THE Broken Earth Complex on the top of the Line of Lode will reopen in the coming months, with new lessees announced this week.
Bradley and Leeanne Jackson, owners of My Dad’s Honey, were the successful applicants, and will have their rent subsidised thanks to Broken Hill Mines.
Mr Jackson said the Broken Earth Complex will be called the Line of Lode Cafe, and will offer breakfast, lunch and more.
“We’re excited to offer breakfast, lunch, and more, with honest, wholesome food, friendly service, and a focus on local history and hospitality,” he said.
“In time, we hope to develop the space further — a warm, welcoming destination that honours the past, celebrates the present, and serves the community into the future.”
Ms Jackson is originally from Broken Hill and Mr Jackson from Ivanhoe, and the pair said they have a personal connection to the Broken Earth Complex themselves.
“The Line of Lode also plays a special role in our story — it’s where we had our first date, sitting at the cafe, sharing stories, and looking out across the sweeping view of Broken Hill. That moment is etched into our hearts,” Mr Jackson said.
“Now, years later, we’re returning to the very place our story began — not just to run a cafe, but to create a space where others can write their own stories too.
“Whether it’s a first date, a quiet coffee, or a family breakfast, we hope the cafe will be a place for connection and memory-making.”
The Jacksons have a restaurant in Echuca, Victoria, but said they’re thrilled to be able to return home to re-enliven a local icon.
“After years building our beekeeping and hospitality business in Echuca, we feel incredibly privileged to return to Broken Hill and take on the role of custodians of one of the town’s most treasured landmarks,” they said.
Foundation Broken Hill are the licensees for the Line of Lode precinct including the Broken Earth building and the Miners Memorial, and chairman John Lynch said he believes the Line of Lode is one of Broken Hill’s most important tourist destinations.
“We believe it’s one of our city’s greatest attractions,” he said.
“There’s huge potential for future operations within this magnificent facility. It provides the greatest panoramic view our city has.”
Head of corporate sustainability at Broken Hill Mines, Shane Goodwin, said the company recognise the value in the landmark venue and want to contribute to reinvigorating the city.
“If we can contribute to getting it back up and running and back as a central part of the city’s culture, then we’re interested in that,” Mr Goodwin said.
“Obviously we’re a new operator in town and we want to contribute to Broken Hill in the best way possible.
“This is one of the ways that we thought we could immediately make a strong, solid contribution in Broken Hill.”
It’s expected the new cafe will open in late August.
