Community Spotlight on the Ulong General Store
- Mountain Community Network team
- Jul 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 20
The Mountain Community Network team has a coffee with Carol Cleary to find out more about the Ulong General Store, a hub on the mountain.
Can you tell us about your family and your journey towards running the store and cafe?
The Ulong General Store dates back to 1949, when it first opened as Mrs Easy's General Store, run by Mildred Easy and her daughter Elva. After Elva's passing in 1974, the store moved locations a few times before it was revived by Kelly Kadwell in 2008.
In June 2010, we purchased the store and the Post Office.
From the beginning, our vision was to restore, rebuild, and reinvent it as the hub of the Ulong community. We started by bringing back essential grocery items, the things people may have forgotten to get while doing the "big shop" in Coffs Harbour.
Our range of products gradually expanded. Over time, we added hardware, fresh produce, old-fashioned counter lollies, frozen meals, gifts, local handmade products, jewellery, and services like Elgas, Centrelink, and Australia Post for the community's convenience.
We also built a Bed n' Breakfast, The Chalet, behind the store!
In 2014, we introduced Café in the Valley, initially as a small tea room and takeaway. Our daughter Katie and her husband Vince had joined us, bringing their hospitality experience and Vince's Italian heritage along. Together, they transformed the cafe into a vibrant gathering place, known for hearty Italian Pizza Nights, award-winning burgers that we are so proud to have won three times for Coffs Harbour, themed dinners, homemade treats, and weekly live music that helped promote local musicians.
Today, the Ulong Store has evolved again, back to its roots as a true country general store, but bigger and more diverse than ever.
With our daughter Katie and our son-in-law Vince now involved, we continue to grow, offering everything from animal feed to hardware and essential supplies.
While the cafe no longer runs as a full dining experience, we still serve fresh takeaway food and great coffee from Mondays to Fridays. We are, and always will be, a family-owned and operated business serving our local community.
What does the Ulong Store offer?
Everything you need and more! We are a true one-stop shop on the mountain. Alongside a traditional general store, we offer:
Australia Post and Services Australia
Elgas supplies
Takeaway food and freshly brewed coffee
A gourmet grocery range
Giftware and locally made products to support our local artisans
Hardware and rural supplies
B&B accommodation
Tourist Information Hub
We are evolving to ensure a sustainable future while continuing to provide essential services to the community. If you live on the Mountain, we've got you covered Mondays to Fridays!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Like most small businesses, a lot happens behind the scenes before the doors even open.
Our day often starts at 4:30am with baking cakes and preparing food. By 6:30am, we are setting up and getting ready for the day ahead. Somewhere in there, we squeeze in a quick brekkie, a cuppa, and of course, morning Wordle.
After that, anything can happen, and often does. No two days are the same here. From floods and fires, to fallen trees, flat tyres, and power outages, we are ready to respond to whatever the day brings.
What do you love most about living and working in the Eastern Dorrigo?
Everything. The place. The peace. The people.
How has the store become a part of the local community beyond just being a shop?
Over the past 16 years, we've worked hard to evolve with the needs of the mountain community. Being the "heartbeat" of Ulong comes with responsibility, something we take seriously. Our family has been deeply involved in community life on the mountain in various ways, such as:
Supporting and running events at the Ulong Community Hall that includes international entertainment events and annual Christmas carols
Helping to establish the Mountain Health Hub, bringing in doctors, nurses, immunisations, and wellness services to the area
Working with the Council on improving local infrastructure and facilities such as the BMX Track, playground upgrades, and camping facilities
Supporting local schools and preschool through ongoing involvement
Leading community events, particularly through music and seasonal celebrations
We also act as a Tourist Information Hub, promoting our beautiful region and sharing local knowledge with visitors.
What are the biggest challenges of running a small rural business?
The bureaucracy!
How has life here changed over the past ten years?
One of the biggest changes has been the people. Ulong was once a place where people came to hide. Today, it's somewhere people actively seek out. This can be a tree change, a slower pace, and a stronger sense of connection and community.
The beauty, tranquillity, and community spirit are drawing more people here, which is both exciting and transformative.
What should visitors not miss when exploring Eastern Dorrigo?
We are lucky to live in an incredible part of the world, and we love sharing it.
The Eastern Dorrigo Plateau offers:
National parks and state forests
Walking tracks and rainforest trails
Waterfalls and pristine swimming holes
Birdlife and wildlife
4WD tracks, motorbike routes, and camping spots
If we had to choose, the waterfalls are a standout, as they are all unique, picturesque, and set in stunning natural surrounds with fresh, clean water.
At the Ulong Store, we have maps, brochures, books, and abundant local knowledge to help visitors explore the area. And if you are after any adventure tips, especially anything to do with kayaking or off-beaten-track spots, Steve is the person to talk to.
We look forward to welcoming our residents and visitors to our beautiful mountain!
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