17/06/2026
Today was a special day at Butcher's Nook Kiama.
Our son Jake worked his first shift helping his Dad in the shop.
Like many small businesses, winter can be a challenging time in a seasonal town. The work doesn't slow down just because fewer people are walking through the door. The preparation, the cleaning, the early starts and long days are all still there.
With Beechee moving on to exciting new things and Isaac currently away enjoying Vietnam, we found ourselves talking as a family about needing an extra pair of hands on Saturdays.
Before anyone could really ask, Jake volunteered.
I suggested maybe one or two Saturdays a month. “I thought I could help more."
That was it.
Today, watching him beside his Dad behind the counter felt pretty special.
You might know Jake from school, Kiama Power, the Surf Club or a local chess competition.
Over the coming months he'll be learning the ropes, making the occasional mistake, building confidence and, hopefully, saving some money.
We're incredibly proud of him.
Not because he's working.
Because of why he wanted to.
