AS THE Foster family were winding down their business at the top of town, down at the Uniting Church on Wednesday night more than 100 people gathered to plan a possible purchase of the space as a community enterprise.
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After an introduction from Gull Herzberg and a few words from Sharon Foster, groups formed around slabs of butcher’s paper and the brainstorming began.
An hour later the ideas had distilled into a vision for a socially-innovative petrol station that offered old-fashioned driveway service, mechanical repairs, training for apprentices, car washes, and even an outdoor cinema.
The enterprise would not replicate other successful local ventures, but it would ensure there was no local petrol monopoly.
Getting down to the ‘how’ was more difficult but by the end of the second hour a working committee of 12 had been formed to begin exploring the necessary financial, legal and business structures.
And all of this as soon as possible – it’s a big ask!
To follow the progress and/or be involved go to Fosters Garage Bellingen Community Enterprise Venture on Facebook or phone Gull on 0417 363-055.
Please note the NRMA desk at Foster’s Garage will remain open for business until July 31. After this time it will relocate to another site in town.