Darwin retailers stay open with a smile on Queen’s mourning public holiday

YOUR VOICE: The NT News hit the streets to see how some of our hardworking business owners fared on Australia’s day of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Across The Top End, businesses opened their doors even though most of the nation was taking time off for the national day of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

But with the tourist season still thriving, scores of CBD retailers have remained open – and happily so.

The NT News put together a list of places open across the NT on the public holiday, with everything from bars to national parks, restaurants and markets.

We spoke to business owners around Darwin to find out how their trading day went.

Darlene Chin

Attitude for Men

Darlene Chin of Attitude for Men in Darwin kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“I think it’s hard for my casual staff – they’ll be mourning the loss of a day’s wages.

“Most of my people are international and they’re not from Commonwealth countries so I don’t think they’re particularly in mourning.
“I think it’s really nice to pay our respects but I don’t know if we needed a holiday to do that.

“Mind you, some people are just really enjoying the chance to have a day off.

“I’m going to close early and go have a long lunch with friends.”

Nikki Chamberlain
Off Ya Tree

Nikki Chamberlain, at Off Ya Tree in Darwin, kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“It’s been pretty quiet, there’s not a lot of people around or traffic in the city.

“It’s a bit boring for us but I’m glad I’m getting paid to be here.

“The (tourist season) is starting to die off so I’m noticing a lot more locals coming back.

“I guess to coincide with the Commonwealth (the public holiday) is standard so I’m not really fussed neither here nor there.”

Alex Patsalides

Fishing and Outdoor World

Alex Patsalides, at Fishing and Outdoor World in Darwin, kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“It’s actually been quite busy for us, a lot of our customers are so happy that we are open so they can go and do their fishing and their hunting.

“We‘re probably one of the few shops that are open on the public holiday.

“It would have been nice if (the public holiday) was on a Friday so we could get a long weekend, but hey, it is what it is, the government chose a Thursday and it’s needed because she’s been a great Queen and she’s done well for the last 70 years.

“It would be very rude not to have a public holiday for her.”

Tenny Russo

Tommy Bahama

Tenny Russo, at Tommy Bahama in Darwin, kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“The (public holiday) is actually going really well, there’s a lot of tourists, so there’s not really any locals out.

“Tommy Bahamas is always open on a public holiday

“A lot of people have actually come in asking for other stores that sadly aren’t open, especially the ones in the Star Village.

“I think honouring her Majesty is important but that I guess that’s a personal choice and belief.

“(Having the public holiday on a Thursday) is a bit different throwing it in the spanner midweek but I think it’s quite nice, it’s a bit of a break up.”

Leah Bennett

Stomp Shoes

Leah Bennett, at Stomp Shoes in Darwin, kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“It’s been great and we’ve been quite busy as there’s still a lot of tourists around.

“They want to do a bit of shopping.

“I’m pleased that a few of the other businesses around here have been open as well because it’s a good a magnet.

“Having a public holiday on a Thursday a lot of people want to make that into a four-day weekend which is a bit of a headache for other businesses.

“Probably Monday would have been better on (the day of) the Queen’s actual funeral as you could watch it on the day – it makes more sense.

“Today’s just a shopping day, have a sleep in and probably lunch.”

Sophie and Irene Singh

Sophie’s Boutique & Gifts

Sophie and Irene Singh, at Sophie's Boutique and Gifts in Darwin, kept the store open throughout the Queen's mourning public holiday. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“(The public holiday) doesn’t affect us because we’re open seven days a week, regardless of public holidays.

“We only close on two days in the year, Christmas Day and Easter.

“We’re here for the public and of course our (tourists are very) important.

“It’s been a reasonable day today, there are still lots of tourists around.

“We have noticed since the Covid era has happened Darwin has been a bit quiet

“Darwin’s gotta come back on its feet and stand up.

“The tourists (we’ve met) would love to come back, they find Darwin very interesting.”

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Originally published as Darwin retailers stay open with a smile on Queen’s mourning public holiday