Cowra Businesses Innovate During Lockdown

The lockdown of regional NSW last Saturday will likely place immense pressure on businesses across the state, however some businesses are keeping their heads above water by innovating and continuing to trade in a COVID-safe way.

At the time of writing, the lockdown had been pencilled in until August 22, but with case numbers soaring in Dubbo, and further cases also recorded in Mudgee and Bourke, there is a chance the lockdown will be extended.

Whilst all non-essential retail has been closed to the public, many businesses in Cowra have adapted to still be able to trade, in the hope of still keeping their businesses alive, and their staff employed.

Yellow House Cowra Design and Print is one example. It will remain operational behind closed doors, but still be able to complete jobs for its clients.

“The advice provided to me from NSW Health was the businesses may still operate on a delivery and ‘click and collect’ basis. As long as customers are not gathering on our premises, we can continue trading,” he said. According to the Public Health Order, only essential retail may stay open to customers face-to-face, however businesses may continue to operate if they provide goods and services to customers that are ordered by phone or internet, delivered to customers, or collected by customers.

Hospitality venues are permitted to trade takeaway orders only. The Cowra Services Club has confirmed it will be offering takeaway alcohol and food. The Bowling Club was meeting on Tuesday to decide how it trades. The Cowra Golf Club remains open for golf playing, as it is permitted for exercise.

Other hospitality venues that confirmed to us they were still opened for takeaway included Cowra Hot Bake and Royces Bakery. Others were expected to trade as takeaway as well. Real Estate Agencies James P Keady & Co, Raine & Horne and Ray White Emms Mooney each confirmed they were operating from home, and that their processes would continue. James P Keady will still conduct livestock sales as well.

Most trades were expected to continue, with Jamiesons Joinery confirming it is still open and trading as normal.

Kat South will still be running “Kats n Dogs” (pet treats) online, with orders to be placed through www.katsndogs.com.au, and local confectionary business “The Lolly Lady” will also be selling their prod-ucts online at https://the-lolly-lady.square.site/. Use the code PHOENIX for 5% off orders of at least $30.

“As I’m a new business I’m not entitled to any of the government grants or rebates. Thankfully I’m allowed to remain open online,” said Tabetha Egan, The Lolly Lady owner.

Most of Cowra Shire Council’s facilities remain open as normal, with the exception of meeting rooms, the Aquatic Centre, Civic Centre, Library, Art Gallery, and Cowra Van Park.

A full list can be found at http://cowracouncil.com.au/index.php/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/1005-current-council-services.

• Topics:
• Covid-19
• Local Ecomony / Business