Chris AshtonThe world is in a strange place right now due to the ongoing health crisis. Though it feels like there’s no end in sight for the COVID-19 coronavirus issue, we can’t give up hope. It will end in time. While we wait, there are things we can do to make a positive impact right now.
Having lived in the Byron Shire for most of my life I’ve seen its community spirit flourish when times get tough, with everyone doing what they can to support others. Now is one of those tough times – and it’s inspiring seeing the community once again come together.
Here is a round-up of some of the local businesses doing what they can:
Harvest Newrybar
In response to the current challenges, Harvest Newrybar is doing its bit to support the local community by offering nutrient-rich essential food boxes at an affordable price. Utilising the fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers of the region, The Harvest Market Place box costs $50 and contains enough fresh produce to feed two people for a week. Due to customer demand, the Ballina Council have also offered the team at Harvest the historic Newrybar Hall to have a larger space for production lines to supply the community.
The Harvest Market Place is available for $50 every Friday (pick up is between 3-6pm Friday & delivery on Saturday mornings). Orders via the BOPPLE app. Download from the App Store or order through the Bopple website: https://bopple.app/menu/5020
Harvest are also offering nutritious, daily-changing hot takeaway meals for $15pp.
Lord Byron Distillery
Pure cane vodka, rhum and limoncello may be the staple products of local Lord Byron Distillery in the Byron Arts & Industry Estate, but they’ve temporarily expanded their offering to include a hand sanitiser. They’re making it at cost and without profit to provide a community service.
Available in 50ml bottles for just $2, the 100% natural sanitiser is made using alcohol, aloe vera gel, lemon, lavender and tea tree. You can buy some via their website or collect in larger bottles at their cellar door on Banksia Drive. Stocks are limited and may run out due to the high demand.
Cape Byron Distillery
Makers of Brookie’s Gin, Cape Byron Distillery are also producing their own all-natural hand and surface sanitiser. The sanitiser is made of 70% Ethanol, by-products of the production of Brookie’s Gin, UV & Charcoal Filtered Mt Warning Spring Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Aloe Vera, and Citrus Oil. 500ml bottles are available online or at the cellar door for $14.99. Stocks are limited and may run out due to the high demand.
Aside from the above, it’s important to remember there are countless others who need your help and support during this crisis. We need to support local now more than ever. So many businesses are closed or at risk of closure if this situation continues much longer.
How to support the community during the coronavirus outbreak:
- Shop, eat, drink and think local within health guidelines.
- Buy takeaway food and coffee from local businesses.
- Buy a gift voucher for a restaurant to provide some cash flow right. now. Sure, it’s touch and go whether they will remain around for you to use it, but it’s better to do something now rather than do nothing and wonder if there was more we could have done.
- Supermarkets may be running low on some essentials, but your local butcher, baker, fruit wholesaler and corner store likely has some.
Have any other suggestions for businesses to add? Let us know below.
