You won't believe how the community stepped in to save this beloved cobbler's business
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In a world where big chains and online shopping seem to be taking over every corner, it’s heartwarming to hear a story that reminds us of the power of community—and the irreplaceable value of a good old-fashioned cobbler.
For the folks in Caulfield, Melbourne, Steve Duncan isn’t just a cobbler—he’s a local legend. Step into his tiny shop and you’re instantly transported to another era: the rich scent of leather, shoes stacked neatly along the walls, every tool in its rightful place, and not a computer in sight. It’s the kind of place that sparks nostalgia, with many customers saying the smell alone brings back memories of their fathers or grandfathers.
But even legends can fall on hard times. Over the Christmas period, business slowed to a crawl for Steve. At 69, with four decades of history in the shop (and nine years as its owner), he suddenly found himself three months behind on rent. The once-bustling strip where his shop sits had become eerily quiet, with empty storefronts all around. 'The whole strip, there’s no one in any of the shops down there,' Steve lamented.
Determined to keep his doors open, Steve did everything he could—including selling his beloved motorbike to pay off some of the debt. But as the pressure mounted and a 'For Lease' sign went up, it looked like Caulfield was about to lose another piece of its history.
That’s when something truly special happened. Word spread, and the community rallied. Customers—old and new—streamed in, not just to get their shoes fixed, but to show their support. 'The lease sign went up and the customers started coming in and going, ‘We don’t want you to leave,’' Steve recalled, still sounding a bit amazed. 'I was very overwhelmed because it’s just a little shoe repair shop and there’s millions of shops that are closed.'
But Steve’s shop isn’t just any shop. It’s a place where people feel welcome, where stories are shared, and where a genuine craftsman plies his trade with pride. One loyal customer, Mark, put it simply: 'There’s not many people like him around today, he’s a genuine person.'
The community’s generosity was overwhelming. Donations poured in, raising over $4,000—enough to keep Steve’s doors open and his spirits high. Months later, the support hasn’t waned. Customers continue to show their appreciation, bringing in shoes for repair and making sure Steve’s pockets—and his heart—stay full.
Steve’s journey to becoming a cobbler is a story in itself. At 19, he decided to learn the trade, but his mentor had a unique teaching style. 'The greatest thing, he made me sit on a stool like that, not touch nothing,' Steve remembered with a chuckle. 'He just said, ‘Look, don’t say nothing, just look.’ Twelve months I sat there, but I learned a lot from him.'
Source: A Current Affair / Youtube.
Over the years, Steve has worn many hats—bricklayer, spray painter, sand blaster, tiler—but it’s the cobbler’s bench that always calls him back. 'I spend a lot of time here, and because it’s a hobby, it’s not a job,' he said. 'So that’s how you keep coming back, because it’s great.'
There’s something special about a local business that’s more than just a shop. It’s a gathering place, a piece of living history, and a testament to the power of community spirit. Steve’s story is a reminder that, even in tough times, people can come together to make a real difference.
Have you ever seen your community rally around a local business in need? Or do you have fond memories of a cobbler, butcher, or baker who made your neighbourhood feel like home? We’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments below and let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who keep our communities ticking!
For the folks in Caulfield, Melbourne, Steve Duncan isn’t just a cobbler—he’s a local legend. Step into his tiny shop and you’re instantly transported to another era: the rich scent of leather, shoes stacked neatly along the walls, every tool in its rightful place, and not a computer in sight. It’s the kind of place that sparks nostalgia, with many customers saying the smell alone brings back memories of their fathers or grandfathers.
But even legends can fall on hard times. Over the Christmas period, business slowed to a crawl for Steve. At 69, with four decades of history in the shop (and nine years as its owner), he suddenly found himself three months behind on rent. The once-bustling strip where his shop sits had become eerily quiet, with empty storefronts all around. 'The whole strip, there’s no one in any of the shops down there,' Steve lamented.
Determined to keep his doors open, Steve did everything he could—including selling his beloved motorbike to pay off some of the debt. But as the pressure mounted and a 'For Lease' sign went up, it looked like Caulfield was about to lose another piece of its history.
Caulfield cobbler Steve Duncan nearly lost his business after falling three months behind on rent, but a heart-warming show of support from the community raised more than $4000 to help him stay open. Image source: A Current Affair / Youtube.
That’s when something truly special happened. Word spread, and the community rallied. Customers—old and new—streamed in, not just to get their shoes fixed, but to show their support. 'The lease sign went up and the customers started coming in and going, ‘We don’t want you to leave,’' Steve recalled, still sounding a bit amazed. 'I was very overwhelmed because it’s just a little shoe repair shop and there’s millions of shops that are closed.'
But Steve’s shop isn’t just any shop. It’s a place where people feel welcome, where stories are shared, and where a genuine craftsman plies his trade with pride. One loyal customer, Mark, put it simply: 'There’s not many people like him around today, he’s a genuine person.'
The community’s generosity was overwhelming. Donations poured in, raising over $4,000—enough to keep Steve’s doors open and his spirits high. Months later, the support hasn’t waned. Customers continue to show their appreciation, bringing in shoes for repair and making sure Steve’s pockets—and his heart—stay full.
Steve’s journey to becoming a cobbler is a story in itself. At 19, he decided to learn the trade, but his mentor had a unique teaching style. 'The greatest thing, he made me sit on a stool like that, not touch nothing,' Steve remembered with a chuckle. 'He just said, ‘Look, don’t say nothing, just look.’ Twelve months I sat there, but I learned a lot from him.'
Source: A Current Affair / Youtube.
Over the years, Steve has worn many hats—bricklayer, spray painter, sand blaster, tiler—but it’s the cobbler’s bench that always calls him back. 'I spend a lot of time here, and because it’s a hobby, it’s not a job,' he said. 'So that’s how you keep coming back, because it’s great.'
There’s something special about a local business that’s more than just a shop. It’s a gathering place, a piece of living history, and a testament to the power of community spirit. Steve’s story is a reminder that, even in tough times, people can come together to make a real difference.
Have you ever seen your community rally around a local business in need? Or do you have fond memories of a cobbler, butcher, or baker who made your neighbourhood feel like home? We’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments below and let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who keep our communities ticking!
