Talking Point: To support our Tasmanian makers and artists — stay home

MITCH MILLER: The best way to help makers and artists is to stop the virus

DOING OUR BIT: We need sacrifice from everyone to ensure we can get back to producing as soon as possible.

Between the three businesses that my wife and I own we represent about 100 Tasmanian makers and artists. We employ a further 11 Tasmanian staff.

Last Saturday morning we closed all three of those businesses, one being a Salamanca Market stall which has been in business over 30 years and the other two also in the Salamanca precinct.

One of those has been in business since 1978 and the other for eight years.

The decision to close our businesses did not come lightly. It was a difficult choice, yet we are sure without a doubt that it was the right choice.

But ironically it was not a decision made due to a lack of business. On the contrary, our decision was made for exactly the opposite reason at the time.

We had realised that as things closed around Tasmania the lack of options for visitors was exposing our employees to an increasingly high-risk situation. We closed because at that time we were afraid of too much business.

Today seeing the local response to the plight of Tasmania’s small business is heartwarming to say the least.

And as much as we not only appreciate and applaud the current movement to buy local that is being driven by Tasmanians, it is unfortunately not what will be what saves our type of businesses.

I am aware and it is rightfully so that very few people currently are thinking of buying a wooden pen for Uncle Wally. Or a lavender eye pillow for Aunt Myrtle. Or even that perfect painting that they have always wanted for over their living room fireplace. We are aware that this is just not a time for that.

What we, our artists, artisans and employees do need right now from every Tasmanian however is the same thing that made us make the decision to close our businesses in the first place. Social distancing. We closed our galleries to protect our employees and customers and the Tasmanian public. We were determined not to be part of the problem. If we could help stop the spread of this virus by sacrificing our income and the income of every one of our makers and artists while continuing our expenses, we were and are willing to do that. And every email I have received from our makers and artists who we consider to be our business partners wholeheartedly support that decision.

But collectively what we all need from every Tasmanian right now is to remain indoors when possible. Self-isolate. Adhere to social distancing. And please make sure everyone gets food and, yes, toilet paper.

The Tasmanian Government and our unique island situation give us a fighting chance. We can be the beacon and the example of how to get this situation under control for not only the rest of Australia but to the world.

A little bit of sacrifice from each one of us right now or maybe in some cases a bit more than that, can see us through this.

And that is what will allow our business and businesses like ours to open our doors and get back to producing and selling some of the world’s finest products made right here in Tasmania as soon as possible.

Mitch Miller and wife Deborah own Aspect Design, Gallery Salamanca and Tasmanian Lavender Gifts. Aspect Design started in 1978. Their Salamanca Market stall Tasmanian Lavender Gifts has been running for more than 30 years.