WITH roadworks throughout the city\u2019s south, Commerce Ballarat is giving a shoutout to businesses along one affected thoroughfare.<\/p>\n
Since early July, the organisation has been spotlighting enterprises along Albert Street in Sebastopol that are affected by construction partitions and redirected traffic.<\/p>\n
Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said with roadworks ongoing, it\u2019s essential everyone lends a hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an incredibly difficult time for them down there and our community can make a difference just by going a little out of their way to make a purchase,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw this so much throughout the pandemic, that sense of community supporting local and caring, and it has a really positive impact on a business in crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll keep talking about the Albert Street traders until a sense of normality returns for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
A video profile on one of the businesses will be released each week via Commerce Ballarat\u2019s social media pages, and Ms Gillett said the effort aims to keep the affected operations \u201cfront of mind\u201d for the community.<\/p>\n
Those unable to support the businesses in person could purchase gift vouchers on offer as part of the campaign.<\/p>\n
Tracey Nunn, owner of Curbside Coffee Cafe in Albert Street, said the campaign has benefited her greatly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy income dropped by $95,000 from the end of February until now. I\u2019ve got two fulltime workers down from eight as a direct result of these works,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the campaign, we\u2019ve had more publicity and interaction. Over the last couple days alone, business has picked up and people are noticing what\u2019s happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re refreshing people\u2019s minds in letting them know we\u2019re here, don\u2019t drive past, there are still entrances and exits to get in.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WITH roadworks throughout the city\u2019s south, Commerce Ballarat is giving a shoutout to businesses along one affected thoroughfare. Since early July, the organisation has been spotlighting enterprises along Albert Street in Sebastopol that are affected by construction partitions and redirected traffic. Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said with roadworks ongoing, it\u2019s essential everyone lends a […]<\/p>\n