After more than 30 years serving the Illawarra, Zweefers has closed its doors, prompting an outpouring of love from the local community. Photo: Zweefers Facebook.
Fairy Meadow’s sweetest institution has closed its doors, citing rising costs that have made the beloved family-run business unsustainable.
Zweefers, a cake shop and patisserie serving the Illawarra for more than 30 years, announced its permanent closure in a heartfelt Facebook post that has already attracted more than 500 comments.
“For over 30 years, this bakery has proudly supplied the Illawarra with beloved cakes and sweet treats and, for the past eight years, we have been honoured to continue that legacy as the current owners,” it read.
“This decision has not come easily. Like many small businesses, we have been significantly impacted by rising operating costs and, despite our best efforts, it has become no longer sustainable to continue trading.”
The name Zweefers was an amalgam of the surnames of its co-founders, Illawarra locals Sue Zweep and Anne Wolfers.
Most recently, the shop was run by Val and Dennis Dale and their daughter Kelly, who took over in 2017 after years as loyal customers.
The shop built a devoted following with its ready-made and to-order custom cakes, pastries, gourmet pies and takeaway coffee — all made in-house.
News of the closure sparked an outpouring of grief online, with many calling it a “huge loss for the Illawarra”.
“Are you closing soon, or already closed? Please say not yet closed, we’d love to come buy our favourites one last time!! Such sad news! We’d pay more for your amazing cakes if that makes a difference!” one comment read.
Another shared: “My wedding cake was made by Sue Zweep 28 years ago from the shop in the carpark in Corrimal. The chocolate mud cake – still a favourite. We order their fabulous cakes to celebrate our staff birthdays, dutifully delivered to Ellen Street Dental (23 each year). What are we going to do now?”
Others voiced sympathy and frustration with the current climate for small businesses, calling for stronger support.
“As a local businesses owner I can sympathise with your struggle. I am sure the decision did not come lightly … If the little people of this country don’t start to support one another and stick together more, all we will have is large corporations and public servants. Australia that we love will be lost forever.”
The owners themselves signed off with a note of gratitude.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, local suppliers, our amazing staff, and the wider community who have supported us over the years,” the announcement read.
“Your smiles, stories, and shared celebrations have meant the world to us. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your birthdays, weddings, special occasions, and everyday moments. It’s been a true privilege.”
