced the outdoor seating area. Like many, I just assumed the public works were causing a temporary downturn and that when the redevelopment was complete, the businesses would thrive. I now feel so naïve since an interaction on the 15th of June, just a few weeks ago, I was at the Flat Rock Brew Café for their annual Cask Day, a unique event for Sydney, let alone the local area. Karl, who owns the venue and has kids about the same age as mine, was working tapping the casks and pouring the beer. I’ve known Karl for a long time through the local Junior Cricket Club and Cammeray Public from their community spirit. My concern is that if businesses like Flat Rock Brew Cafe close, this represents a disturbing trend following the recent closure of the Urban Teahouse, Friend’s Burger and Tartufo Nero. The Urban Teahouse had never been busier than the two weeks before its closure when everyone heard it was about to shut. I too am complicit, as if I had known earlier, I would have bought that extra toastie and coffee. This interaction with Karl prompted me to speak with a few local shop owners who over the time I’ve been in Naremburn, have become more friends than acquaintances. Nick who runs the Thai and Faraz from the Fish and Chip shop have told me that business has never seen such a downturn. This was even prior to the public works being performed. Nick’s business is down, he is working longer shifts as he employs less staff to make ends meet. Faraz was hoping to develop the business, but the current climate is restricting that wish. I have spoken with Alan who runs the barbershop, and he is severely against the wall, and I have also heard that the Pizzeria which has been there as long as the Thai, has never seen business so poor. If we want Naremburn shops to survive, it is essential that we all, the community, consider where they are spending our money in this tough economic climate. Rather than giving money to Food Delivery Services, consider a takeaway from our local shops. Rather than going into Crows Nest for a drink or dinner, consider our Naremburn local shops. I know times are tough but if everyone reading this article bought a beer from the local brewery; a takeaway from the Thai, Fish and Chips, or Pizzeria; or had a haircut, coffee or croissant in our local strip of Naremburn shops, even just once a month, then those business owners have a significantly better chance of getting through this challenging period. It would be desperately sad if we did not take a stand now and businesses were forced to shut as we know that when shops close on the Naremburn strip, it takes a while for new ones to come back, if ever. Independent Federal Member for North Sydney KYLEA TINK MP What are the issues that matter most to you? As a community independent, I am committed to advocating for your ambitions and concerns in Parliament House. (02) 9929 9822 Level 10/2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060 Kylea.tink.mp@aph.gov.au kyleatinknorthsydney kyleatink kylea tink kyleatink Authorised by Kylea Tink. Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060. Help me understand how best to represent you at kyleatink.com.au/survey2024 I love Naremburn and our community…….and this is an urgent plea for action to help our local Naremburn shops before we lose more of them. Save Our Naremburn Shops
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