Help Onyx Get Their Courtyard Approval Finalised

Our wonderful family of Onyx supporters from far and wide would have received an email from the Newcastle council this week. The email contained a notification that the DA concerning our courtyard is approved. This news is very welcomed, Unfortunately, the approval does come with many heavy conditions though. The largest requirement is that we reinstate the street curb (remove the driveway and existing no parking zone) and add a loading zone area with signage. The council has advised that this will come with a minimum cost of $4000 to $8,000.

Owing to our unforeseen closure in May, due to circumstances outside of anybody's control, we don't have the financial ability to carry out these works at this time. The unfortunate reality for Onyx is that due to a reduction of seating due to Covid restrictions, our courtyard desperately needs to be used as a dining area, not for Onyx to thrive but for it to survive.

The courtyard has been a feature of Onyx and the local community for many years. The area is regularly utilized by Local Veteran's groups, Mother's groups, those with mobility disabilities, a site for community art, community markets, and it is home to our family chickens, Chimkin and Nugget. Onyx and I, really want to be able to continue to provide this to the community.

It is not easy for me to ask for help. In many ways, I feel embarrassed to do so as I have always tried to be self-sufficient in business and give back to the community. The fact is that we are in desperate need of help to complete these works to survive.

Love Leya and the team x