UPDATE: The Harcourt Produce and General Store is set to reopen on January 23, 2024, at 9 AM, marking a vital step in the recovery of the bushfire-ravaged town of Harcourt. The announcement comes as residents grapple with the aftermath of the devastating fire that swept through the region.
Owner Annette Larsen expressed her devastation, stating, “I’m devastated,” as the community begins to rebuild. The store, which has been a cornerstone of the town for six years, survived the flames, but the impact of the fire is profound. With tourism expected to decline due to ongoing fire concerns, Larsen fears for her 16 employees and the future of her business.
Despite the challenges, Larsen remains committed to her community, saying, “I love my employees, I love my staff … I’m staying, I’m here for Harcourt.” Her reopening is seen as a beacon of hope, aiming to revitalize tourism and bring life back into the town.
The bushfire, which ignited on January 9 on Fogartys Gap Road in Ravenswood South, has devastated over 4,000 hectares and was officially declared under control on January 16. As many as 50 homes were lost in the blaze, leaving a profound sense of loss in the community.
Other local business owners are also rallying for recovery. Ken Pollock of Blackjack Wines faced significant losses, estimating the destruction of 4,000 cases of wine. However, he remains optimistic, stating, “Sure we lost stock, but other people have lost more than that.” Pollock stressed the need for a collaborative effort from Wine Victoria and Tourism Victoria to promote the region and aid in recovery.
Community resilience is evident, with residents like Brian Nunn stepping up during the crisis. Nunn remained in Harcourt despite evacuation orders, assisting firefighters and helping save critical structures, including a kindergarten.
The Harcourt Produce and General Store has played a pivotal role during the crisis, providing food and support to CFA firefighters battling the flames. As businesses begin to reopen, the hope is that it will lead to a resurgence of activity and tourism in the area.
With the community’s spirit strong and businesses ready to reopen, Harcourt’s residents are determined to rise from the ashes of this tragedy. The reopening of the store is not just a business revival; it symbolizes the town’s resilience and determination to rebuild despite the overwhelming challenges ahead.
As recovery efforts continue, the sense of unity among residents is palpable. The town of Harcourt is ready to bounce back, and the reopening of its beloved store is just the beginning.
