The silence is deafening and for the retailers there, Covid-19 is yet another punch in the solar plexus.

Berrima is a town largely driven by tourism and it is hurting.

To roll with the punches is a very hard ask for its retailers who have had to survive the impacts of the drought, the bushfires and now "The Virus".

Of special note is that Berrima, established in 1831 is the only existing and largely preserved Australian Georgian colonial town. That's right, the only one and now more than ever, needs to be preserved.

It has its own special character and the folk of Berrima love their village.

So much so, that with sheer determination and unmatched courage, they will fight on.

We can all help them to win this battle and in doing so, we are also helping to preserve Berrima.

"Mrs Oldbucks Pantry has been here for 44 years and I am determined that it will be here for another 44 years" said proprietor Carol Brown.

"I have owned the business for two years and what a two years! I have closed the shop because it is 90% tourist based, so I am now taking phone orders on 1800 440 144 or online orders on www.mrsoldbuckspantry.com.au

Put in your postcode and free delivery will pop up. Free Local Home delivery is for Wingecarribee Shire, no minimum spend".

Mrs Oldbucks Pantry offers you their range of locally made delicious jams, preserves and gourmet products.

Catering to the finest and most discerning palate superb, subtly flavoured jams, pungent mustards, tangy pure fruit jellies and chutneys, pure peanut butter, decadent toppings and there are over 160 fine speciality teas that offer both flavour and health.

There's oils from Kangaroo Valley, ....the list goes on. Check out what you can buy online.

These are some of the businesses that are open:

The Brown Shutter. Phone: 4877 1211

The Bay Tree Gallery/Baytree in Berrima. Phone: 4877 1333

Little Hand-stirred Jam Shop. Phone: 4877 1404

Lolly Swagman. Phone: 4877 1137

Berrima General Store.

Bee and Bear Cafe. Phone: 4877 1117

Magpie Cafe. Phone: 0438 216 646

Courtyard Cafe. Phone: 4877 2729

Berrima Village Pottery 0412 271 385

The Brown Shutter

Trading since 1978 The Brown Shutter offers a unique mix of locally made products and giftware items just right for any occasion.

You'll also find high quality, stylish ladies clothing and accessories. There's a large variety of cane-ware from which to choose.

Did you know that The Brown Shutter is famous for its Ducks in Boots? There's Australian soaps and giftware, cards .. and the list goes on!

"The Brown Shutter was established in 1978, said proprietor Laurel Horton, it is lovely that we have second and third generation families visiting regularly".

Laurel has been in the retail industry for over 30 years and takes pride in the service offered by The Brown Shutter.

This includes the amazing gift wrapping service that is offered free with all purchases.

The Brown Shutter is continually evolving with an eclectic mix of products and fashions, there's something for all ages, tastes and needs. You can contact Laurel on 4877 1211.

The Bay Tree Gallery/Baytree in Berrima

Baytree in Berrima offers a unique mix of artwork and retail items that everyone will love including a range of mixed artwork from local and regional artists.

The gallery was opened in 2012 to provide an exhibition space for local and regional artists with a particular emphasis on new and up and coming artists from all art mediums.

The retail sections of the gallery offer a selection of ladies and mens clothing and hats including Jacaru Hats, scarves, and jewellery designed to tempt.

The gallery also stocks a collection of Australian made wind chimes, a variety of giftware including Australian made soaps, babies and toddlers products, placemats and other products from Bell Art Australia all to delight locals and visitors.

The large variety of cards includes a selection of Quilling Cards that are a gift on their own.

Baytree is well worth a visit. Check out their website www.baytreeinberrima.com.au. Phone: 4877133

Little Handstirred Jam Shop

The Little Hand Stirred Jam Shop has been trading for more than 30 years and is renowned for their jams, chutneys, pickles and sauces.

They specialise in small batch cooking using recipes passed down from their grandmothers, mothers or gathered from foodies over a chance conversation.

The shop is a treasure trove of handmade products that have been created with both passion and dedication to the core ingredients lovingly created in their Berrima kitchen.

Little Handstirred Jam Shop is a family business who offer good old fashioned customer service. You can phone them on4877 1404

Lolly Swagman

It is amazing how much of our best childhood memories are tied up with the lollies that we used to eat.

So many friendships were forged around those lollies, fudge and chocolates we shared and our favourite relatives were ranked around those who made the best fudge.

Lolly Swagman welcomes you to their wonderful world of sweets, treats and indulgences.

It is invitation for you to travel back in time to those good old days of the corner lolly shop.

There's a wide variety of fudge, lollipops and all your favourite sweets, some not seen for years or never tasted before.

Lolly Swagman is truly the sweet spot in Berrima. They can be contacted on 4877 1137

So you know the shops that are trading, now let's back Berrima and preserve the history and the village we know and love.

By backing Berrima we are also sending a strong message....Berrima, we have your back!

Highland FM manager Adam Stokeld