Sovereign Place retailers are celebrating one year in business following a challenging 12 months disrupted by bushfires, drought and a worldwide pandemic.

On Monday 23 November, Lewis Land Group was joined by the diverse and hard-working Sovereign Place business community, the Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams MP and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Deputy Mayor Lisa Intemann in the town centre forecourt to reflect on our successes in spite of the hurdles.

Hastings Co-op IGA Chief Executive Officer Allan Gordon said the Sovereign Place IGA was overwhelmed by the level of support from their new local neighbourhood.

“We understand it’s been a challenging 12 months for our customers and we’re extremely grateful for how the community has embraced our new store. We have overcome the adversities of 2020 because of our loyal staff, members and customers,” Mr Gordon shared.

LLG Chief Executive Officer Matthew McCarron said Sovereign Place would continue to thrive as more members of the wider community and beyond discovered this gem of a centre in the heart of the Hastings.

“Sovereign Place is a vital amenity in the Sovereign Hills community offering convenience and a place for people to come together. Its importance has been demonstrated during the pandemic, as our open-air centre provided not only a safe space to stock up on fresh food and supplies, but a place where people could visit for takeaway meals, exercise and for a welcome break from their homes” Mr McCarron explained.

“The Sovereign Place business owners responded with great courage and innovation ensuring they emerged stronger and even more determined to succeed on the other side of the restrictions.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams MP said NSW Government investment in targeted support measures have been key to successfully supporting business throughout 2020.

Port Macquarie small businesses have received $12 million in COVID-19 Small Businesses Support and Recovery Grants since April to help keep local businesses in business and people in jobs.

“Port Macquarie’s businesses and local community have also received millions in relief from the NSW Government’s $16 billion health and economic stimulus measures designed to cushion the impacts of the pandemic.”