Staying afloat is a full-time worry

BREE Rimmer’s Geelong West cafe The Greenhouse on Autumn was doing “really well” when it opened three weeks ago.

But now Mrs Rimmer, also a nurse and mum of three, is working more than 18 hours a day to stay afloat.

She is urging Geelong residents to support local businesses as the pandemic hits the economy hard.

Mrs Rimmer’s chef remains employed while another staff member has had hours cut dramatically because of the changes, and been forced to turn to Centrelink.

“I’ve been working upwards of 18 hours a day,” Mrs Rimmer said. “I’ve been working as much as I can to pay them out of my own pocket.

“I’ve got an obligation to my patients, to employees and to my family.”

Mrs Rimmer, 32, is exercising physical distance from the business because of her work as a nurse.

Cafes are allowed to operate only on a takeaway basis, and The Greenhouse on Autumn has been forced to adapt quickly.

The business is collaborating with other suppliers — of eggs, pasta and fresh goods — to produce ingredient boxes that can be dropped off to customers.

The cafe is sourcing bread and milk from its suppliers in a bid to keep costs down for consumers.

Mrs Rimmer said it could also supply meals, frozen meals and snacks, like muffins, offering contact-free delivery for people who did not want to leave their homes.

People can contact the cafe directly and order via Facebook, email (greenhouseonautumn@gmail.com) or phone (0432 628 138). Its website is www. thegreenhouseonautumn.com