Downpour washes away retirement plans for Nambour printer after 62 years

Peter Rosendale “our plan was to sell the business. Obviously that won’t happen now.”

by Tanya Outridge

A 62 year career in print was drawing to a close for Nambour Print and Copy’s 78 year old Peter Rosendale, who after 20 years at the helm of his Price Street business, was looking forward to selling, and enjoying a well earned retirement.

“Our plan was to sell the business, which has been looking after our wonderful customers in Nambour for 20 years,” Peter said. “Obviously, that won’t happen now.”

Like his neighbour at Marji’s Place, Peter’s business succumbed to the fast rising flood water which got in and caused chaos.

“We were as prepared as we could be,” Peter said. “We had lifted as much as we could up off the floor, but the water came into the office and rose to a height of about one metre.

“We had copiers, computers, folding/perforating equipment and guillotines that are all completely ruined. The force of the water was so strong that it lifted the fridge and put it on it’s side, picked up heavy boxes of paper and swept them across the room.

“I have never seen such devastation,” he said. “By 7.30am, it was all over. We came down to the shop, had a look in the door, and went home again. By that point, there was nothing we could do.

“The last time we experienced flooding was in 2012 and since then, every time there was a big downpour, we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. I guess now, I would like to see perhaps some alternative uses for this land so that other business owners don’t have to experience this kind of flooding in the future.”

Despite the overwhelming damage to his business, Peter was grateful for the great support from the community.

“Many people have been calling in to help us clean up the horrible mess of mud and water. One gentleman came in, saw the predicament we were facing, and said “I’ll be back shortly.” Next thing he arrived back with gumboots, wheelbarrow and a shovel, and spent all day working with us.

 “At morning tea time we had two ladies arrive with food and drinks and then at lunch time a young lady dropped off pizzas for all the workers, which were much appreciated.

“We are so blessed to have had so much great support.”