In a city famed for its culinary scene, a Melbourne fish and chip shop is making waves for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Cerberus Beach House, located by the water, holds the unique distinction of being the city's only certified sustainable fish and chip shop, a title its owner fought hard to achieve.
The Ethical Turn: From Flake to Future
The journey began when owner James Helliwell encountered the 'give flake a break' campaign. This initiative highlighted how trawling methods for shark catch, commonly sold as flake, were inadvertently killing dolphins, porpoises, and endangered shark species. Confronted with this reality, James made a conscious decision to pivot his business towards entirely ethical practices, despite the anticipated extra cost and effort.
"We are trying to do the right thing," James states. "Sustainability is pretty important to the kitchen team as well. It’s a bit more work but for me it’s worth it." This ethos is now the cornerstone of the award-winning establishment, which features a casual fish and chip shop downstairs and a fine seafood restaurant upstairs.
Navigating the Tides of Certification and Cash Flow
To maintain its certified sustainable status, Cerberus Beach House works closely with GoodFish, a guide run by the Australian Marine Conservation Society. The shop must consistently ensure its seafood sources are rated with a "green light" for sustainability. If a supplier fails to meet the standard, GoodFish directly advises the business on where to find sustainable alternatives.
Beyond sourcing, the beachside location presents another significant hurdle: Melbourne's notorious weather. The business thrives for about eight months of the year but faces a sharp downturn during the long, chilly 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." An overdraft facility from the bank provides the crucial financial buffer needed to survive the quiet season.
A Ripple Effect: Supporting Local and Marine Life
This support allows James to continue his passionate advocacy for the Back Australia campaign and his commitment to a local supply chain. Cerberus Beach House supports an impressive 45 local suppliers, ensuring that everything from the ocean catch to the wine list is sourced locally.
"Everything we use is local – from the ocean to the wine list. It’s a collective effort to look after one another," he says. His vision extends beyond his own shop, aiming to inspire a broader economic shift. "We have to get more Australians to spend their money here so small businesses can thrive and employ more people and support the community."
By choosing a more difficult path, Cerberus Beach House proves that a beloved Aussie tradition can evolve, offering a model where delicious fish and chips go hand-in-hand with protecting our marine life and supporting local economies.
