General News
7 April, 2023
Residents mourn the loss of another small, local business
The Gateway shop was forced to announce its closure on March 28, citing rising rent, shire and power costs. Although the shop managed to stay afloat during the Covid lockdowns, in the long term, facing mounting difficulties, it has become another...
The Gateway shop was forced to announce its closure on March 28, citing rising rent, shire and power costs.
Although the shop managed to stay afloat during the Covid lockdowns, in the long term, facing mounting difficulties, it has become another Covid casualty for Dimboola – one that's left the community saddened.
"There's been a terrible reaction from the community," said Gateway volunteer Annette.
"Everybody is so sad.
"It's bloody awful.
"And our repeat visitors from out of state will return and find it gone."
One customer, Frank, said he didn't want it closed down at all.
"It's wrong!
"I don't think it's a good idea to close it," he said.
"They should keep it open.
"Where are you going to get another place like this in Dimboola?"
It isn't just the customers and staff who are suffering.
Produce suppliers to the Gateway like Egg Lady Maggie now have nowhere in town to sell their goods.
"It's left me landed with so many eggs on hand with nowhere to sell," Maggie said.
"Everybody's on commission here.
"Everybody will be let down."
Although Gateway volunteer staff mentioned a myriad of additional problems they faced, such as a shortage of committed cooks and a lack of property repairs, they were most concerned about no longer being able to support the Girl Guides.
The Gateway shop is under the Guides Victoria banner.
"There just will be no profit left over for them," one volunteer said.
The Gateway intends to stay open offering bargains during Wimmera Steampunk but will close its doors once the festival is over.