Australian hatmaker Akubra has reopened its store at its Kempsey workshop today as the brand celebrates its 50th year of hatmaking in the New South Wales town.
Local leaders, Traditional Owners and service providers saw a sneak peek of the store last week - which has been shut since 2019 - along with a workshop tour and morning tea.
The store will stock more than 500 Akubra hats with 36 styles available in a wide range of colours and sizes.
Akubra CEO Natalie Culina (pictured) said the new store is another sign of Akubra’s commitment to its manufacturing heart in Kempsey.
“We’re so proud to be part of this community and we wanted to make sure there was a genuine connection to locals, and a place that helps Kempsey attract tourists to the region,” Culina said.
“As a major employer for the region, Akubra will continue its focus on creating new jobs and training opportunities for future craftspeople because we know that more local manufacturing positions will help families and this regional community thrive.”
Akubra was born 148 years ago when Benjamin Dunkerley established Kensington Hat Mills in Tasmania. After decades based in Sydney, then-owners the Keir family relocated to Kempsey in October 1974.
The brand’s felt hats are still made the traditional way by local hatmakers. According to the brand, each hat takes six weeks to make, in 162 steps, passing through 60 pairs of hands.
While the 162-step production process remains unchanged, the business has recently invested in new machinery to support production, expected to arrive early next year.
Kempsey Mayor Kinne Ring welcomed the return of the Akubra store, noting how proud the community is to host such an iconic Australian brand.
“The Akubra hat is forever linked to Australia, to Slim Dusty and to Kempsey,” Mayor Ring said.
“We are proud to be home to Akubra and it’s wonderful to see the store open again to let Australians from all over the country visit our shire and see the amazing work done by our incredible locals.”
To mark its Kempsey milestone, Akubra released 200 limited-edition ‘Slim Dusty’ hats that sold out in just 48 hours. It was made in the style worn by the local music legend and ARIA hall of famer.