The classic corner store is still an essential part of life in many small towns and villages across Australia, and the Mylestom General Store and Cafe is an important part of this river-front community.

Like all good corner stores, Mylestom General Store stocks an assortment of things you might need everyday or in an emergency.

“It’s very much a central point for the village - everyone’s mail comes to the shop and has to be collected,” explained owner, Vanessa Machon.

“I think a lot of people come down for the daily walk and to check the mail and have a chat.”

Vanessa says it’s the people, the place and her wonderful staff, who she describes as an extended family, that make all the hard work worthwhile.

“I must enjoy it after 16 plus years.”

From a food perspective, the Mylestom Cafe’s ‘on the corner’ nights are gaining a reputation for being a great place to be for amazing food, views and music.

“It’s all about sitting outside and enjoying the magnificent sunsets,” Vanessa explained.

“We’ve had ‘paella on the corner’, ‘curry on the corner’ and plenty more.

Everyone who ‘likes’ the Mylestom Store Facebook page can stay up to date with what’s going on and when the next ‘on the corner’ gourmet event will be held.

The Facebook page also boasts about the store’s reputation for producing the “best coffee and hot chips around”.

“Yes, that is what we are famous for – that and the friendly staff and great location” Vanessa said.

“Who wouldn’t be happy working here looking at that view every day.”

Vanessa has been running the store since September 2000, but it’s been a general store for almost as long as local memory stretches back.

“We think the store started back in the 1940s,” Vanessa said.

Most small business owners like Vanessa believe the value of their stores lies in their ability to service the local community without sending customers driving to the big supermarkets and shopping centres.

You can’t help but become connected to the community when you meet so many of the people who live nearby, and know your regular customers by name.

Mylestom General Store and Cafe is located on the corner of George and River Streets, and is open seven days a week, from 7.30am until 5pm.

Post Office hours are Monday to Friday 9 am until 5pm, plus Saturday mornings.

Call in for a coffee or cold drink, a snack or a meal, and take in the sublime views over the Bellinger River.

You haven’t lived until you’ve watched a magnificent sunset from the Mylestom General Store and Cafe.

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