NT businesses reflect and mark one year since COVID lockdown

ONE year on from lockdown, Darwin business owners say trade is finally bouncing back following a bumper wet season

• The NT News looks back at a whirlwind year of COVID-19
• Clinics contacted by the NT News have reported a steady flow of calls from the public wanting to get the vaccine

ONE year on from lockdown, Darwin business owners say trade is finally bouncing back following a bumper wet season.

Snapper Rocks owner David Robinson said his Darwin city restaurant had come a long way in 12 months, with returns up 30 per cent compared to an average wet season.

“The day we went into lockdown is still cemented in my memory,” he said.

“I remember watching the Prime Minister’s press conference at home on TV, hanging on every word. It was a crazy day.”

Hot Tamale and Snapper Rocks owner David Robinson. Picture: Keri Megelus

Mr Robinson, who also owns Mexican restaurant Hot Tamale, said they were forced to innovate and began serving meals via a kerb-side drive-in and takeaway.

“I think COVID was the kick in the pants many businesses needed to push ourselves and start doing things a bit differently,” he said. “It’s been cool to see Darwin with some ­vibrancy.

“For me, two of the best innovations that came of COVID was the beach club down at the Waterfront and the ability, thanks to licensing, for restaurants to be able to do takeaway liquor.

“I think it gave us the incentive we needed to start manufacturing our own spirits.”

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Cre8tive Nailz and Beauty salon owner Rosie Thind said she felt lucky to be doing fine without JobKeeper after a bumper wet season.

The Smith Street business was forced to close, like thousands in the Territory, on March 23 last year following Scott Morrison’s announcement a year ago today.

“This time last year was so bad for us — we were worried about everything from our lease to our staff,” she said.

“In hindsight, we had it a lot better than those businesses in Victoria and Sydney. We got out of lockdown in May and stayed open.

Cre8tive Nailz and Beauty salon, Beauty Therapist Enkhtuul Radnaabazar says they are doing fine without JobKeeper after a bumper wet season. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

“The first week back after the lockdown was hectic for us with all these women coming in for their hair and beauty. It was like Christmas.

“It was a crazy busy time for us, and we struggled to find new staffers after others moved on during the lockdown.”

Ms Thind said she was surprised this wet season had been so profitable for them.

“Things are normally so slow but we’ve had a lot more customers still coming in, and tourists too,” she said.