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Interview:
John Miller, Proprietor, Mr Big Stuff: 20th
June 2003
Media Man Australia's starts the
first in a series of interviews with well known
Maroubra identities. Mr Big Stuff operates one
of Maroubra's most popular, and arguably the best,
cafes in Sydney.
What's
your background?
Well
here we go. My background is with the federal
government in management and training . A 21 year
career that ended in 1997 with redundancy. I am
a father of two and the primary care giver and
have always enjoyed cooking up a storm for them.
Maroubra
has a regional feel about it, natural headland,
a long sandy beach and a village of people from
all walks of life. The businesses are all familiar
and ready to help out each other. All this only
12kms from the GPO.
What
positive changes have been occurring in Maroubra?
Positive
changes: new infrastructure and maintenance of
it. I.e. parks, promenade, surf club, protection
of the headland and the planting of native plants
to maintain the dunes. The new development will
bring life to the business here who are struggling.
What
negatives are in Maroubra?
Negative
: the group of boys who harass people for no apparent
reason other than to satisfy their own inebriated
state. The councils insistence on the payment
of outdoor dining without upgrading the footpaths.
Functions: In the past 4 years I have hosted 67
parties. The precinct committee, the St Joseph
St Marry Primary School (3) times. Commonwealth
bank, the wombats football team, the Malabar rescue
boat team, Coogee rugby club, a wedding, 2, 60ths
and many other birthday parties. A film crew,
a music band.
I
have built a reputation for hosting parties, the
diary is filling up for 2003. My venue can hold
40 people it has a beautiful garden courtyard
with a bbq. The position of the cafe makes it
suitable for both summer and winter, it has a
triple brick siding to keep it warm and fully
opening doors to let in the sea breezes in summer.
The open kitchen fits into the floor plan, the
colors, lighting and music system make it an interesting,
comfortable place to have a function.
What
memorable events have occurred at Mr Big Stuff?
Well
memorable events. I had a naked man come into
the cafe, a bit off his face and offered his assistance
in being my bodyguard and would protect me if
needed. The only thing I could help him with was
breakfast, he was obviously not hungry. The other
customers got a bit of a laugh.
The
multicultural street party held last year was
a huge success with over 100 people incl business
in the area enjoyed and evening of dancing and
laughs at Mr big stuff.
How
are some of the personalities that go to Mr Big
Stuff?
Personalities
that have been in the cafe. Hugo Weaving, Ben
from Big Brother, some of the swans and Eastern
Suburbs Roosters, Marg for the Palmolive add,
you are soaking in it and others that come here
for anonymity.
...end.
Editors
note: Maroubra Beach is a great place to live.
Maroubra has some of the best cafe's in the world,
and Mr Big Stuff is right up there. Mr Big Stuff
also offers the only public internet access in
Maroubra.
Links:
Maroubra
Beach (Greg Tingle's Maroubra website)
Maroubra:
Hot bed for cafe's in Sydney's east, by Greg Tingle
Cafe's
of the World
Randwick
City Council
Internet
Cafes
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