Why this coast won’t let you
Aug 08, 2026
By Odette Tonkin as seen in Lifestyle Barrington Coast magazine 2026 edition.
Kasie and Adam Heathcote never pictured themselves running a supermarket in Hallidays Point. Kasie grew up on the coast before building a corporate marketing career in Sydney and Melbourne, where she met Adam, a hospitality manager with his own career in restaurants. A sea change to run the family Foodworks store was about as far from either of their plans as it gets.
Everything shifted when Kasie’s father was diagnosed with early onset dementia. “Dad was diagnosed with early onset dementia, which was a huge shock. Adam and I realised we needed to be closer to family,” Kasie says.
The initial plan was simple, help out, then likely sell the business. But working alongside her parents, Leanne and Colin Westle, something unexpected happened.
“We never thought of moving to the area full time, but after working in the shop with Mum and Dad, this tiny spark of possibility kept popping into our heads,” Kasie remembers.
“We loved being back on the coast and it was the first time that we really slowed down and thought, maybe we could live our lives differently.”
By the end of 2024, Adam, Kasie and their two boys, Joey, now 10, and Jack, 7, had made the leap, taking over as the new owners of Foodworks Hallidays Point.
With 60 staff and a community stretching across Black Head, Diamond Beach, Red Head and Tallwoods Village, Foodworks Hallidays Point quickly became something bigger than a supermarket in Kasie and Adam’s eyes.
“We quickly came to realise that the unique part of running a business in a small community is that your staff are also your customers, and that every day we’re building amazing relationships with local people who come into the store,” Adam says.
It’s demanding work. “It’s such a huge job,” Adam admits, “and the list of things to do never ends, but we feel really energised by the work and we’re very invested in this store and our community.”
Supporting local growers and producers has become a genuine priority for the couple, not just a marketing line. Fresh meat arrives daily from McGraths Meats in Taree, sourdough and sweet treats come from Palms Artisan Bakery, Ricardoes Tomatoes supplies fresh produce and conserves, and local egg and honey producers round out the shelves. Add Monin Seafoods from Tuncurry and fresh sushi three times a week from Willy at Twohans in Taree, and the picture becomes clear.
“We have a lot of local suppliers that our customers know and value, and we love supporting them because the quality of the produce is amazing and it’s as fresh as it gets,” Kasie says.
“When we showcase local produce in our store, we’re helping out other local businesses and their families, and that feels really good.”
“Our focus is fresh, direct and local,” Adam adds, “so for us, we want to add to our customers’ shopping experience by offering amazing products that are grown or made right here on the mid north coast.”
Eighteen months into ownership, Kasie says the real reward has been the chance to give back.
“It’s the day-to-day things that we can offer to our community that mean so much to us,” she explains.
“Our staff are just incredible and will carry bags to the cars of those who need the help, or find certain products for customers that they can’t get anywhere else. On a bigger scale, we sponsor local sporting groups, the primary school, Hallidays Point Lions Club and Black Head Surf Club, and we’re proud to be able to build these connections and help make a difference.”
The family thread runs right through the business. Kasie’s sister and brother both work there, her mother still helps with the books, and her father and the two boys are regularly on hand lending a hand of their own.
“For us, running a business like this all comes back to family,” Kasie says, “and this extends on to our amazing team of staff and the local customers who are so supportive of us. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.
