‘It’s been a privilege’: one of Canberra’s oldest businesses is closing

After more than a century in business, Cusacks Furniture in Canberra has announced the store will close its doors later this year.

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The family-owned business, located on Albany Street in Fyshwick, was founded in 1918 and is one of the ACT’s longest-running businesses.

Peter Cusack and father David, 88. Cusacks was started in 1918 in Yass by David’s father Stan. Photo: Karleen Minney

In a public statement on Tuesday, March 31, the Cusack family said the business had remained strong but the decision to close was made after careful consideration as the next generation of the family pursued opportunities outside the retail sector.

The business will continue to trade until the end of October, 2026.

“All permanent staff will be supported through this period, with transition arrangements and redundancy packages consistent with their tenure,” the statement said.

The company’s managing director Peter Cusack said his family was incredibly proud of the 108 years spent supporting their customers and contributing to the ACT community.

“My grandfather founded this business on a small corner in Yass, NSW, and over the years it has grown steadily while remaining true to its local roots,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to serve our customers and community for more than a century, and we are immensely proud of the legacy we have created over that time.”

An early shot of the Cusacks furniture store in Manuka, now the site of The Public Bar. Photo: Supplied

His grandfather, Stan Cusack, opened the business originally in the main street of Yass in 1918 and then moved it to Canberra in 1927.

Cusacks Furniture opened the same year as the original Parliament House, on the corner of Flinders Way and Franklin Street, in Manuka.

Joan Waldren, Mary Cusack, Jim Pead, John Cusack and David Cusack in the Cusacks Furniture Store in Kingston after the store was rebuilt following a fire in 1976. Photo: Supplied

Mr Cusack expressed his gratitude to customers for their “long-standing trust and support”, and acknowledged the contribution of current and former staff, stating their “dedication, commitment and professionalism” had shaped the company’s reputation over many decades.

The family’s statement said details of the business’ closing timeline and any final sale events will be shared in coming weeks.

“Until then, it remains business as usual at Cusacks,” Peter Cusack said.

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