Restaurants Help Revive CBD

Restaurants Help Revive CBD

THE culinary scene in Ipswich is continuing to grow, with owners hoping the new dining options will encourage more people to choose to eat out in Ipswich.

In light of recent council plans for development of the CBD, restaurant managers like Mark Blackmore of Stumps Hotel are optimistic that their businesses will not only survive but thrive.

“Ipswich is moving forward…more people should get on board. More cafés and restaurants will prosper, I think. The future is in new businesses coming in and setting up,” he says.



Stumps manager Mark Blackmore

The café culture in Ipswich is certainly spreading, with the CBD now home to a range of speciality cafés such as Urban Pantry, Fourth Child, Cactus Espresso Bar and Laneway 17.

Owner of Urban Pantry Lisa Tatton is also optimistic about the culinary future of the CBD.

“I think the restaurant scene in Ipswich is definitely coming along, it would be great to see some more venues, especially night time venues, opening up. A little wine bar or something would be fabulous at the Top of Town,” she said.

 Ms Tatton believes the Ipswich restaurant scene is growing and has recently expanded her business to include mobile catering.

 “The future of Ipswich dining is very bright and interesting, the more variety the better.”

 

Between these ever popular cafés and restaurants such as Stumps, Indian Mehfil, Fenton’s and the newly renovated Ulster Hotel, the Ipswich dining scene has something to suit every taste.



Bridget McLean of the Coronation Hotel says that there is a strong sense of support between Ipswich’s ‘Top of Town’ retailers and hopes that together they can continue to bring more diners into the area.

“When my parents were publicans, everyone got on. In every industry to keep Ipswich going there has to be that teamwork,” she says.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale also believes that restaurants in Ipswich are a key feature in resuscitating the heart of the CBD.

Stumps Restaurant in Ipswich CBD.

Cr Pisasale says the population growth and the continued interest in Ipswich as a tourist destination have resulted in a marked expansion of the restaurant scene.

"The local response to new restaurants has been positive, with many couples and families enjoying having more quality dining options so close to home," he said.

“Every day we see new restaurants opening and more interest from local and interstate restaurateurs in establishing businesses in Ipswich.”

 

Student Entrepreneurs

Ipswich’s Young Entrepreneurs

IPSWICH is home to growing number of students who are trying to balance the demands of study while owning their own business.

University student, Rosanna ‘Rosie’ Kerle recently opened a new café on Warwick Road at Churchill, along with her mother Tonia.

The 22 year old student is currently completing a Bachelor of Environmental Management at the University of Queensland, as well as following her culinary passions.

So far Ms Kerle is finding the balance between her study and working life easy to manage.

With its bright pink façade, ‘That Little Café’ is hard to miss.

“I have one semester left. It hasn’t been too stressful yet. Mum is willing to pick up the slack if I have to study. There are also plenty of family members keen to help out if need be,” she said.

That Little Café opened its doors on June 4 and is located only a few minutes from Yamanto Shopping Villiage.

“I’m hoping that we can create a name for ourselves as the go to place for a coffee or meal,” Ms Kerle said.

“I’m looking forward to graduating at the end of this year and taking a year off to focus on the café and de-stress by being my own boss.”

That Little Café also stocks a variety of handmade items made by local Ipswich residents.

According to Ms Kerle her customer base is quickly growing, with the café already attracting a number of regulars.

After an intense four years of study, the business owner says she looking forward to returning to the hospitality industry.

“It’s hard work and time consuming. But if they are willing to put in the energy I think young people should try to start their own businesses.”

Eden Marama Napper, who graduated from Boonah State High School in 2011, has also started her own business.

“I've had my photography business 'Eden Marama Photography' for nearly a year now and so far it has been successful,” she said.

“I started off with friends and family which then led to customers. I am also lucky enough to be shooting my first wedding next year.”

Ms Napper is currently completing a diploma in photo imaging online and treasures being able to live and work in her local area.

“The Scenic Rim area has amazing views that you can use in all your images. It's a beautiful place, everything about it is unique and I wouldn't have my business any other way,” she said.

Ms Napper also has some advice for fellow young entrepreneurs.

“Don’t give up and follow your dreams.”

Strangers Band Together to Help Local Family

Strangers Band Together to Help Local Family

MOTHER of six Melanie Rochester says her faith in humanity has been restored this week when a group of strangers helped her move from her Bundamba home after a shock asbestos discovery.

Jody Sedgwick, close friend of Ms Rochester’s, put out a plea for help on Ipswich community Facebook page ‘City Watch’, and was astonished by the offers of assistance.

“The response has been amazing, the volunteers went out there today and helped her and they’re doing it tomorrow as well,” Ms Sedgwick said.

“Mel is a beautiful person and she has six children, one with special needs I’m just glad I could help her.”

Ms Rochester says the amount of community support she has received has been overwhelming.

“I am a bit shocked and amazed all at the same time,” she said.

“It’s not often that people will help strangers these days.”

According to Ms Rochester the help of volunteers has been a huge relief for her and her family.

“I have one autistic son, James, and change is not that good for him, so this has made the moving much less dramatic for him.”

 

Forklift operator Joshua Stacpoole heard about Ms Rochester’s situation when his wife showed him the Facebook post.

 

“We’ve got six kids ourselves so we know how hard it can be to move.”

 

“I did four and a half hours yesterday and then had to work a nightshift and we’ll do the same again today,” he said.

 

“It would be nice to see more things like this happening in Ipswich to show that there are people out there who are willing to help people who deserve it.”

 

Ms Rochester also hopes to see more displays of community spirit like the one she has experienced.

 

“It would be great if communities could band together again and look after each other, it would make the world a better place,” she said.