South Burnett business 'family' able to continue in vital community role with COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan

A COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan has allowed the Dascombe family to continue supporting their employees, who they consider part of their family, and maintain their commitment to the community during restrictions, as well as prepare the business for the future. 

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure. 

The family-owned business started more than 20 years ago with eight coaches and has since expanded to include 52 buses and depots at Goomeri, Murgon, Nanango and Kilkivan as well as three travel agents in Gympie, Kingaroy and Murgon. 

Harvey and Marianne Dascombe founded the business while son Andrew and his wife Felicity joined shortly after.  

More than 60 local people work in jobs across the business including bus drivers, mechanics and travel agents.  

Felicity Dascombe said the business had a long-standing commitment to many communities in the South Burnett, as well as to their staff.  

“We run school buses, day trips, charters, excursions, trips for local clubs and community events as well as many day tours to musicals and events in South East Queensland which people would not otherwise be able to travel to as well as extended domestic and international trips through the travel agencies,” Ms Dascombe said.  

“All our employees are local and they live in the local area. When COVID-19 hit we wanted to support every single one of them. We call them our family. We are very connected to the team and they are all part of the community.  

“It really affected us personally, we care so much about everyone and our business and our community.” 

A COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan meant staff could continue to be supported and the business would be well-prepared for when restrictions lifted. 

“The first few weeks were a bit scary with the shock impact of what was happening  locally and globally, but we feel we can get through this,” Ms Dascombe said 

“We have been able to keep the majority of staff on but we also had to make sure they were all safe. To be able to keep them employed, it keeps them in the local community.  

“The loan meant we could pay wages correctly and we weren’t stressed. It gave us reassurance, it eased the burden. We put the money towards cash flow and working capital so we could keep the pay roll going and pay all the staff.  

“The loan helped immensely with the business and took the pressure and the stress out of a time when contracts had been cancelled and work drying up rapidly. It means we can move out the other end.” 

She said that despite the challenges, COVID-19 had afforded the family the ability to consider their options and ensure their resilience for future challenges.  

“We can get back to what we do best and think about how we can improve the business and what we can do better to get up and going again. There is always room to do better,” Ms Dascombe said. 

“We want to be prepared for the future, to be able to future proof the business and jobs so we are in the best position. I’m excited, it has given us the chance to take a breath and be more creative and imaginative so we can do better for the future.” 

Existing COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan clients can find important information about the ongoing management of their loans on the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page.

QRIDA is delivering the $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.