There’s something special about seeing a new small business open its doors in a country town — especially one that brings people together over smiles, conversation and a tub of gelato.
For Bairnsdale local Matt Henderson, the inspiration behind the town’s newest gelato shop didn’t come from a business plan or a trend forecast, but from a family holiday.
While away with his wife and children, Matt tasted authentic gelato for the first time and immediately thought, this is what Bairnsdale needs.
From that moment on, the wheels were set in motion.
A building was purchased in what felt like the perfect spot, and little by little the dream took shape — even if it took longer than expected.
Life, as it often does, had other plans.
What was meant to open three years ago was delayed by the usual curveballs that come with family life and small business.
Eventually, Matt made a promise to himself — open by the end of the year, or it was now or never.
What makes the story even more remarkable is that gelato itself was a brand-new skill for Matt.
With the help of two highly qualified pastry chefs who generously shared their knowledge, he learned enough to get started.
In fact, the first batch of gelato was made just a week before opening — proof that passion, support and determination can go a long way.
So why gelato? Quite simply, because it allows local produce to shine.
Every tub is made in-store, one at a time, using premium ingredients — not mass-produced products delivered ready to serve.
The gelato proudly features Gippsland Jersey milk and cream, Picnic Point apples, Tambo Valley honey, Peecks eggs, and other regional ingredients as they become available.
Matt believes gelato is the perfect canvas to showcase the best of East Gippsland.
The location was chosen carefully, with an inviting outdoor space, convenient parking, and strong visibility for both locals and visitors entering town.
For Matt, who is Bairnsdale born and bred, opening a business here is about more than just selling gelato.
He sees himself as an ambassador for East Gippsland and hopes to show young people that success doesn’t have to mean heading to the big cities.
East Gippsland, he believes, is the best place to live — and Bairnsdale is the gateway to it all.
Like many small country businesses, the journey hasn’t been without challenges — from securing trades and staff to stock deliveries and council regulations.
But since opening, the community response has been nothing short of overwhelming.
The shop has been buzzing, with locals and tourists lining up, and demand so strong that doors briefly had to close just to source more ingredients.
The most rewarding moments for Matt have been seeing the joy on people’s faces — families gathering, children laughing and visitors travelling from far and wide, including one couple who made the trip all the way from Newborough on opening day.
