Farewell Leanne

Her eloquent vote of thanks (to traditional owners, outstanding staff, supportive family, and patrons) was received as a gift. “If you’re here tonight, you’re … someone who stopped being a customer a long time ago and became a friend,” she said. “You are the people who have made all the difference.”

When she went on to speak of the local community her words were charged with genuine affection for a suburb too often vilified. Leanne described a place where “we’ve been able to find safety, warmth and friendship … A place that has seen a lot of change and a place that has changed a lot because of the faith and trust that businesses, customers, local community members and residents have put in.”

We smiled and nodded.

Appetite was one of the first businesses in the area to leave its security shutters up and has been at the forefront of the Raise The Shutter campaign. “Never once have I been given cause to regret that decision,” Leanne said. “I hope this place has been proof that having faith in your community can go a long way.”

As we raised our glasses to a successful business, to a "whole new chapter" in Leanne's life, and our own, our hopes for our home suburb were heightened. There are real opportunities in Redfern and Waterloo for small business – for business owners who care about making a positive contribution.

With a new-look Redfern-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, now is a great time to get involved.

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au