Steven and Lisa were living in Penrith when their son Jaxon was born February 2012. He was a very sick child and they nearly lost him. After Jaxon was born, Steven decided that his job working for a blind company was too demanding and returning to work would not be an option while his infant son was so very sick. He resigned his job to be with Jaxon for his life threatening illness.

They attended the Country & Regional Living Expo in Sydney and met the Economic Development team from Lockhart. They must have made an impression because shortly after they moved with Jaxon and Janita to Lockhart.

The Nickels love it! The kids have freedom to go to the dam to look for yabbies, ride their bikes, have freedom to go to friend’s places without the worry. At Penrith, the kids you had to go straight home and immediately lock the door.

They started the business in Lockhart called ‘Nick’s Beef Jerky’ – Nick being Steven’s nickname.  The business is going so well they can’t keep up with demand; it gets to the shops and sells out really quickly. They are working hard but they love it!  Lisa says she misses late night shopping every Thursday night but it is a small price to pay.