By Margie Maccoll
The iconic Noosa Surf Club has been forced to close its supporters club at the busiest time of the year and Sunshine Beach Surf Club has cut its hours as Covid takes a heavy toll on hospitality staff across Noosa.
As staff have found themselves either infected with the pandemic or a close contact of someone infected current restrictions have required they isolate.
Noosa Surf Club posted, on social media, their forced closure due to staff shortages with the commitment to open as soon as they can. On Tuesday club manager Anton Mogg said they were Covid testing all staff and working on a plan to reopen.
At Sunshine Beach Surf Club restaurant, bar and management staff numbers have reduced from more than 110 to just 21 because of Covid issues.
“This has a huge impact on our ability to open the doors and operate. We are mindful of the health and well-being of our staff and patrons at all times, but especially our staff who have been working under stressful Covid impacted conditions whilst giving that extra effort over this festive holiday break,“ the club announced to members.
At a board meeting club management developed a plan they put into place immediately “to reduce operating hours in an effort to both continue to provide the great service our Club offers to both members and guests alike, whilst taking into account both the availability and health of our staff“.
Board member Warwick Redwood said the club had run a recruitment drive before the holidays when they had an inkling of what was to happen and despite bringing in new staff the reality was beyond what they expected.
Mr Redwood said management decided to operate with one shift of staff a day and aimed by separating them to be able to maintain service, provide work for staff and best protect everyone from the pandemic.
He said they had healthy staff who are able to work while others were waiting the result of Covid tests, some were close contacts that were required to isolate and some had tested positive.
“We know there were a group of young people in Noosa who should have been quarantining but were out and about around Boxing Day at other venues. There’s been a spread that way,“ he said.
Mr Redwood said most of their staff were young people, all vaccinated. Those who have tested positive to Covid19 have been affected differently, ranging from those “feeling fine“ to others having headaches and “feeling a bit off“.
One staff member, a woman in her 50s was admitted to hospital but released a day later.
Mr Redwood said the impact on Noosa of increasing Covid infections had been felt at the club through a notable absence of locals.
“I’ve volunteered to work on the door in reception for the last few days,“ he said. “I’ve only talked to two locals in a 15 hour period. Locals are laying low. Our visitors are all NSW, Sydney and beyond. It’s good they can get out and about a bit.“
Sunshine Beach Surf Club is now operating from 11am to 6pm (last drinks 5.30pm) with restaurant service from 11.30am-4.30pm.
