BEACH AND BUSH LARRIKIN BACK IN BUSINESS

COMMUNITY support from the people of Kiama has kept much loved couple Gary and Cheryl Barnes right here where they belong.

The owners of the Beach & Bush Gallery Caf? were evicted from their Collins Lane premises in August but are now set to reopen their doors in a matter of weeks in the building adjacent to Kiama Visitors Centre.

The internationally renowned photographer and wife Cheryl say local support is what has kept them going over the past three months.

Well, we can put it like this thanks to the Kiama community Gary and Cheryl were able to keep their house, says the lovable larrikin, who earlier this year shot a risque fundraising calendar featuring over 50s local women.

This has showed us where we belong even though we dont live here we feel that we are a part of the community.

The support has been continual. We receive around three calls offering encouragement or help each day and since we started the work here we have had visitors each day who just pop in, added Cheryl.

Indeed three people visited during the couples interview with the Kiama Independent, all offering to lend a hand.

I think when we do finally set up we wont be able to do anything because of all of the visitors, laughs Gary, who has traded his camera for a paintbrush as the couple work to ready the cafe for opening day.

The pair describe their eviction and the ensuing weeks of uncertainly as the toughest period of their lives.

It has been real tough. When you start a brand new business that is only two and a half years old and you turn it into something and someone takes that from you you still have bills to pay, you draw on your home loan, family, friends, and your kids, says Gary painfully, before the optimist and joker comes returns, If I saw a pregnant dog I would have pinched it to sell the pups, he laughs.

The new premises has a fully operational kitchen, which will add another dimension to their cafe business.

Gary, however, remains focused on the bottom line.

Our goal is to get to broke, as we are so far behind it is not funny.

What really kept us going is the opportunity of this place, I really dont feel our business would have worked anywhere else we can create an atmosphere here, added Gary.

Cheryl adds, What goes around comes around and when one door closes another door opens.

Local people rallied behind the couple in August this year, quickly pulling together a fundraising event that raised $5000 for the couple.

The couple hope to open the new premises which will keep its Beach & Bush Gallery name in the next few weeks.