As the state-wide lockdown extends for at least another week, Eurobodalla Shire mayor Liz Innes has called on the government to provide more support for those doing it tough.
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On Thursday, August 19, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the lockdown extension to August 28, at least.
As for rural and regional communities, the affects are really starting to hit hard, says Ms Innes.
"Its disappointing a region like ours is doing the right thing and again we are shut down," Ms Innes said.
"I don't envy those in position to make these decisions, which are all based on recommendations from the healthcare sector - balancing between keeping people safe and economy going."
With many shops shut in what used to be bustling towns across the Eurobodalla Shire, Ms Innes was concerned some businesses may not survive.
Ms Innes put a call on Facebook to spark conversations around wage subsidies.
"How about we start a conversation on politicians and bureaucrats reducing their wages for an interim period to help people in the hospitality and retail trade who are doing it particularly tough," she said.
"In that conversation, we also need to talk about an increase in wages for front line health workers.
"These are conversations we need to have.
"If we are going to continue lockdowns, it is going to have a continuous affect and we really need to start thinking about that."
JobSaver payments were available to businesses who have experienced a revenue decline of 30 percent or more during the lockdown. Businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million are eligible.
Payments are based on 40 percent of their weekly payroll and can be between $1500 and $100,000 per week.
However, Ms Innes said JobSaver was not enough.
"How long is this going to be sustainable before it starts hitting our national economy?," she questioned.
"Offers from the government are welcomed, but how long can we as a nation sustain this?
"If the catch phrase is - 'we are all in this together', well then we need to all be in this together.
"If this is going to be the new normal, we need to have conversations on the economic consequences in shutting our regions down."
Ms Innes was proud of the community's response, following health advice and getting vaccinated.
More than 23,000 vaccinations have been administered in the Eurobodalla Shire so far and 30-39 percent of residents were already fully vaccinated. To see the vaccination map by postcode, CLICK HERE.
"We are among the highest vaccinated regions, which is fantastic, considering we don't have a designated vaccination centre," Ms Innes said.
"This shows that our community is doing a stellar job and that our GPs and pharmacists are doing a fantastic job - kudos to them.
"If you look at what this community has been through in the last 18 months to two years, just how incredible we are as a strong, resilient and caring community - thanks to everyone you are all amazing. Please continue to do the right thing.
"If there's a classic example of doing it together, we in the Eurobodalla are it."
