‘This decision breaks my heart’: Award-winning WA bakery Dusty Buns closing its doors for good

A popular WA bakery has announced it will be shutting its doors for good following a perfect storm of conditions left the small business struggling.

Family-owned bakery Dusty Buns in Busselton announced on Wednesday that it would be ceasing operations on Christmas Eve for good.

“After a great deal of thought, reflection and some incredibly difficult conversations, we’ve made the heart-breaking decision to close Dusty Buns at Origins Market,” owners Joel and Mel Benbow began.

Despite being a prominent small business within the Busselton community, the owners were forced to close up due to operational challenges.

“Sometimes even when business is good, the numbers and the reality of running a small business simply don’t stack up,” Mr Benbow continued.

“When you’re working in excess of 100 hours a week, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, the personal cost eventually becomes too great.

“Staff shortages, rising operating costs and the economics of operating a business with significant overheads but restricted trading days have created challenges that are increasingly difficult to overcome.”

Owner Joel Benbow is a born-and-raised Busselton local who has spent nearly three decades in the baking industry, with the baker beginning his career with an apprenticeship in March 1998 before going on to win a host of awards during his illustrious career.

Mr Benbow continued: “Over those years, I’ve been fortunate enough to win multiple baking competitions, represent Western Australia on the national stage and receive what I consider one of the highest honours a baker can achieve in Australia — the prestigious LA Judge Award in 2004.”

Most recently, Dusty Buns won the 2026 Australian Good Food Guide readers choice award for Best Bakery in the South West & Margaret River.

Despite the success, issues with Mr Benbow’s health coupled with the difficulties of running a small business in the current climate has forced the prominent WA business owner to close his doors for good.

“This decision breaks my heart, but I’m proud of what we’ve built, grateful for the community that has supported us, and hopeful about what the future might hold,” Mr Benbow went on to say.

“To every customer who has supported us, every person who has lined up for our baked goods, and everyone who has encouraged us along the way, thank you. You’ve made this journey incredibly special.

“To all our past employees, thank you for the contributions you’ve made along the way. Every person who has been part of Dusty Buns has helped shape the business into what it is today, and we’re incredibly grateful for the role you’ve played in our journey.”

Hundreds of WA locals have already rallied around the small business, sharing their heartbreak over the announcement.

“You guys are an absolute Busselton icon. Dusty Buns is the primary reason our family steps foot inside Origins Market,” one local wrote, with another adding: “I’m so sorry to hear this, you have the absolute best baked goods I’ve ever tasted.”

A third said: “Joel and Mel along with the whole Dusty Buns family, you all have done an incredible job putting together a world class bakery and should be so very proud of your accomplishments.”