Kalgoorlie Miner, Tue, 1 April 2025 2:00AM, Carwyn Monck
Mumma Jo’s Grocers owner Joanne Palmer at her Burt Street store. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner
Offering quality, low-cost groceries to the Goldfields community was Joanne Palmer’s motivation to enter into business.
The Kalgoorlie-Boulder local recently opened Mumma Jo’s Grocers at 9 Burt Street.
The shop sells a range of everyday items, non-perishable and frozen food at an affordable price.
Considering rising cost-of-living challenges, Ms Palmer said food affordability was a growing concern for many individuals and households.
“Boulder has been without a grocery store for such a long time,” she said.
“I bring a lot of Black and Gold and Community Co (products) into the shop to help families that are struggling because of the rises of (food) prices.”
Mumma Jo’s Grocers will soon offer fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, Aboriginal produce, along with cakes, teas and coffees.
“I have a few pensioners that come by and they would like to come in, have a cup of tea and a cake and a little natter between themselves,” Ms Palmer said.
A proud “born-and-bred Boulder girl”, Ms Palmer has a background in the health and peer support sector.
She said entering into business had been an enjoyable experience but presented “a big learning curve”.
“It’s been four years in the making,” she said.
Mumma Jo’s Grocers offers a range of non-perishable and frozen food at an affordable price. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner
“There has been a lot of tears . . . but I’ve stuck at it and Bianca (Corciulo) has been a real driving force behind it as well, which has been fantastic.”
Ms Palmer said she hoped to expand the grocery business model and offer a delivery service.
Waalitj Foundation business coach Bianca Corciulo helped Ms Palmer establish the business through the Waalitj Hub.
Ms Corciulo said the model could be replicated in other Goldfields communities.
“We’re hearing feedback from community members that it’s essential, it’s needed,” she said.
“Jo has got those relationships . . . and the potential that she has to replicate this in the region would be incredible.
“I think it has so much potential to grow and develop.”
Mumma Jo’s Grocers is a member of the WA Social Enterprise Council.
Chief executive Olivia Chapman said businesses such as Mumma Jo’s helped to create jobs and economic opportunities in regional communities.
“Mumma Jo’s Grocers is a fantastic example of how social enterprises are strengthening regional communities,” she said.
“By providing affordable, quality food, including locally sourced Aboriginal produce, Joanne is not only filling a critical gap in Kalgoorlie-Boulder but also creating employment and mentoring opportunities for Indigenous people.”
A launch event will take place in the coming weeks.
