As the Hunter makes its way through another two weeks of lockdown, Lake Macquarie residents have been encouraged to pay it forward.
The initiative, sparked by mayor Kay Fraser and Dantia CEO Katherine O’Regan, is hoping to support local businesses in the area by purchasing something that can be redeemed when the stay-at-home order is lifted.
Beauty therapist Brooke Jones, owner of The Bodhi Effect at Charlestown, said pre-paying for services can help business owners with budgeting during lockdown.
She posted a voucher promotion on her social media pages last week and found many regular clients were only too happy to pay it forward for their next appointment.
“This lockdown has been really hard, as it has been a week-to-week thing, so you can’t plan ahead and there hasn’t been as much support for business in the way of discounts or deferments on bills,” Ms Jones said.
“I can generate a small amount of money from selling product online but more than 95% of the business income comes from beauty services, which we can’t provide at the moment.”
Ms O’Regan, who leads Dantia, said any extra support that generates work for staff or income during lockdown can help small businesses in this difficult time.
“Why not book yourself a post-lockdown pamper session, a PT session at your gym, or a local tourism adventure experience to enjoy when the business reopens,” she said.
“You’ll be supporting local business when they need it, and giving yourself something to look forward to after lockdown.”
Cr Fraser added it was vital to support locals to help them get through the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, the bills don’t stop when businesses have to close their doors or scale down their operations due to COVID-19,” Cr Fraser said.
“Buying vouchers or paying in advance for your next appointment can provide those businesses with some income to help see them through the lockdown.”
Businesses prohibited from opening under the current NSW COVID restrictions include most retail premises, entertainment facilities, tourism operators, hairdressers, beauty therapists, gyms and indoor sport and recreation centres.
For more information about community and business support measures the council is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to lakemac.com.au.
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