Gyms, dance studios and tattoo parlours are just some of the businesses given the green light to re-open from June 13, as more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro made the announcement on Tuesday as business owners and employees of the industries celebrated the news.
Part owner of World Gym Penrith, Clair Williams burst into tears when she heard the news and said it’s a huge relief after an extremely tough couple of months.
“It’s such a relief, we’re all just over the moon,” she said.
“It’s happy and excited tears for us, I was here in the studio cleaning and doing the final touches to make sure it was ready and all the staff were here when the announcement came through, so it was really special.”
Ms Williams said the World Gym online platform has been vital in maintaining health and wellbeing in the community but she is looking forward to seeing the gym’s members face-to-face once again from later this month.
Owner of PAWS dance studios, Rebecca Liu-Brennan also opted for an online model during restrictions but said she can’t wait to be back.
“I am so excited for my kids to be doing classes, we’ve been doing them online but I know they’ll be so excited to get back in the studio,” she said.
Ms Liu-Brennan said she has been consulting with Penrith MP Stuart Ayres during restrictions and thanked him for his support and advocacy throughout the process.
With about 30 students generally in their dance classes but only 10 students now allowed, PAWS classes will operate on a three-week rotation basis.
The news also came as a huge relief to local tattooists, who felt they had been forgotten by the State Government after the beauty industry, including cosmetic tattooing services, were given the all clear from June 1.
“It’s a huge relief and about time,” Crossbones Gallery co-owner Brenton Eldridge said.
“Keeping tattoo parlours shut was just promoting tattooing to take place in non-health registered premises and there are serious health implications that come with unlicensed people illegally operating.
“We have Australian standards, the Skin Penetration Act, and very stringent health guidelines, we can’t wait to get people back in the studio.”
Large gyms and indoor centres will be allowed 100 people inside their facilities, subject to the four square metre rule.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.
