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It takes passion to sustain an affair for 30 years, as Dungog fashion boutique owner Ann Dillon will tell you.
It’s been three decades since she launched her eclectic treasure trove, Country Affair, on Dowling Street back in 1986 and she’s still going strong.
“If someone told me told me back I’d still be operating today, I’d of laughed,” Ann said.
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The girl from Gloucester came to Dungog with her husband, local real estate man Paddy Dillon, after marrying in 1984.
Ann worked in the bank for a couple of years before deciding to open a little boutique, Country Affair, with an old school friend.
“We were located up the other end of Dowling Street then, but when the lease expired I decided to buy the old Henneberry Jewellers at 174 Dowling Street. The friend moved on but I’ve been here ever since.”
Country Affair has evolved with the times, selling clothing, ladies accessories, lots of gifts and the biggest variety of jewellery in the local area.
“I’ve had the same staff – Judy, Kim and Coralie – for 20 years now and I wouldn’t have been able to keep going so long without them,” Ann said. “We sustain each other’s passion.”
Ann sources her stock from far and wide, utilising trusted suppliers from around the country and attending all the trade fairs.
“I’m always looking for new and exciting things that might appeal,” she said.
”I have a 24-year-old daughter who works at cutting edge Newcastle salon Woohoo – she keeps me on trend with fashion, and I work with a couple of suppliers who make one-offs you’ll never see anywhere else.
“The suppliers like dealing with me because they know I’m stable.”
Ann’s clients range from trusted locals to daytrippers driving through the valley or hopping off the train, and over the years, Ann has forged a relationship with the community.
‘We’re here to support the local community, charities, sporting organisation, raffles or donations – we’re always advertising those in the window. It’s always good to help out,” she said.
“The last couple of years in retail have been hard, especially after the flood of 2015. It hit the town hard and it was a tough time emotionally in Dungog – I think we were here more for support than as a retailer then.”
Country Affair stood tall during this year’s Dungog Business Awards, taking out the Business Excellence Award and Retailer of the Year.
Ann will be heading off to the Hunter Business Awards on August 5 to represent the local area.
“In 30 years I’ve seen a lot of boutiques come and go,” Ann said.
“But I’ve managed to raise a family and forge a rewarding lifelong passion in an area I love. It’s been great.”
![HEART AND SOUL: Country Affair owner Ann Dillon, pictured middle, says she owes the longevity of the business to her wonderful staff, pictured from left Judy Turner, and right Kim Kenny (absent Coralie White). HEART AND SOUL: Country Affair owner Ann Dillon, pictured middle, says she owes the longevity of the business to her wonderful staff, pictured from left Judy Turner, and right Kim Kenny (absent Coralie White).](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/SZjBdCvXzdW4Ygt94axh3r/03044037-07b8-49bb-b994-f0ab4f0f826b.jpg/r0_288_1497_1214_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)