Legislative Council Wednesday 24 June, 2020

Ms FORREST (Murchison) - Mr President, in my contribution on Wednesday 3 June I recognised many longstanding businesses in Circular Head and I did not have time to name them all. As is often the case, you miss some because there are so many. I would, therefore, like to expand on the list of long-established small and medium businesses in Circular Head and further acknowledge as many as I can, knowing that I still may miss some. There are so many.

As previously stated, I had intended to make that contribution some time ago and had missed the opportunity, so some of the owners have changed and some businesses have had a name change, even in this time.

Many have faced enormous challenges in recent times, during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. I sincerely hope they can all survive and continue to thrive in the years ahead, but it is really tough for many of our small businesses. As is always the case when you begin to make lists such as these, I may continue to miss some. I thank several of my Circular Head constituents who have provided some valuable feedback and assistance to ensure that I recognise as many as possible.

Fahey Motors first opened its doors as Fahey Toyota back in 1969.

Smithton Veterinary Service has been providing service in the Circular Head region for over 50 years.
Arnold's BP Smithton, currently owned and operated by Andrew Arnold, has been a long-established family business. It was originally started by Andrew's parents at a shop in Montague that also sold fuel. Andrew's father took over the Ampol distributorship in 1973; 47 years later and the family continues to serve the Circular Head community with their automotive needs through the BP Service Station as well as Arnold's Auto Care operated by Peter Arnold for almost 15 years.
We also have lawyers. The very longstanding Jonathan Smith Lawyers has been in operation and practice for 38 years.

Clark Windows has been owned and operated by Craig and Sandra Clark since 1984; 36 years.

Beth Gail has been the proprietor of Lizzy's This'N'That for just over 36 years. From humble beginnings as a small record and clothing store, it now stocks electronic games and consoles and music needs as well as men's and women's fashion and accessories. It also and has a strong online presence, showing how businesses have had to change with the times.

Hungry Years Pizza has been owned by Kaye Free for 33 years.

Smithton Pharmacy, owned by pharmacist Murray House, has been in operation for 32 years.

Spinks Property Services has also been open for 32 years.

Think Water Smithton began as Dixon Irrigation, originally started by Cyril Dixon around 1988, 32 years ago. and it is still independently owned and operated.

Don Joyce Electrical and Don has been in business for over 30 years.

Inn World owned by Jenny Marshall for over 30 years.

Jaeger Electrical, over 30 years.

Richard Haines Mechanical and Exhaust, 25 years.

Wealth Financial, previously Graham Drake Financial, 22 years. Kevin Hall Plumbing, Gas Fitting, 22 years.

Smithton Showcase Jewellers for 20 years was previously Hingston Showcase Jewellers.

Of course, being in a rural area many farming businesses have been operating for generations and should also be recognised for their contribution to their community and economy. Many were run by the same family throughout the generations.

I am sure there are others that have been overlooked. Regardless, I commend them all especially for operating through this challenging and difficult time. The list will continue to grow because small and medium businesses are the backbone of our regions and collectively employ many local people and are the starting point for many young people getting into employment.

I wish all these businesses and the other businesses I mentioned previously all the best, even those I overlooked. I wish them all the very best in these challenging times and hope they can continue to thrive. We all truly value their contribution to the region and the state. For the newer businesses, especially the very new ones that were not in operation long before they had to face an enormous and one of the most challenging times of our lifetime, I wish them every success and longevity, and commend them all.