When coronavirus restrictions were brought by the government very fast, pubs, clubs and restaurants were forced to shut their doors quickly. There wasn't much warning, and employees were forced out without any work, and into the line at centrelink.

There wasn't anything anyone could do.

But, at the South Dubbo Tavern, the welfare payments on offer weren't available to some of Lee Green's staff, because they held 457 visas.

So Lee came up with a plan. And with a lot of community support, it's all come off.

It wasn't simple.

Lee quickly implemented changes to his business, which allowed him to retain all 11 full-time staff members including the overseas workers who were stuck here in Australia after borders were closed.

It was then the introduction of takeaway and home delivered meals and beverages, that lead to the gradual rehiring of 17 casual workers as well.

It was a lot of hard work and some 'amazing' community response to the changes to the business.

Without the community response, Lee would not have been able to achieve what he has throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

This is just one business' story, but it's not the only one out there.

So many people have been working hard to get through the pandemic. And with more restrictions lifting at the end of this week, meaning more businesses are able to reopen once more, it shows that we have been doing the right thing.

Our local businesses wouldn't have gotten through the last few months without the support of their local customers, so as we move forward, we all need to remember. If we want a business to remain, if we want the service they offer, then we need to support them, though it all.

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