Perth's community spirit inspirational for Tasmanian maker Sue Jackson

Located just 20 minutes from Launceston and 10 minutes from the airport, the town gains from being on the Midland Highway. 

The suburb, consisting of a service station, an antiques shop, hairdressers, pharmacy, a good ol’ community pub, a supermarket and its own car dealership seemed very welcoming for Sue Jackson. 

Mrs Jackson fell in love with the town and a cafe called Utsi.  

“It was a lovely coffee shop and cafe. My husband and I used to frequented the cafe all the time,” she said.

Mrs Jackson knew the chef was planning to travel and the cafe owner was planning to sell. 

“I knew Utsi was rounding up and coming to an end. So I asked Colette [the land owner] if she wanted a tenant for a few months,” she said. 

Mrs Jackson turned down the opportunity to run a pop-up shop in Launceston to work out of the former Utsi building. 

“I am a maker and I knew that I couldn’t run a shop permanently and write as well. So I made it a pop up situation,” she said. 

“I’m going to be here until Christmas, all going well.” 

Muse, Mrs Jackson’s pop up, features a bunch of her own work and a number of other Tasmanian creators. 

It was the building’s character that made her want the opportunity. 

“It’s a beautiful old building. I have forgone a pop up in Launceston where there is a lot more traffic and it’s a lot busier, for a character building and because the town’s got a really lovely community feel,” she said. 

It was knowing the town was supportive of people to take a chance on small towns that Mrs Jackson set up her Muse in Perth. 

The state government is mid-way through building a bypass around the town, but Mrs Jackson doesn’t believe it will dampen the community’s spirit. 

“They’re talking about a lot of town development to counteract it and deal with that. I would like to think that no, it wont change when the bypass comes in,” she said.  

The picturesque town has been a popular resting spot for those travelling along the highway for as long as time can tell. 

Its council launched a structure plan for Perth in March, which states there is room for an extra 900 homes in the town. 

Mayor David Downie has previously said the structure plan was a “wonderful opportunity” for Perth.

The plan aims to revitalise the town and grow its commercial sectors, including making the town distinct, vibrant and memorable for visitors and residents. It also aims to connect the town, while keeping its historical features.​