Back in service

After 26 months, Laverton has a supermarket again.

The service restarted yesterday, ending a difficult period for several hundred residents, who have been forced to do their grocery shopping 150km away.

The opening of the store – much anticipated, often postponed – had been delayed due to problems with the power supply.

This was fixed about three weeks ago, only to expose a problem with the fridge compressors.

But those attending the opening ceremony and welcome to country were quick to put these issues in the past and look towards the future – one that promises to be brightly lit, well-stocked and, above all, fresh.

The refitting has transformed a fire-gutted shell into a modern supermarket staffed by eight town locals, including four indigenous employees.

Indigenous Business Australia operations manager Bob Loughnan, who has been overseeing the refit for the last few months, said the supermarket will eventually employ 12.

“We’re very happy with the response from the town,” he said. “We are receptive and ready to answer every request.”