How small businesses in Brisbane are adapting to our ‘new normal’
There’s no doubt that the last few months have been tough, especially for those who own small businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry. Rather than calling it quits, many Brisbane businesses have come up with creative ideas as they learn to adapt during these changing times. Simply put, they’re keeping calm and carrying on.
Brisbane Distillery Company, West End
While artisan spirits are what they do best, owner John Atherton realised he was able to help the wider community with another form of liquid – however, this one is not the drinking type. When a few friends, who happen to be doctors, requested he make hand sanitiser he realised they had all the tools and expertise right on his doorstep. Over the last month or so, the team have produced over 185,000 litres of hand sanitiser – that’s over 6 average swimming pools! You can order their signature hand sanitiser online here (…and why not treat yourself to a spirit or two while you’re at it?).
Summer Land Camels, Harrisville
Summer Land is Australia’s largest camel dairy, nestled in the heart of the Scenic Rim. The farm gates usually welcome visitors for activities, tours, rides and relaxed afternoons in the café but when government restrictions limited visitations, the team began to think outside the box. Freshly baked sourdough and Friday night pizzas are some of the new offerings they’ve introduced. Their online store has also remained open for business, so customers can still get their hands on their fabulous Skincare range. Despite recent changes, we are happy to report that things are slowly returning back to normal on the farm. Cute camels, here we come!
Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point
Life may be a little different, but it doesn’t mean we have to forego exercise and adventure! Riverlife are offering kayak, bike, URB-E (that’s an electric scooter, in case you’re wondering) and rollerblade hire. They’re also offering takeaway food and coffee on the Kangaroo Point boardwalk – just the ticket after some outdoor activity.
City Winery, Fortitude Valley
The crew at City Winery are a rather creative bunch. As ‘social distancing’ became a way of life, they conjured up a collection of ways to still enjoy a fine drop, from a distance. There’s a long list of delightful options to choose from but here are a few to whet the appetite:
- ‘in-home’ wine blending workshops
- ‘in-home’ food and wine pairing masterclasses where you’ll receive boxes of cheese and wine and follow a pre-recorded explainer
- ‘in-home’ degustation delivered straight to your door, complete with matching wines served in small bottles, and a nice napkin, candles and a flower! Very fancy.
Check out their Facebook page for more of their fabulous offerings.
Tommerup Dairy Farm, Kerry
Tommerup Dairy Farm and Farm Stay is run by Dave and Kay Tommerup. The property is located in the picturesque Kerry Valley in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region. As well as keeping dairy cows, they run free-range chickens, pigs, sheep and goats. While restrictions put a hold on their accommodation and guided farm activities, they reinvented themselves to ensure customers could still get their hands on their tasty produce. They introduced online ordering and personally delivered directly to Brisbane. They are also selling local produce direct from the farm and via the Scenic Rim’s Farm Box.
Towri Sheep Cheesery, Allenview
Towri Sheep Cheesery is a boutique sheep dairy and cheese room just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Over the last month or so, the team have had to put a hold on cheese-making workshops, tours and weddings but that hasn’t stopped them from getting their product out there. Online, you can purchase everything from ‘Natural Eweghurt’ (…genius!) to the ‘Towri Isolation Sample Pack’ – a perfect introduction to their cheese range. They are also selling directly and through the Scenic Rim’s Farm Box.
