Sydney pubs can thank backpackers for saving them
Backpackers are back in Sydney, and they are helping to save Sydney’s hospitality scene.
In the last financial year, the 225,000 working holiday visas granted were more than double the 97,000 in 2021-2022. The numbers were at their lowest during the height of Covid in the 2020-2021 financial year at 40,000.
The lack of visas and backpackers coming through Australia sent many hospitality businesses to the wall including Newtown’s Lentil as Anything and Golden Century in Chinatown.
Luke Mangan described backpackers as the backbone of the hospitality industry.
“Ever since visa workers have been allowed back in, it has been fantastic. A lot of these guys are Italians and French, especially in my level in hospitality, they’ve got experience in restaurants, and they’ve got knowledge on wine and service, they’re good cooks. So, it’s a really good asset to us. We’ve probably got 20-30 visa workers working in that group,” Mangan told The Daily Telegraph.
Danielle Laundy reiterated the sentiment.
“I would definitely say that we’re in a much better position with supply of staff now, which has helped. They have definitely assisted us,” the pub baron said.
There are now plenty of opportunities available.
Michela Naimor recently moved to Australia from Italy for a working holiday. She is currently working at O Bar and told The Daily Telegraph, “In Italy we don’t get many opportunities for work. Here I can easily get work and experience. It’s the perfect place to stay, you can enjoy the beach, meet people, and there is good weather.”
Jonathan Jackson, 22nd January 2024
