Businesses around the region are hoping 2024 will be a better year, after battling through a difficult 2023 with the lingering impacts of the COVID pandemic, tied to significant inflation and cost-of-living pressure.
Tayla Cuffe from Pets Tucker Broken Hill told the Truth that “looking ahead for businesses in Broken Hill, we should all be so proud of supporting local businesses and keeping them alive through the toughest years we ever imagined.”
Muhammad Mehdi from Broken Hill Kebab House agreed with Ms Cuffe, telling the Truth that “the big challenge [in my business] is the price increase in freight which has been doubled for our delivery.”
Mr Mehdi added that “as a small business, because the supplier has allocation [limits]… long distances [to travel], and [because we are only a] small business, we are not their priority [and so] sometimes we get out of stock and have to close the shop.”
Mr Mehdi also mused that “we have tried our best for the service we are providing to our beloved customers, and there will always be room to improve it further.”
Electricity bills, staffing issues, interest rates, and other expenses, however, might make it difficult for Mr Mehdi to make these improvements, but he will be working hard to deliver for his customers, nonetheless.
Ms Cuffe noted that for business owners who “made it through this far, or even opened during these difficult times, you certainly have a special place in Broken Hill’s heart.”
Similar sentiments were shared by local businessman Peter Nash from Sampsons Shoes, who noted that in his stores, “Christmas trade was slightly down… partly due to a change of NSW Government with Labor not offering the three $50 Back to School vouchers that were given to all children in December 2022.”
However, he said that “despite the lack of chain stores, Broken Hill has plenty of independent local retailers that provide a great selection of goods.”
Those businesses will look to 2024 with an equal share of concern and optimism, with Ms Cuffe saying that “2024 has to be our year forward for Broken Hill, [as] our greatest gift is support from local customers, supporting each other in business, and getting ready for our next big adventures in business in Broken Hill.”
Mr Nash added that “as we head into 2024, I expect the first six months to be very challenging as the impacts of rate rises bite many [businesses, but] hopefully the Rasp mine is sold and that finally we get definite start dates for the new mines.”
Mr Mehdi said that “with 2024, our business is fuelled with confidence with our dedicated team and forward thinking, we are looking for more opportunities ahead in growth and success … we would be looking to start deliveries as well.”
The August Mundi Bash should provide a significant boost to the economy, Mr Nash noted, provided that the city sells itself to the 12,000 visitors coming to town for the event.
“The Bash is here for five more years. Any investment by Council can be amortised over that period, [and] the free tourism promotion the Bash provides for the Far West is something every business can latch on to,” Mr Nash concluded.
2024 will be another challenging year, but it looks like local business leaders have accepted those challenges and will work hard to maximise the opportunities they seek for their customers and the community more generally.
