"We were faced with an extremely tough decision because I have health issues with my lungs which placed me at high risk," Ms Rose said.

"We have stayed open seven days a week ... during the first lockdown it was just us two working which was full-on.

READ MORE:

"It was important for us to stay open. Many community members were concerned about health issues and did not want to risk going into larger towns."

Moyston residents have nominated Ms Rose and Mr Pournayebzadeh for a Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Award.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Community Resilience Award highlights kindness and community spirit from difficult situations.

"It was very unexpected and humbling to be nominated," Ms Rose said.

"We feel like we are part of the community and have built strong connections here."

READ MORE:

Ms Rose said a large part of their business relied on tourism which has declined due to the travel restrictions.

"We had to figure out how to support the community and not go under as a business," she said.

"I was very conscious that the general store was closed for seven years before we took over in December 2017.

"We wanted to do everything we could to remain open. I didn't want to give up on the community and wanted them to know we were here long term.

"A lot of people live by themselves, so when they come in to get their milk and bread that can be their only contact."

As the only business of its kind in the area, Ms Rose said they have continued to be a community hub for the locals.

"We have provided emotional support to our customers and the community has also helped us," she said.

"We have a takeaway dinner menu for Saturday evenings and the café and bottle shop have remained open.

"We didn't know how the takeaway dinner would go, but the community love being able to have a treat and not go far to get it.

"We also try to source and use as much local produce as we can. We stock local bread, lamb, fruit, herbs and spices."

Finalists for the award will be announced in early October.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch - taylor.padfield@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great town.