At Lismore’s Nightowl this week, “every day feels like a Sunday”, according to shop manager, Carlos.

This week marks Lismore’s second lockdown since Covid arrived more than a year ago. 

For businesses allowed to stay open to sell essential items like food, drinks and other groceries, it’s a lot quieter than they are used to.

“We do still have a lot of toilet paper, as well as milk, bread and other essentials,” Carlos laughed.

“It’s been quiet with the pub closed and only the supermarkets and take away shops open.

“Today we only had about 150 people come in – well below the average – but we will still be open every day from 6am to 8pm.

“Over the past four years, we’ve survived flood, drought, fires and now the plague – and we are still surviving.”

Café closes

At The Garden Plate café, it’s a different story.

While the popular café remained open on Tuesday and Wednesday, this week, staff made the decision to close for the remainder of the lockdown period. 

“We have lots of fresh food that can’t be frozen and reused like other businesses, so it’s a decision we’ve made to shut,” a staff member said.

The café will open again next Tuesday, if the lockdown lifts as scheduled.

Goolmangar

Kirsten at the Goolmangar General Store said while it’s much quieter, it’s still business as usual.

“There’s no rush on toilet paper - everyone on top of things here,” she laughed.

In fact, the local business has taken on selling produce and other goods from locals who were unable to sell them at the usual markets, cancelled because of Covid.

“We are now selling fruit and veges and waffles from the market stall people,” Kirsten said.

“This really is their shop and we are all about supporting local business."

The Store opens 6.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and closes 7pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday. 

Pirlo's

It’s the same story at Pirlo's Fruit Barn. 

Bobby at Pirlo's said while Monday was busy when everyone was “stocking up”, it’s been quiet since then.

“We are not selling wholesale at the moment, just selling vegetables, fruit, cheeses and groceries at the front – and we don’t sell toilet paper,” he laughed.

Pirlo's is open 7am to 6pm every day.

Hot food

If you are looking for dinner options, you can still order take away only meals from a number of local restaurants.

Masala Fusion Indian restaurant on Keen Street will be open from 4.30pm to 8.30pm every for take away and delivery. 

At the Grill Shack, Zeal said while it has been “a bit quieter”, lots of people have still been keen on buying their fish and chips.

“We are and essential service and we do have the best fish and chips in town,” he said.

The Grill Shack is open 12pm to 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday and 12pm to 8pm Thursday to Sunday.

Emily at Uncle Lim’s Asian Fusion said the Keen Street restaurant is open for take away from 4pm to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday.

“It has been so quiet,” Emily said. “Yesterday only five people ordered take away.

“I hope more come in and buy some food this week.”

While we all stay at home and abide by the Covid restrictions this week, one thing we can all do is to continue to support our local food businesses.

So consider supporting one of your favourite eateries and ordering your lunch and dinner.

What else is open?

Lismore City Council has said essential services such as water supply, sewerage, and waste collection will remain unaffected by the lockdown.

Council's Corporate Centre in Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah will have some Council staff work in the building and people can continue to phone Council.

Council parks and open spaces remain open, however, all play equipment, barbecues, skateparks, exercise equipment and similar are closed and cannot be used.

Council roadworks will continue and Lismore Airport will be operating, with a reduced number of flights.

The Blakebrook Quarry, Lismore Cemetery and Crematorium will continue to operate, with some new health protocols in place.

Services closed for the duration of the lockdown include:

• The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre in Wyrallah Road. Nimbin Transfer Station
• The Revolve Shop and CDS Bulk Drop Off
• The Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre
• The Lismore Regional Gallery
• Lismore City Hall
• Council depots, such as at Brunswick Street and Wyrallah Road, are closed to public access
• All libraries in the affected Local Government Areas. However, the eLibrary is open