Business owners ‘devastated’ by latest lockdown

Innovation taken to a “new level” to keep businesses afloat as CBD owners call for the community to buy local amid Covid-19 closures.

Shoes on Magellan store owner, Melinda Turner, wants shoppers to support local to help Lismore CBD businesses keep their doors open amid the latest Covid-19 lockdown.

As local businesses brace for another week of lockdown, new measures could be implemented to better support those struggling.

Many Lismore stores have had no other option than to close doors completely, get innovative and hop online to continue business as normal as possible amid the current Covid-19 crisis.

One of these is Shoes on Magellan owner Melinda Turner who has taken her online presence to a “new level” to mitigate losses the best she could.

That included posting an unique QR code to her website on her store’s window to entice those doing their daily lap of exercise around the CBD.

Lismore residents window shop along Molesworth St while wearing masks as many non-essential stores close doors. Credit: Tessa Flemming

However, like many, Thursday's announcement that regional NSW would remain in lockdown until August 28 was crushing.

“Its devastating, totally devastating,” she said.

“I am down so much every day.

“At least 10 shoes are not walking out a day where they would in store. I would estimate it’s down to two everyday perhaps.”

Many local businesses have put in place Covid-19 regulations like this one in Molesworth St. Credit: Tessa Flemming

A firm believer in staying safe, Ms Turner had been impressed with the community’s reaction to but now feared an extension wasn’t needed given our zero cases.

“The first week we were so happy to go along, our town was so responsible and took it upon ourselves,” she said.

“We did that thankfully and monitored the situation, now I think we are being lumped in with the Greater Sydney problem.”

$200 COVID-19 Disaster Payment

It comes as NSW deputy premier John Barilaro hints that areas of regional NSW may be added to the Test and isolate Support Payment scheme, which is only available in certain areas of Sydney.

“At crisis cabinet meeting, we will be making a decision around the isolate payments based on areas where we‘ve got a concern about testing,” he said.

“I don‘t think it’s required across all of the regions, the issue is where the areas of concern are.

“I think we‘ll have more to say about that tomorrow (Friday).”

Mr Barilaro said businesses affected by the lockdown must contact Service NSW to access financial support.

“They are entitled to the JobSaver payments from the NSW and Federal governments, which offers payments of up to $100,000 a week based on payroll and the loss of turnover,” he said.

“$700 million has already gone out for business support, and that is available across regional NSW.”

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

For Ms Turner, she said it was now vital for the community to support each other and buy local.

“If they can continue to eat locally and purchase their necessities from us locals, we will still be there for the future,” she said.

“Every bit counts.

“That’s what’s going to get us through – sticking together us a community.”

People who have lost income due to Covid-19 lockdowns, border closures, or the need to isolate, may be eligible for Covid-19 Disaster Payments.

Many people in NSW are already getting the Covid-19 Disaster Payment, however, people in regional NSW impacted by the most recent lockdown announced on Saturday, August 14 can claim from Sunday, August 22.

For more information on eligibility, visit the Services Australia website here.