The Save The White Elephant campaign was launched in December last year to coincide with the café’s temporary re-opening.

The new proprietors saw the temporary lease as an opportunity to prove how the venue could work, and to build support for a forthcoming tender process that could see the cafe demolished and rebuilt.

Proprietor Anthony Janssen said he has been overwhelmed by the support received from the community so far and, although he doesn’t see any need for demolition, the Elephant could enjoy a good ‘nip and tuck’.

“I think people have really embraced the idea that you don’t need a perfect building to enjoy the amazing location, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it a little more comfortable and user friendly,” he said.

“Our plans include the introduction of glass panels to protect alfresco diners from the wind, as well as an enclosure with fireplace for winter use.”

Although not formalised at this stage, the plans would introduce paving, lounge seating and more jarrah bench seating.

The enclosed area would incorporate blinds and ventilation for sun and air control, and allow people to dine in a more protected environment.

If successful in the tender process, the plans would be developed and implemented by summer 2011/2012.

“If we’ve learnt anything in our time at the site, it’s definitely that people still want the casual, laid back environment,” Mr Janssen said.

“They want to roll up in their bathing suit if they want or have a bite after a run along the beach.

“We definitely don’t want to change that side of things.”

Since opening, The White Elephant has had immense community support through email, blogs and in the press.

“When we entered into this temporary lease we thought, if we could demonstrate to the shire that the community has a sense of humour and just wants to keep it simple, we’ve got a good chance of keeping the lease for the long term,” he said.

“We’ve been so pleased with the support so far, but we know the hard work hasn’t even begun.”

The Augusta-Margaret River Shire has received expressions of interest for the café, with some proponents looking to demolish and replace the 2005 building.

Locals can show their support and voice their ideas for the changes at The White Elephant either at the cafe, Gnarabar, or via the new website www.whiteelephantcafe.com.au