General News
24 February, 2025
Dutch cafe set to close for good
Owner of Dimboola's beloved Oma's Cafe, Wendy Blundell, announced at the weekend that the business would be closing its doors permanently at the end of March.
Ms Blundell released a statement on the cafe's Facebook page in which she broke the news to the Dimboola community.
"It is with great sadness, we announce that Oma's Cafe Dimboola will be closing its doors permanently due to health and wellbeing reasons," the statement read.
"We express our gratitude to everyone who came to enjoy a cuppa and chats with us, whether it be daily, weekly, fortnightly or just that random passing through over the past two and a half years."
Oma's Cafe first opened in September 2022 after Ms Blundell's late mother, Rini Steenwinkel, said she wanted to open up a cafe.
"My mother told me she was bored and announced that she was going to open a café," Ms Blundell said.
"She was a city-slicker, unlike me – I love the country.
"I'm not sure she was really bored as much as I think she just knew what was best for me.
"Naturally I got excited by the idea, as she knew I would."
After five months of planning, the cafe was opened to the public.
"When we planned the cafe I wanted a place that was friendly, homely and low-cost for the customer," Ms Blundell said.
"And we wanted it Dutch.
"I brought in all my Dutch ornaments from my living room – now my living room is bare."
Named for her mother, the name "Oma" is Dutch for grandmother.
"I wanted to provide a place that people – every sort of person – could afford," she said.
She said she thrived on service, having been born to it, and had worked in restaurants in Europe and Australia since she was 12 years old, but she didn't expect more in return than for her customers to be happy.
"When the customer brings their empty cup back in, I see that as their thank you," she said.
When Ms Blundell first came to Dimboola it was to visit friends, the then-owners of the Victoria Hotel.
"I seriously fell in love with the look of the place," she said.
"I never looked back – I just stayed.
"I love the country."
The sad death of her mother last year saw Ms Blundell and her family navigate a difficult time.
"We thank you all for you kind words and support through our toughest time with the passing of my Mamma (Oma)," Ms Blundell said in her Facebook statement.
"I would also like to say a huge thank you to all my staff.
"You have been absolutely amazingly fantastic and supportive throughout everything.
"I couldn't have done it without you all."
Ms Blundell said she had enjoyed her time in the town.63
"I'm very appreciative of the support from the community," she said.
"It's now time to continue caring for ourselves and maintaining a happy healthy family.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."