JobSeeker payments and a lack of visiting backpackers due to the coronavirus pandemic has opened a significant number of job opportunities in the Port Stephens tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.
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So much so that some Nelson Bay small businesses and tourism operators have been forced to cut their opening or operating hours because of a lack of staff.
And with the tens of thousands of tourists expected to visit Port Stephens during the summer months, job seekers and school leavers are sure to find plenty of positions available in cafes, restaurants, resorts, accommodation and tourism activities.
One of those severely impacted is Shoal Bay Country Club, which has just launched a combined human resources and marketing campaign advertising '100 job vacancies' with an immediate start.
Manager Peter Lazarus said that the goal was to recruit 100 staff in the two weeks prior to Christmas.
"We have roles, with plenty of hours and an immediate start, available for bartenders, wait staff, baristas, cafe staff, chefs, pizza chefs, cooks and kitchen hands. We are offering young people exposure to new skills which would hold them in good stead for future jobs," he said.
"It seems that every venue in Port Stephens is looking to hire staff, and while we have not had to reduce our operating hours the shortage has dictated our operational decisions both now and into the future."
Mr Lazarus said that in previous years the club had relied on overseas travellers, including backpackers, to make up the shortfall of staff.
"Obviously with the health restrictions and the uplift in tourist numbers we have been left with a shortage."
Mr Lazarus said the need was greater in Port Stephens compared to Newcastle, where the family owns a couple more hotels.
"Port Stephens is more reliant on tourism compared to Newcastle and with a strong season expected right up to Easter it is important that we begin recruiting now."
Leah Anderson, recently elected Business Port Stephens president who also sits on the board of Destination Port Stephens, said that the staff shortage issue was becoming dire as Port businesses prepare for a bumper Christmas-New Year holiday season.
"There is little doubt that the government's JobKeeper payments have had an enormous impact on the shortage of workers, as has the notable absence of backpackers, predominantly international tourists travelling through Port Stephens due to COVID-19," she said. "We estimate they make around 20 per cent of the casual staff over this holiday period."
Ms Anderson said that some businesses have been forced to reduce their opening hours due to a lack of staff numbers.
"I have been talking with local business owners who say they have to restrict their hours because they cannot employ enough cooks and wait staff, as well as cleaners."
Some of the affected Bay businesses include Sienna's, Sandpipers, Little Beach Boathouse and Bannisters.
Ms Anderson said that traineeship opportunities were also available in finance and business administration. She hoped that more high school students would fill some of those positions when schools shutdown for the year in a week's time.
"There are plenty of opportunities for young people to gain some handy skills in customer service and other areas of hospitality or business which would look great on their resume for when they are ready to join the workforce full-time."
To apply for a job at the country club head to shoalbaycountryclub.com.au/100-summer-jobs.