Store sold, now adventure begins

Jedd Nooy, Lee Nooy, Gary Nooy, Pauline Hollier, Bill Hollier with Raj and Gira Tanna.164995

The Maryknoll community has farewelled two much-loved families after 21 years of service.
Maryknoll Post Office and General Store owners Bill and Pauline Hollier and Gary and Lee Nooy have sold their iconic business in favour of retirement and new adventures after working tirelessly in the store since 1995.
Maryknoll Progress Association president Neil Matthews said the couples continued to diversify and extend their services over the years to meet the growth of nearby communities.
“The initiatives ranged from gaining a liquor licence to holding Maryknoll gallery celebrations, where local artists exhibited and sold their works,” Mr Matthews said.
Before passing the baton onto new proprietors Raj and Gira Tanna, the families were honoured with a community farewell party.
At the 8 February farewell, local identity Frank Tyler commended the Holliers and Nooys for their “exceptional and long-term contributions”.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks for all you have given to our community and for your patient and cheerful ways,” he said.
Mr Nooy said the couple came to Maryknoll with a plan to stay “two or three years” but that quickly changed.
“We fell in love with the lifestyle, the surrounds and the people,” he said.
Both families said they held the Maryknoll community close to their hearts.
The Tannas also took part in the celebrations, receiving a warm welcome from local residents.