Pennicott Wilderness Journeys suspends operations indefinitely due to coronavirus

Tasmanian business Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is suspending operations indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis. Managing director Robert Pennicott says the decision will affect more than 100 staff.

THE renowned Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is the latest Tasmanian business suffering because of the coronavirus crisis, suspending operations indefinitely.

Managing director Robert Pennicott said the decision would affect more than 100 staff, most of which were casuals.

The business, which has been in operation for more than 20 years and runs cruises and day tours in Tasmania and Victoria, catered for about 129,000 guests last financial year.

But like many businesses, it is now facing an uncertain future.

Rob Pennicott. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“If you had told me three months ago that this was even possibly on the cards, it would have been in the realm of almost impossible,’’ Mr Pennicott said.

“It’s the biggest thing that I have suffered in 21 years.

“If we’re extremely lucky, it will be a few months but in reality, I think it will be 12 months, maybe 18 months.”

Mr Pennicott said he was preparing financially and operationally for a 12-month closure.

“In that time we are buckling down to try and minimise expenses, and we have a friendly bank at this stage and they are being very supportive,’’ he said.

“Even in a buckled down situation, we have fixed costs like our insurance ... just for the assets that we use to run the business, and we have many other expenses, so the amount of money to knuckle down is a colossal amount.

“These are costs I need to pay for to be able to operate at the other end.”

Mr Pennicott said some of the casual staff he employs have been working for him for as much as 15 years.

“They are now having to fend for themselves until this is over and we can hopefully get through and rebuild on the other side,’’ he said.

“I waited to close until [Monday] after the announcement from the Federal Government of the support that is going to be given financially and I think that is a huge positive move from government to look after the workers.

“I was hanging out for support from government for staff before I could wind the business back to the point that I have to for survival.

“I couldn’t do it before I knew my staff would be under control.

“It’s important for employees to know, together we can get through as Australians to the other end and rebound and give people their jobs back, provided we’ve got the turnover.”

Mr Pennicott said numbers on tours had been dwindling in recent weeks, but tours were officially closed last week.

Mr Pennicott said governments needed to shut down as many non-essential services as possible in an effort to contain the spread of the virus.

“The sooner we test everybody, the sooner we lock Australia down, the sooner we will get hold of coronavirus and the sooner we’ll come out the other end,’’ he said.