Celebrating our unsung local heroes with Woolworths, Alice Springs

They’re our unsung and sometimes faceless heroes who while some were fighting over toilet paper continued to stock shelves, pack online orders and respond to community feedback with admirable aplomb.

Woolworths Alice Springs employees Lauren Nelson (L) and Soni Bhinder. Picture: ALYCE MOKRZYCKI

They’re our unsung and sometimes faceless heroes who while some were fighting over toilet paper continued to stock shelves, pack online orders and respond to community feedback with admirable aplomb.

And though there’s been hurdles along the way – in what can only be credited to the resilience of the Central Australian spirit – Woolworths Alice Springs employees Lauren Nelson and Soni Bhinder are all the stronger for it.

“There were so many people in need of things and when we couldn’t supply everything it was tricky,” Ms Nelson, a member of the online customer service team, explained.

“But when the stock came back on the shelves and we could supply everyone that was really rewarding.

“There’s one customer who I’ve seen three times now and she always stops me and tells me what a great job we’re all doing – she’s like, ‘without you all I wouldn’t be able to feed my family’.

“It makes me proud. Proud of myself and of our team. Everyone has worked so hard.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Mrs Bhinder, who as Woolworths Alice Springs customer service manager has well and truly been on the ‘frontline’ when it comes to gauging community sentiment.

Describing the now-easing restrictions on product limits as the most challenging part of the job in recent months, she said feedback from the local community had been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s the customers that make me feel like I want to work at Woolworths and come to work in the morning,” Mrs Bhinder said.

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“Almost every day since COVID-19 started there have been customers that come to the service desk to say thank you – so when I go home I normally tell my husband as well!

“At the end of the day, that’s something that we remember.”

So, where to from here?

“I feel like this level of community spirit is the new normal,” Ms Nelson said.

“Everyone is adapting and we’re all moving forward, together.”