Esther Lauaki
0311Dining
By Esther Lauaki
Brimbank residents are encouraged to shop locally and, more importantly, eat locally too.
As local restaurants and cafes reopen under eased COVID-19 restrictions, Brimbank council is asking the community to get out and about and show their support.
Sunshine Social restaurant owner Gareth Crawford was thrilled to welcome diners back last week.
“We have been trading at Sunshine Social for three years, we were attracted to the venue because of the space and living in the area we thought there was a gap in the market for a family-friendly venue with a good selection of food and drinks,”Mr Crawford said.
“We have always said ‘our front yard is your other backyard’. Now it seems like this may have even more importance, in that if socialising at home is not encouraged, people will think of us to meet another family for a catch-up, knowing the kids can play and it’s a relaxed informal environment.
“We were genuinely unsure if we would be able to come out of the other side when the restrictions were first imposed, but we have been able to pay the bills and will hopefully come out a better business having had a chance to reflect on how we operate.
“We are lucky that we have so much space, so distancing is not a problem.
“The main change we are implementing is a COVID safe contactless ordering system. Guests will be able to order from their phones at the table, eliminating even the need to come inside.”
Brimbank council chief executive Helen Morrissey said more than 90 per cent of Brimbank businesses had lost revenue and customers during the pandemic, and called on the community to rally in support of local businesses.
“So many local businesses have been doing it tough and we’re asking our community to show your Brimbank pride by shopping and dining with local businesses,” Ms Morrissey said.
“After months of lockdown, many in our community will be excited to get out and safely enjoy everything our wonderful local cafes and restaurants have to offer – whether that’s a banh mi, burger, curry, or a coffee and cake.”
Under the next Step of the Victorian Government’s roadmap, hospitality venues will be allowed to operate, largely focussing on outdoor dining and with specific controls, including having a COVID Safe Plan.
In preparation, Brimbank Council has made available a free COVID-19 temporary outdoor dining permit to hospitality venues.
“As we start to re-open, the safety of businesses, employees, customers and the broader community remains our top priority,” Ms Morrissey said.
“Businesses are working hard to ensure they can meet the required safety standards and we strongly urge customers and everyone in our community to stay safe, and follow all of the health recommendations.”
Apply for an outdoor dining permit: bit.ly/37Ozgxc
