Medowie Coles receives its first-ever camel delivery

SHOPPERS and motorists in Medowie did a double-take this week when two camels carrying bathrobe-clad riders made an unexpected delivery.

In a scene more suited to a desert caravan than a suburban shopping centre, two New Zealand entrepreneurs arrived at Coles Medowie on camelback to celebrate the launch of their products into Australia.

The founders of mens skincare line Two Dudes rode the camels approximately 30 kilometres along the Port Stephens coastline before arriving at the supermarket’s front entrance, where store manager Dave was waiting to receive the delivery.

The stunt also marked the launch of a fundraising campaign supporting men’s mental health during Men’s Health Week.

The company is donating $1 from every product sold through Coles to the charity R U OK?.

“Men’s Health Week felt like the right moment to make some noise and remind blokes that looking after yourself isn’t just about what you put on your face,” founders Michael McRae and Tomas Tappin said.

The supermarket team was delighted by the novelty and energy.

“When I went out the front to receive a new shipment of stock for a new range, I didn’t expect they would be arriving on camelback,” store manager Dave said.

“It was a really funny surprise, and the Two Dudes guys really delivered with their energy along with their actual delivery.

“Not your average day at work. It was a lot of fun.”

The unusual journey attracted plenty of attention along the way, with locals stopping to take photos and wave as the camel convoy passed through town.

Mr McRae said Medowie was chosen because regional communities embodied the down-to-earth values the company identifies with.

“The reaction from locals was brilliant,” co-founder Tomas Tappin agreed.

“People were hanging out of car windows, pulling over to take photos and having a laugh.

“We were dressed in bathrobes, so we expected to turn a few heads.”

While the camels behaved themselves throughout the trip, Michael implied that the Medowie delivery may have been the last of this unconventional style.

By Jacie WHITFIELD