Businesses send out desperate plea to community amid coronavirus outbreak

Independent Brisbane businesses have sent out a desperate plea for support after some have seen a more than 90 per cent decrease in revenue during the coronavirus outbreak, with more pain still to come.

BUSINESSES on Brisbane’s bayside have sent out a desperate plea for support to the local community as they struggle to keep their doors open amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The scene in Wynnum Central has been emulating a ghost town over the past four days with only a few or no customers seen inside most businesses in the area as residents continue to isolate themselves from the wider community.

It could not come at a worst time for the bayside and especially Wynnum after the suburb has seen a rejuvenation of some sorts over the past two years with a bunch of new developments, shops, restaurants and cafes opening in the precinct.

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Fun Fit Play is one of the newest shops to open in the area after launching last year and owner Olga Faataape said she has seen a 97 per cent decline in revenue during since the outbreak of the disease in Australia.

“We’re seeing streets and other local business with a few and even no customers and watching the panic buying where people are compromising health and safety,” she said.

“We are worried about how long will this go for and will we be able to keep staff employed. “All excursions cancelled to our centre due to advice from government.

Netta Rizk and Olga Faataape from Fun Fit Play at Wynnum Shopping Centre. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

“We’ve had to cut hours back on all staff, close during the week to save on running costs in hope it all passes before the school holidays commence.”

Ms Faataape said if some of the money residents spend on panic buying was instead used on supporting local businesses, most places wouldn’t be shutting their doors.

“Now more than ever is the time to support business, especially like ours where more than $100,0000 has been spent on a fit out to be able to give kids an amazing experience.”

Cedar & Pine owner Mali Hannun. Picture: Renae Droop

Owner of Cedar and Pine Bar in Wynnum, Mali Hannun, said business owners were facing the toughest and most challenging times they have ever known.

“The uncertainty people are feeling is clearly having an impacting on many businesses,” she said.

“Like most, we are trying to stay positive and work together for the greater good of then community as a whole.

“Personally, we’ve offered a free delivery service for wine, will live stream our live music for those who can’t come into the bar and to help the musicians who also have lost a lot of work. “We’ve also implemented a total ban on coronavirus talk while in the bar, as we are genuinely concerned for the mental toll this is taking on people.

“The hospitality industry simply cannot work from home. Your local coffee shop, bar, pub and restaurant need you now more than ever.

“There is no us without you and while I absolutely understand the severity of the situation, I also understand that cafes and bars have always been a place where people can go to be around others, to find calm and comfort and support, to talk, laugh, listen to music, and forget- even just momentarily – about the madness in our world.”

Craig Wheate is the creator of Bay Terrace Seafood and Sushi, Wynnum. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

Craig Wheate, who owns the newest flashy restaurant in Wynnum Central in Bay Tce Seafood and Sushi, echoed other business owners’ comments and said it was sad considering the area was riding a wave of momentum in recent times.

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David Farley from the Manly Harbour Village said it was not all doom and gloom for bayside businesses with some in Manly experiencing more customers than ever.

“There is no reason that we should have a down turn locally,” he said.

“A report back from a couple of local cafes was that they have been extra busy with coffee and cake and lunches from people who were not regulars.

“It appears that a substantial cohort who are now working from home, but still want a coffee at morning tea.

“Last Sunday, Manly was buzzing, but I have been advised that the Westfield Chermside was a ghost town. Are people coming to the bayside in the weekends to take advantage of the healthy fresh sea air?

“Of course the food shops are doing well as in the supermarkets, butcher and bakers.

“It should not be all doom and gloom, we will survive.”

Quest Community Newspapers is publishing a free guide to help our readers support local traders. Business owners, use this link to submit your listing.