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Rockingham and Kwinana businesses get lift from locals

Holly Thompson & Jake DietschSound Telegraph
Jaffelato owner Ali Richards has said the community has been supportive during lockdown.
Camera IconJaffelato owner Ali Richards has said the community has been supportive during lockdown. Credit: Pictures: Holly Thompson

The Rockingham and Kwinana communities have flocked back to support local businesses who missed five days of trading or were forced to operate at a greatly reduced capacity last week.

Jaffelato owner Ali Richards said her business had continued to do well over the past week, with support flowing in from the local community.

“We re-arranged our store set-up last year when the first lockdown was in place so that we could serve customers out of a front window,” she said.

“This time we were able to just close our doors and go straight into takeaway mode because of this change.

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“It has honestly made our business better and helped us grow, you have to look at the positives where you can.”

Ms Richards said the main concern and focus during lockdown was the mental health and wellbeing of her staff members.

“This was the number one priority, to make sure everyone was doing well. I also didn’t want to suddenly cut shifts or hours,” she said.

Kazfit Mind and Body Transformations coach and personal trainer Karen Adigos at Golds Gym in Rockingham.
Camera IconKazfit Mind and Body Transformations coach and personal trainer Karen Adigos at Golds Gym in Rockingham. Credit: Holly Thompson/ Sound Telegraph

Ms Richards said all her customers checked in on the SafeWA app and wore masks.

“We are totally ready for another lockdown,” she said.

Golds Gyms chief operating officer Kieri Heinz said members had flocked back once the snap lockdown was over.

The business, which has five gyms including three in the Rockingham area, provided online workouts during the five-day lockdown.

“We were more prepared with our online workout and online support this time around as we’d gone through the longer lockdown last year and knew how it would run,” she said.

Ms Heinz said the 150-person per indoor venue limit meant they had cancelled classes, but fitness enthusiasts were still coming in, mask-clad and socially distanced.

Her advice to those who had trouble exercising with masks was to pull back the intensity of their workout for the time being.

“As uncomfortable as it is, we are in the same situation,” Ms Heinz said.

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