THE HERE to Stay campaign has stuck, with about 140 businesses sticking the signs up in their windows.
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The Tamworth Business Chamber (TBC) movement was designed to send a strong message to the public that while some businesses might be down, they are not out.
While not all businesses will reopen in Stage One of the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's plan, it was still important for them to show the public they would be back, TBC president Jye Segboer said.
"It's really gathered momentum and a lot have gone further than the decals, we have seen some strong take up and there are at least 140 businesses now displaying the signs," he said.
"There is a general feeling of optimism to see the stages lifting now, but if businesses are forced to close again or take a step back it would be the end for some of them because mentally they couldn't go through it again.
"At the start of the pandemic we thought we would see a lot of smaller Peel Street businesses closed with one or two employees, but a lot of them have taken up the small business grant from the state government."
As of Friday, hospitality businesses were allowed to reopen with a total of 10 guests in Stage One of the premier's COVID-19 restrictions plan.
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Gyms in Tamworth are also prepared for a potential re-open, as groups of 10 are now allowed to gather outdoors for fitness boot camps under strict guidelines.
Mr Segboer hopes Stage Two will allow beauty therapists to reopen for treatments, at the moment they are permitted to sell items online.
"I think we're such a resilient community, we've been through drought on numerous occasions now and a downturn in business and thinking outside the square isn't unusual for our business community," he said.
"Welders Dog has started doing Bunker Boxes, some clothing stores are opening by appointment and a lot have enhanced their online capacity.
"They are continuing to adapt and change, and that's a sign that people do believe in their community, they want to support each other and be there on the other side which is why the Here to Stay campaign shows our resilience and that we will do whatever we can to survive this."
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
