Beloved butcher beckons Bendigo to band together

A KENNINGTON family-owned butcher’s shop has inspired a wave of support after posting on social media a simple request that every other small business in town would echo – “Bendigo, let’s keep showing up for one another the good old–fashioned way, with community, connection and supporting local”.

Kirsty Ash, who has operated Strath Hill Butcher with her husband Dennis for almost 21 years, said at first she was rather taken aback by the response.

“I was really surprised,” she said.

“I didn’t realise it would get that much attention, but thinking about it now, it actually doesn’t surprise me, because Bendigo’s a great town and has a really good community.

“We’re all on the same page – we want to see each other thrive, so it was a really good reminder.

“People who’ve been coming into the shop have all agreed.”

Ms Ash, whose son and newly qualified butcher Baxter plus uni student daughter Imogen both work at the shop, said she reached out with the post on behalf of all independent businesses in the area, not just her own, to promote the benefits to the community when backing them.

“It wasn’t just about us, it was about Bendigo as a whole – to get around each other, we all need that,” she said.

“Whether it’s a nearby dress shop or a cafe, when people come in to buy something, it’s not just a transaction – you get to know them, you build relationships and they almost become part of your family, which was particularly evident during COVID.”

Responding to the suggestion that big chain supermarkets might be better for people’s bank balances, she said that isn’t necessarily true, as well as the fact that the large conglomerates can’t possibly compete in terms of customer service.

“I understand times are tough but the point of difference is when you come into a butcher, for example, you can ask how you want things cut,” she said.

“Woolworths and the others, they don’t have butchers, so you can’t ask for that, it’s all pre-packed.”

At the end of the day, Ms Ash said she believes “supporting local business is supporting the community”.

“They also donate to lots of different places, so just be aware of all those things and support the people who are supporting you.

“We’re lucky in Bendigo to have such a great little community.

“Things are getting tighter for everyone no matter what field they’re in, so banding together and helping each other is something we can all do.”