22 Fitzgerald Street WINDSOR • 4577 2003 www . Orchid22 . com . au
LOCAL LIFE
Vale Kelvin Tsui
KELVIN ’ S LETTER TO THE HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY the years and become an integral part of the Hawkesbury . The shop offered all the services of a mini lab , but Kelvin also marketed a range of T-shirts , comfortable Kung Fu footwear and even fireworks , which were then allowed to be legally marketed in NSW .
Kelvin , in partnership with Con , operated another store for several years in Park Mall – Sparkling Image – selling children ’ s clothing and fashion jewellery . And upstairs on the mezzanine floor , he established a photographic studio which became the go-to place to have your picture taken .
The media savvy Kelvin did it all in promoting Rabbit Photo and the studio .
“ I did a lot of media advertising and organised many promotional events offering a range of great prizes for special occasions such as Easter and Christmas ,” Kelvin said . And fabulous prizes they were , including trips for two to Hong Kong !
His most successful photographic promotion was the Glamour Competition for young girls and women which offered fabulous prizes for the winners — $ 10,000 in cash and gifts for the ladies and $ 5,000 in cash and gifts for the younger ones .
“ We organised the Glamour Competition for four years and my records show that just over 5,000 entrants aged between six years and into their seventies had their photos taken in the upstairs studio ,” Kelvin said .
“ The competitions really excited the
whole town and my staff and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in all aspects of it .” When he came to Richmond in ‘ 85 , Kelvin did it all himself but over the years his staff numbers grew to eight . But with the arrival of digital cameras and the slow death of film processing , Kelvin decided to reduce his operations and for the past eight years has been solely running Rabbit Photo .
“ I ’ m still kept very busy developing photos , working my magic in editing and restoring customers ’ valued photographs , taking passport and identity photos and offering free Justice of the Peace services to thousands of people down the years ,” Kelvin said .
“ I love coming to the shop because I enjoy my work and serving customers , many of whom I ’ ve been looking after for several years . People tell me I ’ m not a young man anymore and ask when I am going to retire but I tell them that while I am enjoying my work and coming into the shop , I ’ ll probably stay open for another 34 years !”
During his spare time , Kelvin likes to jet off overseas for short holidays to South East Asia , China , Japan and the United States .
“ And I love going to the movies , I enjoy all genres , but my favourites are action flicks featuring a hero who overcomes all adversity placed in his or her way .”
Much the same as Kelvin Tsui has been doing all his life !
Farewell and thank you , Hawkesbury Community
After 41 years of serving this amazing community , it is with great sadness that I announce the closing of our local Rabbit Photo . Over the past two years I have been battling a terminal illness , it ’ s the hardest thing I have ever had to do , I have tried my very best , however , it is now time for me to say goodbye .
For half a century , I have lived a life of discovery through photography , capturing moments and creating memories with all of you . I ’ ve grown to master this craft , but now , it is time to let go .
Even when faced with the challenge of living in pain every day , my love for my work , my customers , my family , has never wavered .
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the unwavering support and friendship I have received over the years . Many of you have become not just customers , but dear friends .
I recall a time when one of my best customers became my best mate . We had coffee together one day , and the next day , he passed away . Another friend who was by my side , helping 4-5 days a week for 20 years , even in his sickness , insisted on coming to the shop to lend a hand . Stories like these are countless , and they fill my heart with gratitude .
Today , my tears flow from within , 24 hours a day , as I reflect on all the friendships and memories formed in this little shop . I miss you all deeply . This shop has been the source of my greatest joy because of the incredible people I ’ ve met along the way . It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to be a part of your lives through this little shop .
Thank you , Hawkesbury , for everything . Goodbye .
With heartfelt gratitude , Kelvin Tsui
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22 Fitzgerald Street WINDSOR • 4577 2003 www . Orchid22 . com . au
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 174 // NOVEMBER 2024 7