News
September 24, 2025
Brother of Mine: Baldivis cafe was likely trading insolvent since 2022, collapsed with almost $2m in debts
Joseph Whettingsteel opened Brother of Mine café in March 2017, but just five years later, the business was struggling under unpaid debts.
Baldivis residents are reeling from the news that Brother of Mine, a popular local café, likely operated while insolvent for an extended period before its recent collapse, leaving behind a staggering debt of almost $2 million. The café, a staple in the Baldivis community since its opening in March 2017 by owner Joseph Whettingsteel, shuttered its doors, leaving many wondering what went wrong.
Reports indicate that the café's financial troubles began much earlier than previously suspected. While Brother of Mine enjoyed initial success and became a favoured spot for brunch and coffee, it appears the business was already grappling with significant unpaid debts as far back as 2022. This suggests a prolonged period of financial instability that ultimately proved unsustainable.
The news has sent shockwaves through the local business community and among Brother of Mine's loyal customers. Many recall the café as a vibrant hub, a place to catch up with friends, enjoy a family meal, or simply grab a coffee on the go. The unexpected closure has left a void in the Baldivis social scene and raised serious questions about the café's management in the years leading up to its demise.
The near $2 million debt figure paints a grim picture of the café's final months. Details regarding the specific nature of the debts remain scarce, but it's understood they encompass a range of financial obligations, potentially including unpaid supplier bills, outstanding rent, and employee entitlements. The collapse will undoubtedly have a significant impact on creditors, suppliers, and former employees, many of whom are now facing uncertainty.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the current economic climate. While Brother of Mine offered a popular product and seemingly enjoyed a loyal customer base, underlying financial issues ultimately proved insurmountable. The investigation into the café's insolvency is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. For now, the Baldivis community mourns the loss of a beloved local establishment and grapples with the fallout from its sudden and significant financial collapse.
Reports indicate that the café's financial troubles began much earlier than previously suspected. While Brother of Mine enjoyed initial success and became a favoured spot for brunch and coffee, it appears the business was already grappling with significant unpaid debts as far back as 2022. This suggests a prolonged period of financial instability that ultimately proved unsustainable.
The news has sent shockwaves through the local business community and among Brother of Mine's loyal customers. Many recall the café as a vibrant hub, a place to catch up with friends, enjoy a family meal, or simply grab a coffee on the go. The unexpected closure has left a void in the Baldivis social scene and raised serious questions about the café's management in the years leading up to its demise.
The near $2 million debt figure paints a grim picture of the café's final months. Details regarding the specific nature of the debts remain scarce, but it's understood they encompass a range of financial obligations, potentially including unpaid supplier bills, outstanding rent, and employee entitlements. The collapse will undoubtedly have a significant impact on creditors, suppliers, and former employees, many of whom are now facing uncertainty.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the current economic climate. While Brother of Mine offered a popular product and seemingly enjoyed a loyal customer base, underlying financial issues ultimately proved insurmountable. The investigation into the café's insolvency is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. For now, the Baldivis community mourns the loss of a beloved local establishment and grapples with the fallout from its sudden and significant financial collapse.
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Politics