Council approves Flow Vitality cafe sublease at Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club, boosting amenities for locals

Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club is set to welcome a new cafe after the council’s approval of a sublease. It is hoped a cafe will enhance the precinct’s vibrancy and encourage awareness about the club’s lifesaving services to the community. Many locals feel nostalgic looking back to the 1980s and 90s when Mahomets Village store was operating at the club. Younger generations welcome the thought of stopping by a cafe during their walk or after a surf or swim at Back Beach in Mahomets Flats. On Tuesday, the City of Greater Geraldton gave approval to Flow Cafe owner Renee Doyle to operate a small-scale cafe out of the old canteen, with sublease income paid directly to the club for reinvestment opportunities and funding improvements to surf lifesaving services. Adjacent to the popular surf location Back Beach, the business will serve coffee, smoothies and food to beachgoers and visitors, as well as residents who lack a permanent cafe south of the city centre. GSLSC president Sally McKenzie said the food and drink establishment aims to improve club members’ experience and improve the area’s quality and appeal. “We want to create a place where all people feel connected to, whether it be a beachgoer, a local or visitor alike,” she said. Cr Michael Librizzi moved the motion, saying the thought of a cafe in the area was nostalgic and there was a lack of hospitality establishments in the area. Deputy mayor Natasha Colliver could not fault the idea, explaining “Backers” was a special place to many residents, both young and old. “The funds will be able to be reinvested back into the club, so it’s a win-win,” she said. The approval is subject to consent from Minister for Lands John Carey and a 14-day public consultation period.