Since the beginning of the pandemic, small businesses have been amongst the hardest hit, and unfortunately, for many businesses across central Victoria, the continued effects of COVID are still being felt.
Annette Larsen, owner and Chef at Harcourt Produce and General Store, told the Times, “We have been short-staffed for almost a year. (At present) we need a Chef, someone to work front of house and a Barista.
“I only closed down for three days over the lockdowns. I felt it was important for the people to have a place to come for coffee and snacks, to keep sane. I bought rice, toilet paper and other things and sold them out the front so people who needed it could get it.”
Like many small business owners, Annette was unable to gain much support from the government subsidies, particularly when Melbourne was in lockdown and rural Victoria wasn’t.
“Because I was a new business, I wasn’t able to demonstrate my income from previous years. It’s been a rollercoaster,” said Annette. “The business is really struggling economically. We only just survived. All of Harcourt has done it hard. It’s a small community, and I support local businesses, so if I were to shut, they will lose business.”
Owner of Le Sel in Maldon Serge Couturier said, “We’ve had to close Mondays and Tuesdays because we don’t have enough staff. We can’t do dinners at the moment and often can’t open out the back. There’s not enough goods delivered from overseas, like the cheese, sometimes it’s a yes, sometimes no or sometimes late. Everybody’s in the same boat. It (COVID) has impacted heavily on businesses and the mentality of people have been affected.”
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said, “Speaking to small businesses across the community, they are crying out for skilled workers and crying out for more support.
“I know that many businesses would open more days or longer hours if they had the staff. It must be so frustrating.”
State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, and there are many workers who are either furloughed or ill with COVID.
“If you’ve been looking for work for a while or you’re facing challenges that make it harder to find a job, Jobs Victoria can assist.
“Jobs Victoria supports people looking for work and connects employers with the staff they need. They provide information and advice in person, online and on the phone. They provide support to people looking for work, particularly people who have been affected by the impacts of the pandemic and support people who face barriers to joining the labour force while having an understanding that everyone’s journey to employment is personal.
“They also support businesses across the state to find the staff they need, so they can grow and contribute to Victoria’s economy. We understand that secure employment is about meeting both the job seeker and the employer’s needs.”
MP Lisa Chesters said, “Small business is the backbone of the Australian economy and provides important services to the Maldon and Mount Alexander areas. We can’t take that for granted.”
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 22 April 2022.
