Page 65 - Port Douglas Magazine 34

“It’s incredible, the people of Port Douglas are genuinely
happy to have us here – they welcome what we are doing,

and they encourage us. It’s just really lovely.”

ow a new call is beckoning a different kind of traveller Marlene and Rohan worked closely with Douglas Shire Council
– one that wants a change of pace, an upgrade in throughout the development process, seeking guidance on plans and
relaxation and a business scene like no other. The new permits, “rather than email communications we would meet face to
Ncampaign Do It In Douglas is all about celebrating the face or talk over the phone – it’s always easier to fix things on paper
unique local business landscape and enticing newcomers to lay than fix in reality.”
down roots and get down to business. “We had a lot of guidance, and we found Queensland permitting a lot
Launching with nine videos that take us into the lives of those who faster and more straight forward than what we were used too,” Marlene
have relocated and realised success in business as well as life, Do It In said.
Douglas gives an inspiring and equally realistic insight into what it’s like Marlene talks with genuine emotion about the welcome she and Rohan
to do business in Douglas. Each story is remarkably different, but the have received from locals: “I get a bit overwhelmed by the amount of
message is clear – get it right and this is the place where lifestyle and people who genuinely look you in the eye and say ‘what a refreshing,
livelihood truly unite. lovely change that you two have brought to Port Douglas – welcome.’”
Marlene Erard gives us a heartfelt insight into her relocation experience “And it’s completely heart-felt. It’s incredible, the people of Port
in her Do It In Douglas tale. Douglas are genuinely happy to have us here – they welcome what we
It was January of 2020 when Marlene, together with husband Rohan, are doing, and they encourage us. It’s just really lovely.”
packed up two young children, filled a shipping container with Honouring the warm welcome, Marlene and Rohan’s aptly named
belongings, bought a caravan and hit the road destined for the far eatery – Epicurean - has settled in beautifully to the Port Douglas dining
north. scene, finding it’s comfortable place on the iconic Macrossan Street.
“It was time to leave Western Victoria. Our dream was to find a place The restaurant and providore prides itself on celebrating the pleasures
to live and to settle down in a beautiful warm climate,” said Marlene. of life: “It’s about fine food, wine and friendships,” said Marlene.
“So I got out a map and a ruler and set about finding the equivalent of Storytelling is at the heart of Epicurean - Marlene and Rohan clearly take
Fiji in Australia – bang, it was decided, Port Douglas here we come.” delight in sharing the journeys of hand selected wines and delicately
Having founded their award-winning restaurant - Steel Cutters Cottage curated tasting boards.
in the Northern Grampians, regional Victoria, Marlene and Rohan
challenged themselves – “we could do it again, maybe we could do “We set about to create an experience where people come and enjoy
beautifully curated wine and food – sit, chat and connect.”
it here.”
It takes some serious grit and guts to pursue a new venture in the Marlene and Rohan’s story - unique and inspiring, is one of the many
that make the business scene in Douglas so diverse, exciting, and
pandemic era, let alone one that is so vulnerable to its consequences.
Yet with the experience of running a successful eatery behind them supportive.
and a determination to make a livelihood for themselves in the seaside Meet the people living their dreams, contributing to their community,
town, no time was wasted as they got to work meticulously planning. and keeping it real – and ask yourself can you Do It In Douglas.
“It took us about six months – finding the right location was obviously
critical. When we came across the site – it felt right, it was just meant doitindouglas.com
to be, so we renovated, and here we are.”
epicureanportdouglas.com.au