THE Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe owned by Andrea McKay at Fingal Head has been in the news of late, but the locals regard it as a storm in a tea cup.

The shack is an example of how many of the north coast's village communities once were.

Situated on a bend of the Tweed River, yachts moor against a green backdrop of coastal forests, reminding residents and visitors of the beach cottages of the 1940s and 1950s where time stood still and the weekenders were humble and affordable.

There was a flat, a shed and space for a kiln and for teaching art and painting and space for a sales/display area.

Andrea's Sheoak Shack has become the hub of Fingal Head village, enjoys community support and is often a free venue for communities.

She reflects: "It was 1999. I'd been at university doing an arts degree and needed somewhere quiet to live and study. This came up, perfect.

"There was a flat, a shed and space for a kiln and for teaching art and painting and a space for a sales/display area.

"After classes we would sit around and have a cuppa."

She said visitors to the pottery were increasing.

"There were no tea rooms available so visitors would be invited to share our morning tea.

"I soon realised the potential of the pottery/art studio and its location.

"I bought some cups, a coffee plunger and a toaster, it was all low-key."

She said Joe Kydd, a local and naturally gifted cook, supplied cakes.

"It grew organically - I had no intention of opening a restaurant, it grew out of demand and became the Sheoak Shack.

"The council were very supportive, seeing this as a service to the community."

Andrea said visitor numbers increased through tour operators and the reafforestation by Fingal Head Coastcare, who were regenerating the beautiful littoral forests that were once typical of all the North Coast beaches.

She said the business takes its name from the surrounding fences built of sheoak and driftwood and decorations are mainly gifts from the sea.

It's where recycled Chesterfield lounges and old bamboo chairs reign supreme, more like an oversized family lounge room of the 1940s and 1950s.

Many visitors, particularly surfers, are reminded of the entrepreneurial beach cafes or warungs of Uluwatu, Bali, and Lakey Peak, Sumbawa, when young Aussie surfers spearheaded the surfing boom there. It's a laid back and cruisy atmosphere - bare feet, thongs, high heels, boots; kids and dogs sprawl around mum and dad's drink; aromatic coffee and home cooked food, peruse newspapers, browse the art and sculpture, and the kids do their thing on a white board, with crayons provided.

It grew out of demand, becoming a venue for budding musicians to perform their original work, some now well-known such as Susan Byth, Baron Von Weirdo, Ash Grunwald and many others.

"In the gallery many local artists have exhibits, among them is indigenous sculptor Garth Lenar, who sold his first piece here for $50, now his sculptures are worth up to $22,000 and are on permanent exhibition at the Tweed River Art Gallery, and Parliament House, Canberra."

It's a funky, feral and friendly vibe, and dogs are welcome too. The community of Fingal is very diverse. Among local the residents are retirees, fishing enthusiasts, medical and business professionals.

Most love and share a common bond of living here, appreciating that time hasn't erased the community spirit of the past. Keep Fingal Special is the mantra - and it is.

Shack facts

• Opened in 1999 as a pottery/art kiln facility
• Sources local food and coffee
• Listed in the top 10 dog-friendly restaurants
• Grows own vegetables and herbs on site
• Located at 64 Fingal Rd, Fingal Head.