Pandemic hits the Narrabri Shire

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Narrabri Shire businesses reached an unprecedented level on Monday.

Yesterday, in accordance with the announcement from the Australian Government, Narrabri shire clubs, pubs and ‘sit down’ food outlets were closed at noon in line with an Australian government edict.

Other venues are also subject to restrictions.

In Narrabri Shire the new regulations encompass venues as diverse as The Crossing Theatre, where the cinemas are closed but the venue itself is open, and the Aquatic Centre, where the indoor pool is closed.

The aim of health authorities is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing the number of places where people gather.

While bars and cafes will be closed, their take away food operations will be able to continue.

However, for now, there will be no socialising at clubs, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The doors on local pubs and clubs closed at midday yesterday.

“The RSL Club will be closed for the foreseeable future,” said Narrabri Club chief executive Paul Gordon.

“We will assess the situation regarding the Golfie’s ‘on course’ activities but the club is closed.”

Narrabri Sporties president Archie Sheppard confirmed that the club effectively closed its public bar areas at 9pm on Sunday as the club normally opens at 4pm, past the 12 noon shutdown deadline.

At this stage the duration of pub and club closures is not known.

The national ‘social gatherings’ policy will be revisited in the future, but the Prime Minister has warned that the new regime may be in place for six months.

While the hotel, club and food outlet restrictions are draconian, Narrabri’s stores remain open for business, and now rely even more than ever before on local support.

The announcement of a ‘shutdown’ of non essential businesses stunned the community and confusion remains around what is a ‘non essential business.’

However, yesterday and today traffic flowed freely in Narrabri’s main street.

“No Chamber member has informed me that they have had to let staff go because of the coronavirus,” commented Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart.