Small business buoyed by local support

IN the wake of the bushfire that closed the Huon Valley for weeks, it hasn’t just been tourism and hospitality operators finding it tough.

Service businesses like Geeveston’s Tink-Tech, which specialises in phone, tablet and computer repairs, were also forced to close their doors when the region was evacuated.

Owners Trish and Craig Tinkler said they were now four weeks behind on everything.

“Not being able to work was incredibly frustrating,” Ms Tinkler said.

“It’s usually a make or break period around the two-year mark for most small businesses.”

Ms Tinkler said they had been buoyed by a lot of foot traffic through their store since reopening just over a week ago.

“Were absolutely astounded by the amount of community spirit,” she said.

“We went to the Huon Valley Strong Market on Saturday and we must have had 20 cus- tomers come over to see how we were doing and how the business was doing.”

Ms Tinkler said they had also been boosted by locals spending the money they received through the emergency assistance grants at small businesses.

Across the weekend a number of events were held in the Valley to help local businesses, farmers and the community get back on their feet.

Le Weekend in Cygnet and a special farmers market at Willie Smith’s were all attended by good crowds.