In a small town there are always those ‘lynchpin’ characters – the people who shape the character of the town – like Paul and Shona Kraayvanger.
The couple have owned and run the Canungra Hub Cafe for the past five years, and are now moving onto the next chapter in their lives.
“Paul and I bought Canungra Hub without any experience of owning and running a cafe, but we are so proud to now hand over the keys to a very busy business,” said Shona.
They recently sold the successful cafe to staff member Verity Robinson and her partner, Ivan Tapia.
In the first six months of owning Canungra Hub Cafe, Shona was diagnosed with breast cancer, a difficult time that was overcome with the support of family, their staff and the community.
They went on to be nominated for, and win multiple hospitality awards and cater for many large events and celebrities, including the Governor General of Australia, David Hurley.
They also appeared on several television programs, promoting the cafe and the region with their friendly hospitality and fresh, healthy food.
Paul and Shona also ran Canungra Newsagency for ten years while raising their two children, Meg and Joel, and have been heavily involved in local community organisations including the Canungra Show Society and Moriarty Park Committee.
“Many local people remember our time at Canungra Newsagency, they watched our children grow up and have been part of our family with us,” said Paul.
The couple are grateful for the support they have received from the community and their staff, some of whom have been at the Cafe since Paul and Shona purchased it.
While keeping their home in Canungra, Paul and Shona are looking forward to a long caravan trip around Australia, and visiting their new grandchild in Broome.
“We wish Verity and Ivan all the best with their new adventure and hope it brings them as much joy as it did to us.”
