City of Parramatta Council, Australia, will be distributing up to 10,000 free COVID rapid antigen tests to local charities, restaurants and hospitality venues over the festive season following a generous donation from one of Australia's largest suppliers.
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont helped to arrange the donation from 2SAN, which continues to supply large volumes of tests nationally, including to NSW Health, NSW Education, and corporations including Australia Post, Woolworths, Coles and BHP.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the City of Parramatta, and the last few years have been particularly challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.
"Council has been doing what it can to ease the burden on our local businesses, from waiving fees and easing parking restrictions, to marketing campaigns promoting what's on offer across the Parramatta area.
"I'd like to thanks the NSW Small Business Commissioner and 2SAN for arranging this generous donation, which will be welcomed by many. It's a gesture that will help businesses protect their staff and guests, and keep the local economy humming during the very busy festive period"
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said the test kits would help provide valuable support to small businesses and their staff by reducing expenses and offer a degree of certainty over the Christmas and New Year season.
"This is a tremendous initiative and I congratulate 2SAN and the City of Parramatta for providing and distributing these test kits during what we hope will be bumper Christmas trading for the small businesses of Parramatta," Mr Lamont said.
Eligible organisations - including registered charities, restaurants, cafes and hospitality venues located within the City of Parramatta - will be able to collect up to 50 rapid antigen tests each.