Kiama’s Original Ice Creamery is celebrating scooping the sweet treat for locals and tourists since 1982 this weekend.

First opened as The Great Australian Ice Creamery, Geoff and Loris Kelton took over after nine years, moved the shop away from the franchise and created the business as it stands as today.

Geoff and Loris handed the scoops over to Susie Kipa and Colin Child 22 years ago. Together, they formed a family business with their three daughters, passing the business over to them two years ago.

When Susie took over, she says Geoff told her there were three things she must remember: never forget your identity, you are an ice cream shop; always have good lighting; and never be complacent.

“I have remembered those words all these years and I think that advice still stands today,” Susie says.

Over the years, Susie has enjoyed the staffing the shop with young local kids and seeing the energy they would bring into the workplace.



“We help promote the community by having the young ones in the workplace and providing them a platform for good work ethics. It is here where their confidence grows, their ability to relate to people gets better and they gain a sense of independence,” Susie says.

Keita Child, who runs the business with sisters Olivia and Tatum, says, “Our staff have gone on to do amazing things - some lawyers and others in the army - all starting from a local ice creamery,” she says.

The three sisters are filled with ideas on what to do next with the shop, including being more involved with the community through events and fundraising.

They are also looking into refurbishing the shop, but will insist on keeping some of the original pieces that hold cherished memories for everyone.

“We had someone come in and tell us he used to come here 30 years ago with his family and now brings his kids and their kids. People have a lot of holiday and family memories attached to the shop which is really special,” she says.



To celebrate 40 years of ice cream on Terralong St, they are holding two days of fun this weekend with a ‘kids party vibe’.

“We’ll have face-painting, party bags, a special sundae and ice cream cone, prizes and more,” Keita says.

They will also be handing out cookies and balloons to their first 40 customers.

Keita and Susie say the celebration is to thank all customers, staff and the wider community for supporting them.

It is all happening this weekend from 10am.