Hannans Boulevard traders call for support during lull after IGA's departure ahead of Spudshed's arrival
With IGA Hannans officially moved out of the space ahead of Spudshed's arrival — expected in August — businesses say they are already experiencing a drop in sales.
Evelyn Dennis, owner of Pasta2Go's sister business So Much More, said the Boulevard-based eatery had already suffered a 50 per cent decrease in sales in the past week.
Determined to try to maintain consistent opening hours during the lull, she said the business simply would not survive if sales dropped any lower.
'We actually didn't think IGA leaving would interrupt us too much because we have that wonderful play centre for all our kids but it has, we are very quiet,' she said.
'The first week it didn't really change for us but I think that's because people were still coming up because they didn't realise IGA was closed.
'But this week we have already dropped 50 per cent down. It's really worrying and we are trying to soldier on and do the best we can
. . . but we keep hearing from the community that they thought the whole centre was closed.
'We are all very open here, so please don't forget us and please help us get through this period — all of us.
'We have already had some of our amazing loyal customers say they have popped in specifically to support us which is so kind, and we are so thankful for everyone's support during this time.'
Little Poppy Lane, TH Lounge, Wizard Pharmacy, and Australia Post are still trading in the centre.
As a huge Spudshed supporter — regularly doing trips to Perth for produce to use in both local businesses — Mrs Dennis said she was excited for Spudshed to be taking over the site.
'It's going to be amazing for business and for families, too,' she said.
'He's such a lovely man (Spudshed owner Tony Galati) and he is going to bring so much goodness to this town.
'He's got wonderful plans for up here and it's just going to be so fantastic.
'We know it is going to be madness once he does open up but until then we just really need the community's support.'
Mr Galati, his son Frankie and management visited Kalgoorlie-Boulder last month to plan for the new store which is expected to open by August.
Mr Galati told the Kalgoorlie Miner during that visit that he hoped to attract more shoppers and retailers to the complex.
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In 2015, coal entrepreneur Nathan Tinkler spearheaded AQC's successful asset purchase, with the new owners beginning the long process of bringing the mine back into production, including gaining planning approval. Despite community opposition, the Independent Planning Commission approved an amended application to reopen the mine in 2019. The mine underwent a restart capital program and resumed underground mining operations in 2024. However, in June this year, it was reported the company had been issued with a notice of default by senior lender Vitol, a Singapore-based commodities giant. It is understood AQC failed to meet its obligations for the $174 million loan from Vitol and this has led to the appointment of receivers and administrators. When he was appointed Ben Campbell, Receiver and Manager, said, "The Dartbrook Coal Mine produces high-quality thermal coal for both domestic and export markets." As to who would buy the mine? 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In 2015, coal entrepreneur Nathan Tinkler spearheaded AQC's successful asset purchase, with the new owners beginning the long process of bringing the mine back into production, including gaining planning approval. Despite community opposition, the Independent Planning Commission approved an amended application to reopen the mine in 2019. The mine underwent a restart capital program and resumed underground mining operations in 2024. However, in June this year, it was reported the company had been issued with a notice of default by senior lender Vitol, a Singapore-based commodities giant. It is understood AQC failed to meet its obligations for the $174 million loan from Vitol and this has led to the appointment of receivers and administrators. When he was appointed Ben Campbell, Receiver and Manager, said, "The Dartbrook Coal Mine produces high-quality thermal coal for both domestic and export markets." As to who would buy the mine? The thermal coal price is at a four-year low, open-cut mining is prohibited at the site, and one of the world's leading underground miners, Anglo American, could not successfully operate the venture A number of miners at the Dartbrook underground coal mine in the Upper Hunter awoke today to an email from the mine's administrators saying they were being made redundant. The miners, some of whom have worked at the mine for 14 months, said they were owed up to $20,000 and would be forced to seek new employment as they await their entitlements. In early July, the mine was placed in the hands of receivers and managers Ben Campbell and David McGrath of FTI Consulting. A spokesperson for FTI Consulting said "A number of redundancies have been made to match the operational requirements of the Dartbrook Coal Mine. While this wasn't an easy decision, it was necessary to ensure that operations at Dartbrook continue and are placed onto a sustainable financial footing." It is believed that between 40 and 50 miners were working the pit, some with contractors and others employed full-time with Dartbrook. Meetings between the mine's managers and staff took place last week, with the miners saying the redundancy notices were not unexpected. One of the Hunter-based contractors still working at the mine is Jim Eastley, CE Mining, Jerrys Plains. His company is operating the coal washery and handling plant, with coal still being extracted and processed. He said he was owed $560,000 but since July 3 his work payments at the mine have been guaranteed by the administrators. "I haven't heard lately what's happening but at least we are working are our payments are guaranteed. Hopefully we will recovery our outstanding debt," he said. Currently owned by Australian Pacific Coal (AQC), the mine was put into care and maintenance by its previous owner, Anglo American, in 2006 after multiple workplace accidents and low coal prices. In 2015, coal entrepreneur Nathan Tinkler spearheaded AQC's successful asset purchase, with the new owners beginning the long process of bringing the mine back into production, including gaining planning approval. Despite community opposition, the Independent Planning Commission approved an amended application to reopen the mine in 2019. The mine underwent a restart capital program and resumed underground mining operations in 2024. However, in June this year, it was reported the company had been issued with a notice of default by senior lender Vitol, a Singapore-based commodities giant. It is understood AQC failed to meet its obligations for the $174 million loan from Vitol and this has led to the appointment of receivers and administrators. When he was appointed Ben Campbell, Receiver and Manager, said, "The Dartbrook Coal Mine produces high-quality thermal coal for both domestic and export markets." As to who would buy the mine? The thermal coal price is at a four-year low, open-cut mining is prohibited at the site, and one of the world's leading underground miners, Anglo American, could not successfully operate the venture
