The State government's announcement last Thursday, August 26 both regional and rural NSW would remain in lockdown until September 10, came as a devastating blow for many local business operators.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's a stark reality, some of our favourite outlets will not return following a tough winter which has seen a complete stop to trading after Sydney and surrounds were shut out of travelling to regional and rural areas after the State government introduced strict lockdown laws.
So, now more than ever before it is important for us to step up and support local wherever possible.
It goes without saying, locally owned and operated business are an essential component of any community.
They support the community by employing local people, contribute to the economy, help the community grow and prosper, they know their customers by name and support local charities and sporting groups.
"The current restrictions are impacting everyone in our community in some way or the other," Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber president, Megan Lewis said.
"For local business owners, whether it's family run or they have employees, they're having to make tough choices about how they run their business, how they manage their cash flow and, how they service customers," Ms Lewis said.
"We've had to make these choices before and we know we will be able to do it again.
"A key part of our resilience comes from the amazing support we receive from our local community and we appreciate the repeat of this support during this phase of adjusting to living life with COVID."
Libbie Delaney is concerned many local small business operators won't bounce back from the latest State-wide lockdown.
Ms Delaney, who owns The Brazilian Queen beauty salon in Tuncurry, said it took her industry a good 12 months to rebuild business following last year's 11-week shutdown.
"A lot of small businesses will struggle to come back," she said.
We've had to make these choices before and we know we will be able to do it again.
- Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber president, Megan Lewis
"I'm not feeling as comfortable and confident as last time."
With many people no longer working full-time or reduced to part-time or casual work any spare cash was being channelled into essentials items.
Ms Delaney, who has owned and operated a number of businesses for close to 40 years though two recessions and a global financial crisis, said the pandemic was without a doubt the worst for small businesses.
"We were never told (in the past) to shut our doors."
A click and collect, on-line service has eased some of the financial pressure for Jungle Surf, Tuncurry.
"But, we are well and truly down (on previous years)," Charne Lindsay said.
While not an ideal situation, Ms Lindsay said the outlet could operate in a limited capacity and was grateful the lockdown was occurring in quieter months and not the busy Christmas holiday period.
"If it was Christmas it would have been crippling; let's get this sorted now."
With no guests since the start of August Beaches International has taken the opportunity to undertake a massive spring clean, lay new carpet in the foyers, spruce up some of the apartments and continue with its maintenance program in preparation for an anticipated bumper Christmas holiday season.
Co-manager, Tammy Randall has been busy refunding money and taking forward bookings in anticipation of the State re-opening in the not too distant future.
"People are desperate to get out of Sydney."
Mrs Randall described Beaches International as very fortunate.
"We have been here a long time and we are well established."
Did you know? Great Lakes Advocate online subscribers not only have 24/7 access to local and national news, sport, what's on and entertainment - they also have access to our print editions in digital format, with all the advertisements and classifieds at their fingertips.