Rural frustrations of metro lockdown
Whilst frustrated Garfield and Bunyip were included in the six-week “stage three lockdown” due to its Cardinia Shire location, businesses and residents expressed understanding that a lockdown was required for the current COVID19 outbreak.
Many businesses in the two towns indicated they would stay open with the supermarkets and butchers stressing they would open as normal and had ample supplies.
However, some small businesses believed this lockdown would hit harder and the message to the rest of Gippsland was to support them online or on the other side.
Some residents, who have voluntarily reduced their movements to within local towns, felt a second lockdown would have little impact.
Lucinda Koesemans of Lulu’s Lolly Shop captured the mood perfectly, stating customers seemed panicked on Tuesday afternoon as news of the lockdown broke before “coming to terms with it today”.
Kristy Robinson of Impodimo Living and Giving believed the lockdown would be a lot harder for local business but believed Gippslanders would return to again offer support later.
“We’ve got to survive that bit in the middle. Six weeks is a long time. I do think this will have a far greater economic impact on business this time around,” she said.
Ms Robinson said the Garfield gift shop would keep trading. The launch of a new website and possible home delivery would come as the town is closed off.
She was frustrated the shop faces additional freight fees, about 10 per cent, due to its regional location. However, it falls under metropolitan for lockdown.
“We just should be part of Baw Baw,” said Ms Robinson. “We are the gateway really to Gippsland. But I also get they have to draw the line somewhere and unfortunately we are part of Cardinia Shire.”
John Preston of Country Style Meats in Garfield said the shop was open and would remain open, with plenty of stock for its customers and community.
Home delivery had dropped back in recent weeks, but Mr Preston believed demand for it would increase from locals isolating.
“The local butchers will always look after their customers,” he emphasised. “There’s plenty of stock.”
Mr Preston said trade was steady since the lockdown announcement but certainly not panicked.
Bunyip IGA reported busy trade but common sense, with locals only adding a few extra items to their trolleys.
Assistant store manager Matthew Dare said the supermarket was a lot busier than normal on Tuesday night and this filtered through into Wednesday, “but certainly not panic buying”.
The supermarket is also offering home delivery as well as click and collect to help residents wanting to isolate.
“We’re trading as normal,” he said. “It’s business as usual. We’ve had a lot of support from locals.”
For non-essential businesses, uncertainty loomed on opening hours.
Bunyip hairdresser Chelsea McGill will close for the second time, whilst Loretta’s Hairdressing in Bunyip opted to remain open.
“I can keep working, so I’m lucky,” said Loretta. “I’ll quieten off, there’s no doubt about that. The shock of it will keep people away.”
“But it’s got to be done, so we’ve got to do it,” she added.
Dianne Patten of Bunyip Makers Market was left questioning if her small craft store was allowed to open.
Desperately seeking an answer on Wednesday, Ms Patten said she wanted to stay open so her customers, mostly elderly women, could keep busy during lockdown.
“Up until last week, it was growing and growing every week,” she said. “I can understand people not wanting to come out. But what will the government do to help?”
“I do believe it (lockdown) added. “I’m all for it.”
There was even a small cleaning crew doing its part in both towns on Wednesday, wiping down communal main street shopping areas. is right,” she