A creative vision for Condong General Store

THE Condong General Store is celebrating its first anniversary under new ownership and launching the next chapter of its evolution as a creative, collaborative community hub.

A birthday event coinciding with the inaugural Condong Artisan Markets will fill the riverside precinct with colour and life this Saturday, July 5.

Longtime Northern Rivers local Jasen Pankhurst said deciding to invest in the business was a defining moment during a difficult period in his life.

“After the floods, things were challenging, and I got to a point where I knew I needed to do something different,” he said.

“I went by one day, and Jeff said the place was for sale, and it went from there.

“The biggest driver for me is this region – the flood did something for me, and it reignited something – where I’ve forgotten the skills that I had.”

The career accountant also has a background as a creative and is under no illusion as to the challenges small businesses face but is working towards making his model sustainable.

“It’s bloody hard work and small business is the backbone of Australia – we don’t get enough support,” Pankhurst said.

“It’s like the noose around your neck keeps getting tighter and tighter.

“So, Australia Post is a big part of what we do, and the café, and these new ventures.

“And this is where the community can come together in a variety of ways.”

Pankhurst feels a responsibility to care for the land and the community, and has his faith and future invested in the project, with significant earthworks and restoration of two heritage-listed outbuildings as historic and multipurpose creative venues.

“I don’t have a million dollars, but I bought the business and now I’m improving the land because I’ve got a long-term lease,” he said.

“I’m going to be there for a time, and even after I’ve gone, I hope this is setting a new cycle, a system, for the space and the community.”

The father of three teenage boys, Pankhurst has a catch in his throat when speaking about his multi-generational vision.

“We’re fostering creative activities for everyone, young people and the older community,” he said.

“Our older residents have so much to give, even when their bodies fail, they have such wisdom to contribute.

“And our young, well, my boys are, they are the centre, and yeah, they’re proud of all this.”

Condong General Store’s first birthday and inaugural artisanal markets on Saturday run from 10 am to 3 pm.

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