Paul Smith, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Coles and other supermarkets have played an important role in supporting people and communities in need. The Coles community shopping hour and priority delivery service were examples of assisting elderly and vulnerable people to access supplies when demand was high. Coles also provided support to public housing residents in lockdown, including substantial donations of food relief.

I’d like to acknowledge the responsiveness, dedication and care of the Coles staff involved in that operation, who went above and beyond to supply basic food and groceries to residents. All the supermarkets have contributed to communities in their own ways. The cooperation between supermarkets and government during this challenging time has been exceptional and will be a lasting legacy of COVID-19.