When Level Three restrictions were imposed across Victoria in March, Ararat Motor Inn manager Michael Patel feared the sound of his phone ringing.
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Now it's happening again.
"Today has been a range of emotions," Mr Patel said.
"Every time the phone rings, I fear it is another cancellation.
"We went through this three months ago and now we are going through it again."
Normally, the 14 rooms of the Barkly St motel would be packed each week with business travellers.
However after the Victorian Government's announcement to lockdown all of metropolitan Melbourne, Mr Patel's phone has been ringing hot.
"Since the announcement today, I have had many cancellations.
"We are bracing for more cancellations.
"Most of our customers are from Melbourne coming to conduct business.
"We were on the road to recovery, but that is out the window."
Mr Patel employs five casual staff members at the motel, many of which are currently working under JobKeeper.
"I'm not worried about my business closing.
"What I am worried about is giving my employees something to do."
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
