Originally Published March 1 2022
RESIDENTS across the Gannawarra are encouraged to pour some money into local businesses as they continue to navigate their way out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many businesses were pleased with the amount of business they received over the Christmas rush, including Erin Hein’s Kerang clothing store The Tailored Peach.
However, many have found it hard to return to normal services.
“The holidays were so up the creek, especially once New Year’s hit and everyone came home, and then all of a sudden everyone is in isolation,” Ms Hein said.
“It was very up and down, and you could see yourself on social media with different eateries and stuff like that posting about being closed for the week because they haven’t got enough staff, so that seemed to be a massive issue for a lot.”
Ms Hein says it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster throughout the pandemic, and it was a hard slog to even get to Christmas time.
“Personally for us, with home-schooling and everything, it’s probably just been a real drag I suppose to try and get through to Christmas and that, because you’re kind of being like, “yes we’re back open”, and then you’re on a downer because we’re shut again,” Ms Hein said.
“It was just up, down, up, down, that I think by the end of the year you were kind of feeling just exhausted from overthinking everything.”
However, it has also taught her how to be more adaptable and to go with the flow.
“Move with it, have your whinge or whatever, and then move on,” she said with a laugh.
Owner of the Mates Royal Hotel in Koondrook, Shane Membrey, said he and his wife nearly closed their business twice during the pandemic, but the support from the locals he has received since things have started returning to normal has been of great help to him and the business.
“(Shopping local) is what keeps the town going, doesn’t it?” he said.
“You’ve got to do the best you can and, everyone looks after each other I think.”
Ms Hein has also felt the community has been very understanding during a fairly confusing time.
“We’ve found everyone in here had no issues with every different rule we’ve had, like showing certificates and all that sort of stuff. If anything, we’ve had people coming up to show us,” she said.
“We’ve found everyone to be always really positive.”
While Ms Hein encourages people to shop local when they can, she understands in regional areas it is not always practical.
“We’ve said for a while, just because you step foot in the door or enquire about anything does not mean that you have to buy something from us or from the shop next door,” Ms Hein said.
“All we ever say to people is just check out your local shops to see if they’ve got what you want first.”
Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Charlie Gillingham said the council would continue to advocate for more financial support for local businesses.
“We understand and sympathise with the issues currently impacting the hospitality sector locally and across the state. It is a difficult position that is creating serious hardship for many businesses,” Cr Gillingham said.
“Council encourages residents to continue to support our local business owners by shopping local and taking advantage of our terrific hospitality and service businesses we have across the Gannawarra.”
