The heart of hinterland shopping: Nambour Plaza turns 40. Celebrations this Friday

Radio station 4NA featured at the opening of the Nambour Plaza Shopping centre in Anne Street on July 7, 1982.

Today Nambour Plaza is the heart of the town’s shopping scene.

Health Beat owner Jodie Christensen, left, has been a part of Nambour Plaza for 26 years. Her and Lynn Preece share a wealth of knowledge in all areas of health, herbs and dietary advice. 

The heart of hinterland shopping, Nambour Plaza, will mark its 40th birthday by treating customers to free cup-cakes, ballons and gift cards at a special Celebration Day this Friday July 29.

“It’s hard to believe Nambour Plaza opened back in 1982,” said recently-appointed Centre Manager Katie Wild.

“The centre is the same age as me,” she laughed. “It has grown over the years and has been a drawcard for Nambour and hinterland shoppers for more than a generation now.”

The 11,282 square metre centre includes anchor tenants, Woolworths and Big W and 40 speciality stores. 

As well as giving out free cup-cakes and balloons on Friday, customers also have the chance to win one of forty $40 Gift Cards.

 “You simply scan the barcode while at the centre and enter your details to go in the draw to win,” said Katie. “The winners will be drawn at our Celebration Day on Friday.”

Katie said celebrations highlighted how many long-term staff and tenants were at the centre. 

For instance, Jodie Christensen has owned and been working Health Beat for 26 years. Jodie’s daughter Holly still works in store and was only 5 years old when Jodie first started in the shop.  Holly is now 31 and has three children.

“We’ve certainly seen loads of changes over the years. We’ve been through floods, power outages, a fire and, more recently, Covid.”

Most of all, Jodie said she wants to be there for people to support them to live a healthy, sustainable life.  

“A lot of people have said we have been like a community centre for people,” she said. “Nambour Plaza and Health Beat is where they can come and see a friendly face and a smile and hear a kind word. You can connect with someone who knows your name. 

“We develop great relationships with people as we follow them on their health journeys. Some people just needed a hug, especially through Covid. 

“We’ve been with people in the good times and the bad times. We’ve seen health conditions turn around. We’ve even shared in the joy of couples who thought they couldn’t conceive and then have had babies. It’s a wonderful part of our business.”

Fellow long-termers Rod & Denise have been at the centre for 29 years since 1993, although they sold the business during that time and were away for five of those years.

Woolworths have been the anchor tenant at the Plaza for 40 years and are the major drawcard for shoppers along with Big W.