End of an era as ‘cafe for creatives’ to close
A renowned mecca for Cairns creatives will close its doors for the final time later this month after operating for six-and-ahalf years.
Brother Jenkins will no longer trade from its Martyn St premises after a final farewell party scheduled for May 19.
The cafe was started by the brother and sister team of Erik and Dilja Thorpe in 2018 with a mission to create a welcoming place for musicians and artists.
Ms Thorpe said that issues beyond her control had led to the surprise closure of the cafe for creatives, however she was wary about publicly disclosing details.
“For now we are just taking a break, it has been a pretty tumultuous few years on our journey as a small business through the Covid times,” she said.
“I would really like to thank our amazing clients and staff.
“We have held so many events and incredible fundraisers, art exhibitions, clothes and plant swaps and a pop-up Magpie Goose exhibition.
“It has been a bit of a cultural mecca and it has seemingly attracted the right people and good people for amazing community gatherings.”
Hundreds of disappointed punters took to social media lamenting the loss of their “good vibes” venue, which is expected to leave a big void within the Cairns cultural community.
“People feel like this is going to create a big hole, it’s a second home to them,” Ms Thorpe said.
Originally from Melbourne, Ms Thorpe relocated to the Far North after taking a job in Aurukun working in the youth social work sector before she moved to Cairns and convinced her brother Erik to return from Iceland and help start the business.
With all but one of the three closing gigs now behind her, Ms Thorpe said that she was on the lookout for a replacement venue, perhaps closer to the city, but to date the right property had not come up.
“We have had a look at a few places but we are going to take the opportunity to take a breather,” she said.
The final closing gig on May 19 will feature Brisbane DJ Sampology, with Ill Jay Phox, Erb Break, Cilla and Jay Wymarra.