Cooroy’s Maple Street and surrounding lanes are experiencing a surge of
commercial activity as new businesses move in, old favourites move on, and major
refurbishments reshape the town’s commercial heart. What was once a quiet, steady
village hub is now abuzz with transformation, bringing a wave of fresh energy and
optimism to the town.
The most notable changes centre around 10–12 Maple Street, where a row of long-
standing shops along the park side have been sold to new owners. The building,
formerly home to Cooroy Hire, Cooroy Car Parts, and Kookaburra Takeaway, is
undergoing a full roof replacement, internal renovations and business fit out. While
some businesses have chosen to stay, others have taken the opportunity to retire or
relocate, making way for newcomers.
Among those departing is Pip Beatty who ran the gluten-free and paleo-focused
Kookaburra Takeaway for seven years. “I really had the most amazing customers,”
she said, reflecting on her time on Maple Street. “They were all regulars, but as
things got tougher with Covid and the cost of living, they were coming less often. But
in the last couple of weeks before closing I probably did better than I’ve done in the
last six months.” Pip is now stepping back from the retail rush to focus on private
catering.
The Kookaburra Takeaway business space and the adjacent units formerly occupied
by Cooroy Hire and Cooroy Car Parts, are preparing to be transformed, with hopes
of renovations and new roofing, along with new shop fitouts in the not too distant
future.
In nearby Maple Lane, Cooroy’s local butcher shop has changed hands, with Dan
Carney purchasing Wright Cut Meats from Peter and Meredith Wright. “We actually
have a cattle property called Wongella out at Kilkivan, only 97 km away,” Dan said.
“We’ve bought the butcher shop to start selling our own grass-fed and finished beef,
free-range pork, free-range chicken, wild-harvested venison and wild-harvested
kangaroo, and wild-caught seafood. We have bought the building and intend to
expand further into where the real estate agent was.” So locals can enjoy some
locally-sourced protein for their plates.
New ventures continue to appear throughout town. Blue Brown Bag, a long-standing
favourite at 28 Maple Street previously owned by 80-year-old Clara, now has Karen
at the helm of the homewares, kitchenware, fashion and gift store.
While Miny & Moe, a preloved children’s clothing store at 28c Maple Street, has
freshly opened its doors. “Whether you’re looking for great finds, want to swap what
you no longer need, or just want to pop in for a chat, you’re always welcome,” owner
Colomba Maiorano said. “Let’s make second-hand the first choice.”
Another new addition is The Natural Womb, owned by Bonita Woolf, located at the
rear of 2B/14 Maple Street, offering holistic and natural health products. The
business provides the care of womb-healing practitioner Bonita, and naturopath
Janelle Twine.
With businesses old and new reshaping the retail landscape, Cooroy is quickly
becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs and shoppers alike. As buildings are sold and
leases change hands while renovations commence, locals say the town is
experiencing a renewed sense of vitality.