By Alesha Capone
Shopping locally is one way to help Wyndham businesses remain afloat, as measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 come into force.
Samuel Fragapane, a director at All Green Nursery & Garden in Hoppers Crossing, said the business was “trying to trade as normal” with increased hygiene measures to protect staff and customers.
The nursery, which is owned by his parents and has been in operation for 40 years, has between 80 to 100 employees across all its sites.
Mr Fragapane said that with people self isolating due to the coronavirus, being outside in the garden could provide a boost for exercise and mental health.
“The more you can support local business, the better it is for everybody,” he said.
This sentiment is shared by one of the owners of the Sanctuary Lakes Hotel, Roger Okayli, who usually has about 70 employees.
Mr Okayli said since the coronavirus prevention measures came into force, he has asked some staff to take leave and let others go.
“It was gut-wrenching having meetings with staff but they understand, we had to lay off about 10 floor staff,” he said.
“Where it is hurting us most, is probably functions – five to seven are being cancelled every week.”
The hotel had closed its buffet as a proactive measure against spreading germs but increased the room available to diners, and is planning to start offering takeaway wood-fired pizzas and possibly pasta – “to help keep people employed”.
“I don’t know how long this is going to go on for, I expect quite a while, and the impact on small businesses is going to be devastating,” Mr Okayli said.
Tonia Tribe, who runs Tonia T Boutique in Watton Street, said business owners needed to “think outside the square” to connect with customers during the coronavirus period.
She has started texting VIP customers with images of the boutique’s new stock, and offering to post them clothes in the mail.
“It’s not like there are lots and lots of people on the main street of Werribee, it’s quite calm here,” she said.
“It’s not crowded and you can get personal service, and everyone is conscience of personal distance.”
Asian Business Association of Wyndham president Larry Zhao said he has heard from businesses that are now getting less customers, going online or delaying opening, due to the coronavirus.
“We want people to shop local – there are families who run businesses, and people with families who work for local businesses who might lose their jobs,” he said.
