Wednesday, 1 April, 2020
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Wednesday, 25 March, 2020
Pakenham
Wednesday, 25 March, 2020
Pakenham pakenham.starcommunity.com.au
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@PakenhamGazette
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Coronavirus cases reported locally
Massive road rebuild rolls out
Gembrook homeless hit back at critics
History made on the Garfield course
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SPORT
Back our traders
pakenham.starcommunity.com.au
/PakenhamBerwickGazette
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Coronavirus cases reported locally
Massive road rebuild rolls out
Gembrook homeless hit back at critics
History made on the Garfield course
PAGE 3
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SPORT
Back our traders
By Jessica Anstice and Mitchell Clarke As Cardinia’s small businesses struggle through some of the most difficult and uncertain times, Star News Group has unveiled a new community campaign. The ‘Shop Local’ campaign will run across Star’s numerous publications as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage all kinds of industry. Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said the campaign was aimed at trying to help local businesses stay afloat. “We are encouraging local people to buy locally and provide as many struggling businesses as possible the opportunity to get their messages out that they are still open for business or to let readers know about their changed operating methods,” Mr Thomas said. “Everyone has been impacted by this crisis and we can only try to reduce that impact as much as possible - our own business has had a significant detrimental impact. “Please shop locally, help an impacted business and keep as many people employed as we can.” The campaign launch follows Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement on Monday 23 March which forced business including pubs, clubs and gyms to close as part of the Stage 1 lockdowns.
Pakenham businesses are banding together during crisis periods. From left: Lazy Frog Gift's Sharlene, Mepstead Lawyers Marc, Discount shop's Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Terry, The Great Australian Bakehouse's Lyn Mclatchie and Cornerstone cafe's Suri. 206824 Restaurants and cafes will close to diners and will only be allowed to provide home delivery or takeaway services. “The Stage 1 shutdown will have a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of many Victorians, but if we don’t do this, more Victorians will contract coronavirus and more Victorians will die,” the Premier said. Like many small hospitality businesses, Cardinia Cultural Centre’s Vista Cafe has never experienced so much despair and destruction. Cafe director, Adam Sadiqzai, who owns Khan’s Hospitality Services, says all aspects of his business have been hit hard - forcing him to lay off 15 staff in the past week. “I would love for people to just think outside the box - sure they will pay a little bit more but they are sustaining their community and local businesses,” Mr Sadiqzai said. “No one is asking for donations. Everyone is prepared to buy a service. It’s an act of goodwill - just to keep them afloat. This is a time for all of us to come together and support each other.”
Pakenham business group project initiator and Meraki Business Solutions CEO Aileen Day agreed that small business play a vital role in the Cardinia community. “When a community supports and shops with their local businesses it solidifies exactly that, our community,” Ms Day said. “It also helps create a stronger local economy as local businesses look locally for employees and this is imperative as small business in Australia accounts for more than 44 percent of our workforce. “If we don’t support local businesses, the impact for local communities can be devastating.” Cardinia Shire Council’s economic development manager Andrew Pomeroy said many local businesses would struggle in this unprecedented situation. “Local businesses now more than ever will need their local community getting behind them,” Mr Pomeroy said. “Many local businesses are still open and although some may appear closed, they may
be adapting to create online opportunities and home delivery services. “Some local hospitality businesses are now offering a hot takeaway or delivery meal service. This may be just the injection of hope the business owner needs in a very trying time, and if you like it, tell your friends.” The council encourage people to stay connected with local businesses by using social media, websites, email, newsletters and over the phone. “The local butchers, bakeries and greengrocers also need community support - these local fresh food businesses support our local economy and their products are often locally sourced,“ he said. “By supporting these smaller businesses, you’ll be helping to make a positive and direct difference in your community.“ Businesses in need of information, advice and support, can call Business Victoria’s dedicated hotline on 13 22 15. For more on the Shop Local campaign, turn to pages 6-7
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