Schmokin’ Berrima is a small family run Cafe that has not only been through the tough trading times of COVID (opening in June 2020) but have also experienced significant health scares and still managed to thrive, not just for themselves but for the wider community they serve. Hosting many charity and community serving events such as the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Truck, offering the community free skin checks. Helping to raise the profile of the entire town of Berrima and subsequently, every other business in this tourist town.

Sadly, this business is under attack and what for? Their long-standing outdoor seating.

There has been a very small and very vocal cohort who have viciously complained about every aspect of this business and/or the activities it hosts, the monthly (2hr long) Cars & Coffee meet, as an example.

The complainants relentless hounding of the Wingecarribee Shire Council to restrict parking in the immediate vicinity of Schmokin’ has unfortunately been successful and a deliberate attack on the Cafes capacity to trade but not something that Martyn & Pauline can’t overcome. The latest attack on this family, their business and the hospitality industry overall, could set a dangerous precedent for many small businesses that cannot be overcome.

The latest vexatious complaint has yielded a 28-day removal order from the Wingecarribee Shire Council for the Café blinds and outdoor seating that has formed part of this premises capacity offering, YEARS before Schmokin’ was even a thought. Council had been approached by Martyn & Pauline about the seating previously, with council advising that a DA was not required.

The primary goal of this petition is to seek the same operational capacity of Schmokin’ from Wingecarribee Shire Council, as it stands now and has stood as previous businesses for years prior.  

The secondary goal of this petition is for Wingecarribee Shire Council to formalise and enforce a Nuisance Complainants Register, to avoid the resources of Council being focused and wasted on the relentless “squeaky wheels” and have greater scrutiny placed upon such faceless complaints from the Nuisance Complainants Register via public community meetings, where the wider community has a voice.

Let commonsense prevail!

This petition will be open until the 31st October 2024 and delivered to Lisa Miscamble – General Manager and Jesse Fitzpatrick - Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire Council.

*Please note that individual letters will hold more weight than signing this petition but if you are time-poor, please sign below: