Embattled business owners at Dubbo are rapidly reshaping their operations to keep trading safely amid the coronavirus outbreak.
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The Monkey Bar is among the hospitality venues forced to close for all but takeaway food and drinks service but publicans Tim and Cass Smith are not giving up.
Their plucky move to ramp up their existing takeaway offering is resourcefulness Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright is seeing across the city.
He said a lot of businesses were taking an innovative approach as the country battled coronavirus.
"Crisis breeds innovation," he said.
The government closed pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants for all but takeaway service, as well as closing gyms from Monday, to prevent gatherings of people.
In response Dubbo had seen eateries move to takeaway offerings and perhaps adjusting their menus accordingly, Mr Wright said.
Other businesses were even starting to offer their services online to their clients, he said.
For example, some of the gyms were looking to do some tutoring or classes online, he said.
Across other industries, working from home was happening, with technology used to continue to keep in contact with staff or maintain contact across their customer base, the chamber president reported.
"So I think businesses are trying to show some innovation so that, we know that it's not business as usual, it's far from that, but to at least try to keep the wheels turning over, while we're all going through this," Mr Wright said.
When Mr and Mrs Smith returned to their home town to realise their dream of running a pub in 2017, they could not have foreseen the coronavirus emergency.
With their backs to the wall, they have come up with a plan.
"We have pivoted our focus, while we've always offered takeaways, this is now our only way forward under the current restrictions and so we're putting all of our efforts into this while we are able," Mr Smith said.
Having a takeaway alcohol licence allowed them to continue to provide tap beer in cans for takeaway and fill growlers/bottles when people brought them in, he said.
The publican urged people to look after their own health and their community.
"Please stay safe, there's no arguing that we need to limit contact with each other, but you can still do this while supporting local businesses at this time," he said.
"Your support is so important right now, for all local business, during this unprecedented time.
"Now's the time to really understand and embody what it means to be a community.
"Also, everyone's social lives are coming to a halt.
"Don't let that stop you grabbing some dinner and a drink and just picking up the phone for a chat, everyone's concerned with their physical health at the moment, but mental health, especially when we're in restricted contact, is just as important."