Cafe proprietor Anthony Janssen and his partner Aleasha Holben launched a campaign last year to reclaim the bay with the café, which was opened on a short term lease while a shire tender process determines a long term lease and a future for the controversial building.

The aim is to show the community how important the building is to the environment.

“It’s going really well, we’re pretty overwhelmed,” Mr Janssen said yesterday.

“We’ve had a really good response from locals.

“We’re doing our best to keep it for the long term.”

Further comments at the cafe website include: “in only a few weeks since opening, the White Elephant has not only been extremely well received by locals, it’s like a weight has been lifted from the negativity of its past and we are now able to have a giggle and call a ‘spade a spade’.”

“We’re really very chuffed at how well the new concept has been accepted.

“It absolutely reflects what we want to bring to the community – a frank, no pretence business where the venue simply supports the main event – the location.”

Website visitor comments include Philip Gale’s “We have been coming to this location for the past 20 years and remember the original cafe on this site.

“I agree that it is the site that is important and the cafe is a welcome addition to the ambience of the area.

“There is no way that I would support anything more than that which is already provided on site.

“Heaven forbid that we end up with a Dome or similar in this location.”

Ian Costley said, “Well done AJ and team on transforming a tired little kiosk into a a vibrant international class cafe.

“Together with the unbeatable view, this has to be one of the most special places on this earth.

“A new building wouldn’t make a scrap of improvement.”

Learn more about the campaign at whiteelephantcafe.com.au