Richmond has changed a lot in the last 15 years. Sundial Square has been upgraded, the region has had three mayors, and Queen Street has been completely revamped.
One constant? The coffee shack.
Rebecca Hockey has been making coffee in Sundial Square for 15 years, but on December 13 she will be serving up her last brew for Richmond residents.
“Coffee culture wasn’t a thing in Richmond back when I started, there were only five places that served coffee.”
Now, there are 20.
Despite running the business for 15 years, her passion for coffee and a good yarn haven’t diminished – Rebecca says its merely time for a change of scenery. The commute for regular customers might require a bit of a detour since she’ll be setting up at the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge.
“I’m a country girl, and we’ve decided we want to get the kids out of town and give them a different lifestyle. It works out great because obviously, my business is mobile.”
What will she miss the most? The people she’s gotten to know over the last 15 years. “You get to see the heart of the community. People begin their day here. Friends meeting before work, mothers and daughters heading to school, people networking. I feel like I’ve grown with that.”
While she was apprehensive at first, after a trial over Labour weekend at the Buller Gorge, Rebecca realised the potential.
“I discovered that it was doable – there’s a need there.”
For those concerned about missing out on their coffee, don’t be too worried. The spot has been sought after for years, and Rebecca says she wouldn’t be surprised to see something new there the next time she comes into Richmond.
“It’s a great location, and I’ve loved being here.”
For now, though, she’s looking forward to a new start. “I’m excited about a change. I’ll get to meet so many travellers, and hopefully one or two familiar faces.”