For Rachelle Bell, Andrew Bell and Grantley Price, the final days behind the counter have come with a bittersweet mix of pride and nostalgia as they spend the week guiding new owners, Venkat and Raj, through the rhythms of the much-loved bakery.
The trio have owned and operated the bakery for the past 16 years, taking over from their parents, Neila and Butch Price, who laid the foundations over 14 years prior.
Together, the family has clocked up three decades of early mornings, loyal customers and countless bacon and egg rolls.
For Rachelle, the memories stretch back even further. She recalls life as a teenager when her parents first arrived in Jerilderie.
In the late 1980s, the Price family ran the Rainbow Café, the very same location that now houses the Jerilderie Café.
“I was about 15 and Grantley was 13, helping Mum and Dad out in the shop,” she said. “The servos didn’t sell food back then, and we were the first in town to start making pizzas. We even had a video machine where locals could borrow and rent movies to watch at home.”
Everything was made by hand, from freshly battered fish and potato cakes to chips prepared the old-fashioned way, with Grantley and Huck Connell peeling potatoes and feeding them through a cutting machine.
The next step came with the opening of the Jerilderie Bakery, originally located where the chemist and Peel’s massage shop now stand.
In 2007, Neila and Butch took a leap of faith, purchasing the current bakery building and transforming it into the functional and iconic space locals know today, funding renovations with Butch’s superannuation.
Over the years, the bakery has become known not just for its food, but for its personality.
The painted figures of Jerilderie identities that line the walls have become a talking point for visitors and locals alike, with Billy Brownless being the most popular and talked about in the shop.
While ownership may be changing, much will remain the same. Long-time legendary baker Michael Pitt, who completed his apprenticeship under Neila and Butch, will continue doing what he does best, alongside a familiar team of staff who will remain under the new leadership.
As for Rachelle, Andrew and Grantley, the early starts are finally coming to an end. The trio is looking forward to a slower pace of life, with plans to tackle jobs around their homes and perhaps enjoy a well-earned holiday or two.
Andrew, however, won’t be slowing down entirely, continuing in his role as Jerilderie Captain with Fire Rescue NSW.
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The Jerilderie Library has free activities this week for the school holidays.
Join them for Jeopardy trivia on Thursday at 10.30am and a kids' movie on Friday at 1pm, which looks to be a screening of Zootopia 2.
The library is also hosting the second session of Tech Savvy for Seniors workshops on Thursday afternoon; drop in to register your interest.
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Anzac Day commemorations are set for next Saturday, April 25.
A dawn service will be held in Memorial Park at the cenotaph at 6am, followed by a free breakfast at the Civic Hall.
The march will gather at 9.45am for a 10am start, marching from the chemist to the cenotaph, followed by a service and concluding Jerilderie’s commemorations.
You can also find the Jerilderie RSL Sub-branch members selling legacy badges outside the newsagent and IGA on Friday.
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Jerilderie Jeithi Aboriginal Group is holding a native planting day and campfire yarn at ‘The Cape’ on Oaklands Rd on Friday starting at 3.30pm.
Plants and seeds supplied, but please bring with you gardening equipment such as shovels and gloves as well as bottled drinking water. All welcome
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The Federal Government’s Service Centre bus is visiting on Tuesday, April 21, located between the Civic Hall and Memorial Park.
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The Farrer by-election is set to be held on Saturday, May 9.
For those participating in football and netball, this is an away game at Picola, so make sure to set an early reminder to vote before you leave town.
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Jerilderie Public School P&C is raffling a trailer load of split wood.
Tickets are available at the Jerilderie Newsagency with the winner drawn on Friday, May 22.
