Australians have a long history of getting things done when the going gets tough. We’re a country that has prevailed through natural disasters and environmental challenges like drought, a country that has excelled on the world sporting stage, and we’re a country of brilliant people with brilliant ideas.
We’ve invented technology like Wi-Fi, power boards, and the cochlear implant – among other incredible world-firsts. So, what new inventions and ideas did 2020 deliver?
Young Henrys are known for making kegs of beer. Beer to be shared with friends during the days of summer, attending live-music gigs, or watching the sunset over a river while fishing.
As this business, their loyal customer and their communities were hit with lockdowns, Young Henrys heeded the call and shifted their focus to using their ingredients to make hand sanitiser. Hand sanitisers require high-quality ethanol, something which distilleries have available for their main product.
Young Henrys aren’t the only distillery to have pivoted to hand sanitisers. Bundaberg Rum will donate 100,000 litres of ethanol to the Queensland government, while Beenleigh Rum Distillery is producing hand sanitisers for front-line workers.
Most communities have been trying their best to support local shop owners and stores. One of these business owners receiving support from their community is Ken Little, who for 40 years has been running his own fruit and vegetable shop in Port Macquarie.
With the onset of the lockdowns, he’s introduced a ‘Knock and Drop’ home delivery service. With more deliveries than ever before, he’s doing his best to keep his staff employed and understands that “sometimes you have to evolve your business, and this is our chance to evolve our business temporarily”.
For those at the front line, access to surgical masks proved challenging since lockdowns, but companies like Adelaide business Demtold have stepped up. Demtold traditionally makes packaging for fast food companies like KFC and McDonalds, but the team has pivoted and turned their efforts towards making surgical masks.
This quick pivot ensures a third of the masks made will go directly to frontline workers in South Australia.
Melbourne-based Market Stall Co is a business that traditionally makes displays for markets and bespoke retail solutions. The team knew they had to move quickly with restrictions, forcing them to close their doors.
They redirected their efforts to make desks and units for those working from home. As a small business, they wanted to keep people employed and found a solution to meet the needs of their customers.
In the education sector, Mappen is working hard to provide free online learning support to schools during this time. Melbourne Museum is also giving people behind-the-scenes access by creating never seen content, including tours and fun activities from the children’s gallery.
We recognise our role as an essential service provider to millions of Australian homes and businesses, especially during difficult times. We're supporting our customers and community.
