Gardens cafe-restaurant returns

BOTANIC Gardens based cafe-restaurant Omari is gearing up for a huge reopening celebration on Saturday 21 September after being forced to close for more than eight months due to an electrical fire.

The fire ravaged the venue’s event space, toilets, office and storage area, while the cafe-restaurant suffered a considerable amount of smoke, water and heat damage.

The relaunch event will include a live broadcast by Triple M, yard games and face painting for kids, plus guided tours of the Botanic Gardens. A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses will also raise money for Eaglehawk Community House.

Omari director Jareth Richardson said it’s an “incredible feeling” to be finally back in business.

“There’s this mix of relief, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said. “It’s been a challenging and emotional ride, to say the least.

“Omari isn’t just a venue for us – it’s a big part of who we are, so watching it be out of action for this long has been really tough.

“There were moments where the uncertainty of when we could reopen weighed heavily, not just on us, but on our entire team and the community.”

Mr Richardson said the event is about acknowledging the Omari team and those who’ve stood by the business through the toughest times.

“Omari has always been a hub for people to come together, and the relaunch is the perfect opportunity to reconnect, have fun, and show support for local causes,” he said.

“This day isn’t just about us – it’s about celebrating the strength and resilience of our entire community.

“If you’ve been a fan of Omari in the past, you’re going to love what we’ve done with the place, and if it’s your first time, there’s no better time to experience it than now.”