Patchewollock, Manangatang pubs reopen after restrictions ease
When pubs closed, many small communities lost their place for social connection. But that didn’t stop people digging in to make sure “the local” survived tough times.
Mildura
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Patchewollock Hotel publican Bryce Harriman knows how important the local pub is to a rural community.
But recent months, which saw Victorians pubs close under stage 3 coronavirus restrictions, served to reinforce the point.
Mallee farmers who have learnt a thing or two about self-isolation – spending hours sitting on a tractor will do that – suddenly didn’t have a place they could go at the end of a long week for social interaction.
Mr Harriman said having that place to engage with others was vital.
“That’s the only reason a place like Patche still has a pub because it is that important,” he said.
“Some people are twice a week, once a week or once a month, but they come in and they talk about how much rain they’ve got … it’s a release.
“Take that away and you can see people struggling.”
After restrictions in regional Victoria were eased last week, the drinks are again being poured at the Patchewollock Hotel.
Mr Harriman said during the shutdown, he still had some accommodation being booked by essential workers, which helped get him through.
He said the community were also keen to help in whatever way they could.
A friend of the pub, Alan Heenan, set up a GoFundMe page, which exceeded a $5000 target and got responses from near and far.
Now that the pub is open, business is a little closer to normal.
“Everyone’s been itching to get back to their local,” Mr Harriman said.
Between the reopening and the fundraiser campaign, the pub should be able to get through the upcoming harvest and the warmer January and February period, when trade normally slows.
Manangantang Hotel owner and publican Areika Martin said every purchase counted as her business navigated recent months.
Workers staying in the motel rooms and locals buying takeaway was the difference between surviving and not.
“It doesn’t take a great deal, it’s just a few more pizzas and a few more slabs,” Ms Martin said.
“An extra three steak burgers is another $45 — it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s enough to tick over.”
The next step will be to get the beers pouring again.
Ms Martin said she plans to have the beer lines cleaned and kegs connected in time for next Friday.
In the meantime, up to 20 people can be seated in two indoor areas for dinner each night and lunch Wednesday through Saturday.
“What matters is people coming through the door,” Ms Martin said.
“The Manang community does that, so we’re still able to stay open.”
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