A locally owned service apartment business has decided to turn their bad fortune in a chance to help frontline workers with managing the risks to their families associated with COVID-19.
Amberoo Apartments owner David McGill said COVID-19 had meant that most of the apartments had been sitting vacant in recent weeks.
After seeing a number of news items on risks, he has worked with suppliers to make the rooms available - for nominal rates - to local front line health care and service workers.
“Our local frontline health care and service workers are providing a critical service to their communities at this time and we are aware that due to COVID-19 some have concerns about going home and interacting with the families,” Mr McGill said.
“Amberoo Apartments, with the assistance of our local partners and suppliers, are able to provide these critical workers with accommodation away from home for a nominal rate which is comfortable, safe and practical.”
To offset some of the costs of opening the rooms, such as electricity and weekly cleaning, a personal fee of $100 weekly per person will apply per room and Mr McGill is also looking for support from the Government.
“Amberoo Apartments is ideal for this purpose as each unit has a lounge room and full kitchen and laundry, ample parking and plenty of space to restrict contact with others," he said.
“We are hoping other businesses may also get on board and help these workers while they
are away from their families during their stay by offering discounts or products such as food.”
Amberoo Apartments can be contacted on 02 6766 3231 for full details regarding the offer or for businesses who may be able to assist.
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that NSW frontline healthcare workers will be provided with free accommodation to protect their loved ones as part of $100 million in extra measures to support frontline staff battling COVID-19.
The NSW Government is allocating almost $60 million to provide doctors, nurses, paramedics and other hospital and ambulance staff with the option of staying in out-of-home accommodation during the pandemic.
Mr McGill said he hoped there would be a focus on utilising local, independent accommodation services to ensure businesses in regional areas can benefit while also lending a hand.