Family ties at the heart of new Aquamoves café

The café offers everything from barista-made coffee and fresh smoothies to focaccias, sandwiches, hot chips and sweet treats.

Already an established beauty therapist and running her own salon for over a decade, Dee can now add hospitality to her growing list of business ventures.

“I’ve been an established beauty therapist and have run my salon since 2013, so this is my first time being immersed in hospitality,” Dee said.

Daughter Mel, however, is no stranger to the café scene, successfully operating Daily Dose at Goulburn Valley Private Hospital for the past three years.

The pair hope that Daily Dose Aqua will become more than just a new coffee stop and instead a place where visitors can relax before or after using the facilities.

“People can finish hydrotherapy or the gym and sit back in a nice, relaxed environment,” Dee said.

“It’s also perfect for parents waiting while their children are in lessons. They can grab a coffee, the kids can have something to eat, and they don’t have to leave the centre.”

Popular menu items include toasted focaccias and freshly made sandwiches, while vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available on request.

Mel said the menu would expand as the café grew.

But it is technology that will soon make visiting even easier, with an app being developed that will allow users to order ahead and skip the queue.

QR codes will also be displayed at Aquamoves, allowing customers to place their order and collect it without waiting, or in some cases have it brought out to them.

“It’ll be quick and easy,” Mel said.

“We also want it to cater for people walking around the lake or passing through the area.

“That’s what we hope the app will do.”

The café is also very much a family affair, with Dee’s 16-year-old son, Mel’s younger brother, Omar, already working alongside the pair.

Daily Dose Aqua is open Monday to Friday from 6am to 8pm, Saturdays from 7am to 5pm and Sundays from 8.30am to 5pm.