A scarcity of hospitality workers could threaten the livelihood of Bendigo's restaurant traders, with one eatery shunning take away orders in light of a staffing shortfall.
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In a Facebook post last Thursday, Borchelli Ristorante announced it was ceasing to operate a take away service, citing a lack of staff.
Head chef and owner Simon Lock said the business was turning away 50 people because of the staff shortage.
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"Once we have enough staff, we will open 7 days a week for a la carte and take away," the post said.
Mick's Fish owner Mick Kimpton recently advertised for a junior staff member position, but received just three applications, significantly fewer than the 15 or so he would typically receive.
"I'm a bit baffled at the moment," Mr Kimpton said.
"The junior staff that I've hired in the past stay on for a couple of years typically, until they're young adults and they go to university or into their profession.
"They're able to learn life skills and earn some money in a supportive and nurturing hospitality environment."
Mr Kimpton said an over reliance on digital job advertisements could mean prospective employees miss out on available opportunities.
"If a jobseeker walks from one side of Bendigo to the other, nicely presented and handing out resumes, they'll almost certainly get a job at the moment," he said.
Masons of Bendigo co-owner Sonia Anthony created a Facebook group, Bendigo Hospitality Jobs, to address the industry's local staffing gap after hearing of the traders' struggles.
A hospitality stalwart of more than two decades, Ms Anthony said as a City of Gastronomy, it's essential Bendigo offers the best culinary experience for diners and that includes adequate staff numbers.
"There's been an underlying lack of people willing to enter the industry for some time, but there are wonderful hospitality opportunities in Bendigo," she said.
Mr Kimpton said that all hospitality businesses have to work within a budget when making hiring decisions.
"These are judgment decisions about whether to hire junior or senior staff," he said.
"It makes things financial harder and stretches the budget when you can't employ a junior staff member."
Ms Anthony said the return of on campus university will make a big difference to the sector.
"Hopefully it will result in young people coming to or returning to Bendigo, refreshed and looking for work," she said.
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