Heretics Haven owners recognised for creating a place to belong

Tamara Brown and Dave Harris with their Nambour Chamber of Commerce award.

A Nambour business born from a difficult family chapter has been recognised for creating a welcoming community while investing in one of the town’s historic buildings.

Heretics Haven owners Dave Harris and Tamara Brown were named Nambour Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month at the chamber’s October 2 Coffee Catch-up at Casa Ceramica.

Presenting the award, Chamber Vice President Brian Bugenhagen said the couple had been nominated by Darrell and Michelle Dalton of Golf Programs Australia, the previous Business of the Month recipients.

Dave and Tamara moved to Nambour and bought the century-old Chadwick Chambers in Currie Street in 2020 (they have since sold the premises), establishing gaming store Heretics Haven and undertaking restoration work on the building.

Golf Programs Australia, a charity which had been a tenant in the building since 2016, said the couple had shown both practical and personal support.

“Heretics Haven gives people a place to gather and belong,” Mr Bugenhagen said. “Both organisations bring people together and help reduce isolation, each in its own way. Their support has also been personal. During an exceptional difficult time for Michelle and her family, Dave, Tamara and their family showed compassion that Daryl and Michelle say they will never forget.  Dave and Tamara, thank you very much for your investment in Nambour, your care and valued local charity and the welcome you offer your community.” 

Accepting the award, Dave revealed the personal circumstances behind the couple’s move to Nambour.

“We moved up here under really crappy circumstances. We lost all our parents within about 18 months, and this was our sea change — creating Heretics Haven and giving a home to a lot of people,” he said.

Heretics Haven has developed into far more than a retail outlet, with its gaming space attracting people of different ages and backgrounds through Warhammer, Pokémon, board games and other tabletop gaming.

“We’ve got veterans, people on disability support and all sorts of people who come into the store and support us, and we try to support them in kind,” Dave said.

“It’s been really humbling to set up in a community like Nambour. We hope to be here for a long time to come.”

Tamara announced Heretics Haven would nominate Signtown for next month’s award, praising the business for helping create community and improve the town’s appearance.

Heretics Have | 91 Currie St, Nambour | 5338 8919