Sweet triumph: Grant provides Mossman bakery a recipe for recovery
Natural disasters can reshape communities, but they also reveal the resilience and strength within.
This was certainly the case for Duke’s Doughnuts, a beloved artisan bakehouse in Mossman that faced ruin when Tropical Cyclone Jasper struck Far North Queensland in late 2023.
Renowned for its handcrafted treats and strong community connections, Duke's was hit hard by the disaster, with floodwaters surging through the business, destroying critical equipment needed to keep serving customers.
It was a devastating blow for owners Michael and Sally Miller, who were left with a massive clean-up and a steep uphill climb to reopen their dream bakery.
Thankfully the couple secured a $20,000 Small Business Exceptional Assistance Grant, funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which provided a recipe for recovery.
Designed to help small businesses bounce back after disasters, the grant enabled Duke's to replace essential equipment and begin the long road to recovery.
By mid-2024, Duke’s Doughnuts was not only operational again but thriving once more, baking their signature offerings with care and creativity.
The bakery also re-established its community role in Mossman, resuming its school breakfast program and providing the community with a comforting sense of normalcy after the cyclone.
Today, Duke’s Doughnuts is a proud testament to the resilience of Far North Queensland small businesses, and the Mossman community.
The recovery story of Duke’s emphasises how timely support through the DRFA can transform despair into strength.
Whether it’s replacing vital equipment, infrastructure, or simply bringing people together over shared experiences, it’s proof that resilience and community spirit can make all the difference.
The DRFA Small Business Exceptional Assistance Grant is part of a $64 million disaster recovery package jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments – helping businesses like Duke’s Doughnuts to rebuild, thrive, and create a brighter tomorrow.
