RANKIN'S Complete Catering will lose almost $18,000 after their biggest event was cancelled due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Owner Glen Rankin said when news broke of the Australian Sheep and Wool Show's cancellation on Thursday evening, he couldn't contain his emotions.
"It really was gut-wrenching," he said.
"Honestly, I was watching the news and I went from worried to devastated to just angry.
"This is the biggest event of the year for us and we've lost between $15,000 and $18,000."
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Mr Rankin said he and his team had been slaving over a hot stove day and night for weeks leading up to the event.
"The Sheep and Wool Show may just go for the weekend, but we have to order all the food and prepare it not only for those two days, but cater to the exhibitors in the days leading up to it as well," he said.
"Thankfully we were able to do feed the participants on Tuesday and organisers are prepared to pay us for it, but it's a lot of money we lose and so do they."
He said he is also disappointed he won't be able to help his staff.
"We all know how tough these lockdowns have been on small businesses and their workers," he said.
"For big events like these, I usually employ a lot of workers to help me out and now I can't do that either.
"And I especially feel sorry for the organisers who have a lot of volunteers that spend months putting this event together."
Thankfully, Mr Rankin said not all the food will go to waste.
"We've been able to package up the meals and we will sell them as takeaways over the weekend," he said.
"Over the last few days, the community has really supported us and it's really heartwarming to see so many people wanting to help out.
"And while we may not sell everything, I would have liked to have given our leftovers to the homeless shelter, but we haven't been given the go ahead for that."
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Alex Gretgrix
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
