October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region. Read all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three places bringing people together in different ways: a Tenterfield garden escape offering boutique stays and romantic celebrations, a regional transport service connecting communities across the North Coast and New England, and a Mullumbimby showground that brings locals and visitors together for markets, events and outdoor adventures.
The Bungalow & Ivy Leaf Chapel
A garden escape filled with country charm
Tenterfield, NSW
What began as a tree change has blossomed into one of Tenterfield’s distinctive places to stay, celebrate and experience the beauty of a country garden.
Kim Thompson moved from Sydney to Tenterfield with her family in 2007, purchasing The Bungalow in 2010. Since then, she has poured years of creativity and hard work into transforming the historic 1915 timber home and its 1.5 acres of English-inspired gardens into a boutique bed and breakfast, intimate wedding venue and garden destination.
At the heart of the property is the Ivy Leaf Chapel, draped in Boston ivy that changes colour with the seasons. Romantic pathways, flowering trees and carefully designed garden spaces create a special setting for weddings, private garden visits and guided tours.
The Bungalow also offers boutique accommodation, welcoming one booking at a time for a more private and personal country escape.
Kim’s passion for bringing people together has inspired another offering, Twilight in Bloom – a garden dining experience combining food, wine, music and conversation beneath the stars.
The property has featured on Better Homes and Gardens television and in lifestyle publications, and has received the New England Times Best Accommodation award two years running.
For Kim, however, the greatest reward is sharing a place she has created with love and welcoming visitors who leave with lasting memories – and perhaps a new friendship.
Dorrigo Transit
Connecting regional communities, one journey at a time
Dorrigo, NSW
Getting around regional NSW can be challenging when destinations are spread across long distances. Dorrigo Transit is helping bridge the gap, connecting communities across the North Coast and New England with regional shuttle services, door-to-door transfers and bus charters.
Launched in October 2021, the independently operated business was established after its owner recognised a gap in regional transport options. With more than 25 years of experience in tourism and the bus and coach sector, the owner brings valuable industry knowledge to a service based in Dorrigo.
Scheduled regional shuttles connect destinations including Armidale and Coffs Harbour, with services also extending to Tamworth and other locations along the way. On-demand transfers offer more flexibility for people travelling to, from or through the Dorrigo area, while charter services provide another option for groups.
The service covers a wide regional network, including Byron Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo, Armidale and Tamworth, as well as smaller communities in between.
The fleet includes vehicles designed to provide comfortable and practical travel for different passenger needs. As an independent small business that receives no government funding, Dorrigo Transit is working to make regional connections more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
Whether it’s a planned trip between towns or a transfer that needs a little more flexibility, Dorrigo Transit offers another way to get there.
Mullumbimby Showground
A community gathering place beneath Mount Chincogan
Mullumbimby, NSW
From Friday morning markets to weddings, festivals and camping getaways, Mullumbimby Showground is much more than a place for the annual show.
Nestled beneath Mount Chincogan, just 1.3 kilometres west of Mullumbimby’s town centre, the showground is Crown Land managed locally as a not-for-profit community reserve. It provides a welcoming space for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate and enjoy the outdoors.
The grounds offer powered and unpowered camping sites, while the Food Hall, Market Shed and surrounding grounds are available to hire for events, exhibitions, weddings and festivals.
Every Friday morning, the showground comes alive with Mullumbimby Farmers Market, where locals and visitors can browse from 7am to 11am.
One of the year’s major highlights is the Mullumbimby Agricultural Show, held in the first week of November. The traditional community event celebrates local produce, arts and crafts, livestock, machinery, trucks, races and competitions, offering something for all ages.
Overseen by a board of local volunteers, Mullumbimby Showground remains an important community asset – a place where people can connect, celebrate local traditions and make lasting memories.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
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Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.