The perfect fit for Mudgeeraba's old school village feel, brand new boutique book store Bookness has been thoroughly embraced by locals and wider Gold Coast bibliophiles alike.

Since throwing open its doors in February 2023, Bookness has quickly established itself as a must-stop-shop when spending some time in the Village. With an eclectic range of stock featuring plenty of Australian and international authors and of course, bestsellers, you'll never be short of an interesting read.

Bookness is owned and operated by Nadine May and Anita Munro, who have lived and raised families in the area for more than 30 years. Their dream is to give the Gold Coast community a true readers and writers hub that supports diversity in literature, and gives aspiring authors an avenue to share their work and ideas. Book clubs, authors in conversation, book signings, game nights and more have all proved popular on the events calendar, with more to come.

We got to know the Bookness team a little better thanks to co-owner Anita, who answered some questions for us.

When did you move the Gold Coast, and why?

Having grown up in Tasmania, a school friend and I decided that when all studies were completed we would travel throughout Australia on a working holiday. We loved Tasmania but, as is the pattern for most young people, the desire to travel is strong. After spending time in Perth we came to the Gold Coast and developed new friendships, including meeting my new partner. I moved permanently to the Gold Coast in 1990 and started a family. Due to the similarity with Tasmania, the serenity and natural environment, we settled in the Hinterland area of Mudgeeraba and have remained there – although a part of my heart will always remain in Tasmania with the natural tranquillity, mixed with the gentle progressiveness and opportunities which are available there. Through ‘Bookness’ we aim to carry this similar message to all who visit us – Life can be gentle, enjoyable and still progressive. We purposely selected the Hinterland suburb of Mudgeeraba, which is a beautiful leafy haven close to acreage properties with many schools and community facilities nearby. What was a local shopping district is developing into a must visit area for dining and arts.

How do you and Nadine know each other, and how did the dream begin?  

Nadine and I have been friends for years, since living next door to each other.  Our children played together, although at different schools, and over time we discovered we had similar interests and opportunities worth pursuing. Our first joint venture began in a Bookkeeping business which we have carried through until the pressure of our dream to open a bricks and mortar Book Shop took precedence. We researched the logistics of such a venture, visited many existing bookshops around the country, and researched online many independent bookstores around the world, as well as all the information we could possibly find to come to the conclusion this dream could be viable. The drive then became stronger, so we worked through a Business Plan and the ideas developed further still, until – here we are – in the lovely township of Mudgeeraba – offering a similar ‘Book’ experience to those we have visited in other Australian states and in Europe and the UK.

Tell us a bit more about your creative writing competition!

The Annual Bookness Creative Writing Competition, sponsored by Hughes Lawyers, is Judged by Dr Michael Brohier (BA Hons Dip Ed M Lit PhD). Michael Brohier has been a teacher of senior English Literature for 40 years and has taught in schools in SA, QLD and briefly in the UK. In his most recent professional educational role, he served as Academic Deputy and then Deputy Headmaster at Somerset College for 25 years. He has been Chairman of the Somerset Literature Festival for 20 years and currently is the Artistic Director of Somerset Storyfest. The entry fee is $5.00 per poem, and poems must be at least 16 lines in length and no longer than 50 lines. Only electronic submissions accepted. Submissions close on Monday 31 June 2023. The Overall Winner will receive a Certificate, comments on the poem, a perpetual trophy and a cash prize of $250.00. Register here.

What has the community response to the store been so far? 

Overwhelming local community support for both our bookshop and the coffee nook. We have enjoyed seeing the excitement on peoples faces as they see us for the first time. So many have commented on how pleasing it is to have a local bookshop, where they can meet with friends, browse the books, or just having a coffee and enjoying some quiet time reading. The community has been onboard with our events; embracing our book clubs and experiencing visiting authors, both of which we look forward to expanding. Our coffee also is a big hit with the locals and is a boutique coffee, roasted locally on the Gold Coast by South Coast Coffee at Isle of Capri.  

What are some of your big hairy audacious goals for the future?

To create and grow a loyalty-based sustainable business for years to come, that works for the community to provide a space of enjoyment for readers, writers and literary fans. Also providing a support for schools and kindys to encourage enjoyment of literature for kids. Who knows, we may even like to open another store in a faraway land!!

Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

We have expanded our opening hours for the bookshop, so as to allow more access for people that work or would like to pop in to buy a book before heading out to dine in the local restaurants.

Bookness is pretty active on Facebook and Instagram, so shoot them a follow and keep up to date with what's happening.