Pandemic strikes hard, forcing a new way of doing business

Guyra Cafe staff Flick Schmidt, Britt Youman and Vicki Youman remain upbeat despite the changes

24th Mar 2020

Janelle Stewart

Guyra businesses, community and sporting groups are facing a growing challenge in the face of the spread of coronavirus.
Already reeling from the shutdown of sporting fixtures last week, this week sees further restrictions that will have far-reaching impacts and may result in the loss of services in the town.
On Monday the NSW government announced increased restrictions across NSW in response to the spread of COVID-19 ordering the temporary shutdown of non-essential activities and businesses.
This has forced the closure of pubs, clubs, gyms, and other indoor venues. Restaurants and cafes are now restricted to takeaway and home delivery only.
Restrictions on religious gatherings will see services cancelled at local churches and there will be flow-on effects for events such as weddings and funerals.
Schools in NSW will remain open, however for practical reasons, parents are allowed and encouraged to keep their children at home if possible.
Supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight, and logistics, and home delivery will be among the many services that will remain open.
Guyra businesses are already feeling the effect of these restrictions and are making changes to their way of doing business. The Gazette contacted as many businesses as we could to determine the impact and inform our readers of the changes.
The good news is that it is business as usual for many, while others have been proactive in adapting to the changes. For some, it may mean temporary closure to ensure survival.

Crop Hair Design - Operating as usual for now. Have stepped up hygiene and distancing for clients. Will review if required
Jones, Cracknell and Starr – Operating as usual at the moment and will review if necessary
JoJo’s Café – No dining allowed in store. Usual menu still available takeaway and phone orders
Royal Hotel – No sit down meals or service, but still doing takeaway meals and alcohol. Also accommodation still operating. Taking the opportunity to do some more renovations while it is quiet
Juniels – Operating as takeaway only until Friday and will then close down until further notice due to health concerns
Black Sheep Wool – Still open as per usual and following government guidelines that retail can operate as normal. Taking phone and online orders as well. Hoping people will take opportunity to start new projects while they are in isolation. Will remain open unless told otherwise.
Guyra Café – Restrictions on seated meals now in effect but continuing with full menu takeaway. Also offering home delivery and outdoor access via window.
Davidson, Cameron and Co – Doors remain open and following guidelines. Will continue operating and take precautions as necessary.
Working with Nature – Operating as normal and taking usual health precautions. Food supply is essential service.
Sue Ross Real Estate – Property inspections on hold but shop front operating as normal at the moment. Stepping up hygiene practices and available by phone if needed.
Schute Bell Eggert and Co. -Operating as normal at this stage, will wait and see what happens.
Guyra Saleyards – Restrictions will be in place at next sale to avoid large gathering. Only buyers and agents will be permitted and others are being requested to stay away
Khammo and Hammond Plumbing – Still operating as usual at the moment. If need be, office will be able to operate from home.
CT Electric – Still open as normal but will follow guidelines from the government. Has noticed already fewer face to face customers, but business over the phone has picked up
Cross Country Taxation – Face to face restrictions in place. Still consulting with customers online and by phone.
Sole Taxation – Restricting Face to Face contact. Monday only day to drop work off and sign documents. Phone conferences will be set up for clients if needed.
Ray White Real Estate – Property management considered essential service so remaining open at the moment. Prepared to work from home if necessary
Country Fresh Bakery – Business as usual and taking the necessary health precautions. Normal operating hours and all product lines still available. Have noticed an increased demand this week but have preparations in place to continue production. Extra ingredients have been set aside just in case of shortages.
New England Community College/GALA - First aid courses will not run for now. Other course numbers will be limited to ensure social distancing requirements are met. Over the counter services remain, with increased hygiene precautions. First point of contact is by phone if further information needed.
Guyra Gazette – will continue to publish for the foreseeable future. Restricting face to face contact but still available by phone, email and at front office (following social distancing guidelines)
Vinnies Op Shop – Will continue operating for now following guidelines for retail operations.
Burgess Garage Car Museum and Shop – Operating as normal and following guidelines on distancing and hygiene.
Terry’s Menswear – still open and operating as normal.
Bean Travellin’ – Still operating with distancing provisions in place and no longer accepting keep cups.
Brisk Trading – Shopfront will be closed for now, but happy to assist customers by appointment. Will ramp up her online presence and in the process of launching new website
Bowling Club – Closed due to restrictions imposed by government. No golf or bowls currently being played. Donna’s Bistro trialling takeaway orders with usual menu, order by phoning.
Spar Supermarket – Business as usual, operating normal hours and services
Karan Wildman Physio – Operating on a day to day basis. Older patients are staying at home as per advice and she will wait and see before making any decision.
Mabuhay Asian Groceries – Operating as usual. Demand for bulk goods has risen and is finding it hard to source stock.
Bestech/Guyra Mowers and Chainsaws Operating as usual there has been no noticeable impact on business and they will continue to operate while they can
Black Mountain Nursery – Business as usual until told otherwise by the government. Hygiene practices in place and asking customers to keep social distancing in mind. Email and phone orders being taken. Have been advised they are essential service.
Dasha’s Hardware – Business as usual at this stage for customers and will do home deliveries. Phone orders being taken. Following guidelines and asking customers to observe social distancing and hygiene measures. Awaiting updates from Hardware Australia.
Four Ways Service Station– classed as essential service and operating as usual.
Dick Burey Country Kitchens – continuing to operate with no planned changes at the moment.
Guyra Hotel – Restrictions in place for indoor service but A & J Vietnamese offering takeaway, also sales of alcohol on takeaway basis
Guyra Vet — Operating as normally as possible. Restrictions in place limiting number of people in the clinic, where possible. Managing what they can in the car park and heightened hygiene practices. Maintaining normal business and animal practices where possible. Grooming services currently not available. Asking customers to phone ahead and make appointments
Scissors & Combs - Open at the moment, and will continue work as normal while they can.
Vidler’s Butchery trading as usual and will only close if they have no product sell. Has seen increased demand with people buying more than usual, including out of towners. Having trouble getting fresh meat from wholesalers. Plenty of chicken still available and trying to rebuild stocks as they come available.
Ramage Engineering - At this stage operating as normal. Restrictions on sales people and out of towners only. Cleaning has been stepped up but will continue to service local customers while they can
Men’s Shed and Guyra Museum – Closed until further notice

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