A campaign has been launched to help pubs and clubs throughout the region keep serving cold beers after the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end.
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The Australian Hotels Association has linked up with Carlton and United Breweries to launch the For the Love of Your Local campaign as they seek to keep venues financially viable despite having to shut up shop as a result of the pandemic.
Under the campaign, people are encouraged to purchase a pint of beer online at the venue of their choice - picking up the drink when the venue resumes normal trading operations in the form of a voucher which is emailed to them after purchase.
The cash from the order will go immediately to the venue and Carlton and United Breweries are also matching all orders - meaning if you order one beer, you'll receive a second for free once doors reopen - with the brewery planning to donate at least $1 million in kegs to venues across the country.
Venues in Leeton have joined on board for the campaign, with the Wade Hotel and Hotel Leeton taking up the campaign alongside other pubs and clubs in Coleambally, Yenda and Griffith.
Wade Hotel director Bart Challacombe said the hotel has already seen some great community support getting behind the venue through the campaign.
"We've got a great community in town and everyone's always trying to help out," Mr Challacombe said.
"We've had a pretty good response of people ... people willing to pitch in now and help the pub."
"The patrons who have gone online and bought beers for down the track ... we appreciate the local support."
Mr Challacombe said the closure has come at a time when the venue was undertaking renovations and while it has allowed the work to be done with ease, the Wade would rather be open and serving.
"We've been doing a bit," Mr Challacombe said.
"We'd much rather be open ... [but the campaign lets us] try and get some income selling beer even if it's not able to be drunk yet."
Carlton and United Breweries CEO Peter Filipovic said the campaign is a "win-win" for lovers of beer and their local venue.
"Some venues are facing the prospect of never opening their doors again if they don't get cash flow," Mr Filipovic said.
"It is an unprecedented challenge - not even during the world wars or the Depression did the pubs close.
"If you love your local, or just want to help save the great Aussie tradition of going to the pub, buy a pint of beer in their hour of need."
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Australian Hotels Association CEO Stephen Ferguson said the program provides a much-needed lifeline for many venue operators who have been left reeling due to the economic effects of COVID-19.
"For communities, it's not just the loss of the local watering hole," Mr Ferguson said.
"Local pubs and clubs buy, hire and spend locally. Local charities depend on local pubs and clubs for sponsorship and fundraising.
"There's a whole supply chain from farmers to drivers who rely on a thriving hotel industry."
Mr Ferguson called on community members to "dig deep and support their local" by buying a pint at a time when it is needed the most.
"And don't just buy one - buy another one for a mate or relative you want to invite down to your local when it reopens and catch-up about the last few months over a couple of cold pints," Mr Ferguson said.
