Survey to ensure businesses are not left hung out to dry

Wellington Shire Council wants to hear from any local businesses impacted by the sudden withdrawal of linen services from Gippsland by South Pacific Laundry.

Council understands that mostly hospitality, tourism and health businesses have been affected since the company stopped servicing the region early this year.

Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils, in collaboration with Small Business Victoria, have created a survey for local businesses to help measure the full impact and find a solution.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said some businesses had told Council they were struggling to operate and had to close bookings due to no longer being able to provide clean linen.

"These are mainly accommodation providers and restaurants which use linen such as white tablecloths, bedsheets and towels," Cr Bye said.

"They are businesses which have felt the full brunt of the Covid pandemic over the last two years so this couldn't come at a worse time for them.

"While some businesses who used the linen service have been able to find a solution, unfortunately others have had to stop taking bookings because of the difficulties and huge costs involved in sourcing clean linen at such short notice.

"Council has been in communication with some businesses impacted but to really understand the full extent of the problem, we need businesses to take part in this survey."

Impacted businesses are encouraged to fill out the survey by 2 March at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNJ7RC8 or contact Council's Concierge Business Support Officer Kirsten Power on at kirstenp@wellington.vic.gov.au or 5142 3254.

‍