Orange urged to support local businesses during 'tough' lockdown

As per current Public Health Orders, food and drink cannot be consumed in the venues, but nothing is to stop it being taken away.

With at least another week of lockdown to go, Orange 360 is urging locals to keep getting behind the many businesses in town that are still operating with the message: "Don't venture out, nestle in".

General manger Caddie Marshall said that the news Sydney's lockdown would be extended for another month would be a huge blow to the many who relied on the tourism that came from the city, but she urged businesses to utilise this time to upskill and refresh.

"Most of them are really good business operators, they've done it before - they did it this time last year.... They know what to do.... [but] there's only so much they can do," she said.

"We know this is tough and that can't be sugar-coated - it is tough. But what we do know [from past data] is that... when lockdowns end or there's a little bit of easing in restrictions, how quickly people bounce back [to visit the Orange region], and they will bounce back.

"We've just got to hang in there, and support our businesses to still be around for when the end of September comes, for when vaccination levels go up [and] for when our premier opens up for more free movement."

In the meantime, it wasn't just individuals who could support local businesses - other businesses could too with the Think Orange Region gift cards.

Ms Marshall applauded the Westal Group who were running a initiative that involved giving tax-deductible $100 Think Orange Region gift cards to all employees who got vaccinated against COVID-19.

"What Westal has done is amazing.... They've made a challenge to other businesses that still have cash-flow during this time [to support the local businesses impacted by the lockdown]," she said.

"If you are a business owner, and you are in a position to treat your team to an extra $100 through the Think Orange Region card ... that's putting another $100 into the local economy."

One of the many businesses still operating during the lockdown is Peisley Street Flame Grilled Chicken who has had to alter very little to pivot to public health orders due to the business already doing takeaway exclusively.

However, owner Steve Karamamolis said trade was obviously much quieter, and imagined it would stay that way until Sydney emerged from lockdown.

"Everyone benefits from Sydneysiders so it doesn't do anyone any favours but at the same time we can't have people coming down here," he said.

Also still open is Bensons Café, Factory Espresso, Birdie's, the Robin Hood Hotel and the Sugar Mill - plus many others.

A full list of the cafes and restaurants still operating is available on the Orange 360 website.

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