Staff wanted: regional businesses continue to grapple with staff shortages

NATIONWIDE staff shortages, intensified by socio-economic issues such as rising living costs and housing deficits, are putting pressure on regional businesses.

The White House restaurant in Barwon Heads, a beloved local establishment, has closed its doors, marking the latest in a series of business closures in the region.

The renowned restaurant explained the reason for its closure on Instagram

“We unfortunately have had ongoing difficulties with a lack of chefs, a difficult winter, along with the current economic conditions, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors and place the property on the market.”

The restaurant’s closure underscores the escalating difficulties confronting businesses in the region.

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Industry Development Manager Jo Birley said it was a worrying trend.

“On the ground we have seen businesses close for the same reason, and we are seeing small businesses impacted the most,” Ms Birley said.

“Some businesses that have managed to stay open have had to instead limit their trading hours.”

With the festive season on the horizon, ‘staff wanted’ signs are proliferating at an unparalleled rate.

“Thankfully we are starting to see a fair few working holiday makers from overseas coming through now in coastal towns but more are needed,” Ms Birley said.

Last month, the Federal Government launched its employment strategy, “Working Future”, with the goal of ensuring every Australian job seeker can find employment.

The report highlights how challenges are not limited to the tourism and hospitality sectors and pan from childcare to aged care, and almost every sector in-between.

According to Ms Birley, staffing issues in regional areas are intricately tied to housing shortages, making it challenging for individuals to relocate for employment.

To combat the problem, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism ran the Jobs Bank initiative for the past two summers.

Ms Birley said the app utilises map-based technology to pair candidates and employers.

“We’re looking to relaunch the app this summer, with a bigger reach covering more regions.”

Other businesses and organisations have been pioneering their own methods to house and attract workers.

In Lorne, the ‘Adopt-a-worker’ scheme, introduced by the Lorne Business & Tourism Association, is being revived this summer to urge residents to offer accommodation to workers who can’t afford local rental prices.

The owner of Lorne Hotel, Merivale, famously booked out the Grand Pacific Hotel for their staff.

Other enterprises have secured campsites and homes for their entire teams.

Ms Birley said it will take a creative and an integrated approach and thinking outside of the box to solve the staffing crisis.

“We need to continue to promote the attractiveness of working in the sector,” Ms Birley said.