The Port Macquarie hospitality Industry took a considerable hit when restaurant doors were forced to close and staff found themselves lining up at Centrelink.

The Whalebone Wharf is a Port Macquarie icon, being the longest operating restaurant in the region. The restaurant opened in 1971 and has been run by current owner for the last 20 years!

Since the Corona virus restrictions forced the owner to close their doors three weeks ago and stand down all staff.

Staff members, especially executive head Chef , Peter Ridland, the main breadwinner of a young family was considerably affected.

Thanks to the 'Job Keeper' initiative, owner Nathan Tomkins has been equipped to offer staff employment, bring their life new hope and have put them back to work.

Work conditions will adhere to social distancing regulations.

Staff will come back to work as of Thursday 16th April.

The staff will be prepping the restaurant for a relaunch later this year for what's predicted to be one of the most prosperous times yet for the hospitality industry as restrictions are lifted and people enjoy social occasions as they did once before.