What is a success story without challenges?

For the Beswick Community Store, challenges were aplenty which only made the desire to succeed stronger.

In 2008, Outback Stores arrived on the scene to manage the shop after it fell into voluntary administration.

The retail service provider helped alleviate financial pressure, assist with training of staff and implemented new retail methods.

According to Wuduluk Progress Aboriginal Corporation (WPAC) chairperson Peter Lindsay, the challenging nature of the store was brought on by the continual 'taking off' of managers.

"That was the problem in the beginning. We had managers just come in and run the store before taking off. Nobody knew what was going on," Mr Lindsay said.

"The shelves were empty and the shop was probably around three hundred thousand dollars in debt."

After Outback Stores jumped on board, Peter said the change in store was almost immediate with fresh produce and everyday products filled on shelves.

"In a matter of weeks, you noticed a difference in the store. It was full of products that people need in their everyday lives," he said.

After weeks went on, the Beswick Store managed to dwindle their debt a dollar at a time, and once that was resolved, all involved set their eyes on hitting the $1 million mark.

"We managed to slowly pay off the debt and then we bought the store back," Mr Lindsay said.

"As soon as COVID happened, that's where it skyrocketed. We hit the five hundred thousand dollar mark and it's due to the other communities who are nearby.

"I've always wanted to hit that mark, we always talk about that 'mark' and I'm talking about the million mark.

"I didn't think we were going to hit the mark but after the coronavirus lock down leading up to Christmas, we still had the same amount of customers coming in.

"The managers took me into their office and said 'we did it, we've hit the mark', and I was just blown away, I didn't think it was going to happen.

"We have to give credit to our managers, Ross and Sandra, because we've hit the mark and are the talk of the town because of their work."

Mr Lindsay is adamant the Beswick Store belongs to nobody other than the communities who utilise it, and said they will continue to reap the fruits of its success.

"To be able to splash this amount of money and for the community to see their money being spent on them themselves, you start to realise that the store belongs to them, it doesn't belong to anyone else," he said.

"I have no words for it to be honest because if it wasn't for the people, the store wouldn't be where it is today.

"For the community to come along for the journey with the store and to see where it is now...it's just one of the most humbling experiences."

The Beswick Community Store recently donated white goods to 75 houses in the community, $20,000 to Wugularr Primary School, and provided a 14-seater commuter bus for the locals to utilise.

"The future journey is bright, the road is open," Mr Lindsay said.

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