In a city famed for its food scene, a legendary Melbourne fish and chip shop is making a significant splash by putting marine conservation at the heart of its business. Cerberus Beach House, the city's only certified sustainable fish and chip shop, has fully embraced ethical sourcing, proving that great taste and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.
A Decision to Do the Right Thing
The journey for owner James Helliwell began when he learned of the 'give flake a break' campaign, which highlighted concerns that trawling for shark meat was inadvertently killing dolphins, porpoises, and endangered shark species. Faced with this knowledge, Helliwell made a conscious choice for his award-winning establishment, which features a casual fish and chip shop downstairs and a fine seafood restaurant upstairs.
'We are trying to do the right thing,' says James. 'Sustainability is pretty important to the kitchen team as well. It’s a bit more work but for me it’s worth it.' This commitment involves extra cost and effort, but for the passionate business owner, protecting marine life is non-negotiable.
The Rigorous Path to Certification
To maintain its certified sustainable status, Cerberus Beach House works closely with GoodFish, the Australian Marine Conservation Society's sustainability initiative. The shop must consistently check that the source of its produce receives a 'green light' rating.
GoodFish acts as a guide, advising the business if their current suppliers meet the strict criteria. If a supplier falls short, GoodFish directs Cerberus to alternative, sustainable sources, ensuring every fillet served meets the highest ethical standards.
Weathering Seasonal Challenges with Local Support
Operating a beachside business in Melbourne comes with its own set of hurdles. While trade is strong for eight months of the year, the shop faces a quiet period during the long winter. To navigate this seasonal cashflow challenge, Cerberus relies on its banking partner, Westpac.
Anthony Mathews, National GM for SME and small business at Westpac Group, explains their role: 'Many Australian businesses face seasonal cashflow challenges – our job is to provide the right safety nets so that business owners can navigate the quiet times without stress and focus on delivering for their customers.' The provided overdraft facility acts as this crucial safety net.
This financial support allows Helliwell to continue his mission of backing Australia, supporting a network of 45 local suppliers. 'Everything we use is local – from the ocean to the wine list,' he states. 'It’s a collective effort to look after one another.' He passionately believes that Australians spending their money at local businesses like his is key to helping them thrive, employ more people, and support the wider community.
