Thursday, 2 April, 2026
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Crestani comeback?
Waste to energy ‘pause’
Local heroes lauded
Lasting legacy of Wills
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In harmony Zahra and Amelia joined other students, their parents and teachers for a Harmony Day lunch at Southern Cross Primary School in Endeavour Hills last Friday. Many paraded in traditional clothing as they shared foods for around the world. More photos, turn to page 7 (Stewart Chambers: 542063)
Zahra and Amelia (542063)
Fuel squeeze hits Rising fuel costs are pushing hospitality businesses to the brink, as mounting supply chain pressures erode already thin profit margins. Local cafes, restaurants and venues are increasingly burdened by higher transport, freight and energy expenses, with fuel price volatility flowing through every stage of operation.
From supplier deliveries to waste collection, Berwick cafe, La Baguette has been feeling the pressure over the last few weeks. With the surge in fuel prices triggering additional levies and surcharges from suppliers, further compounding financial strain. The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Asso-
ciation CEO, Wes Lambert highlighted that fuel is a fundamental operational cost, meaning price hikes inevitably ripple across the entire industry. As a result, some hospitality operators have decided to shoulder costs onto consumers through small surcharges, raising concerns about
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reduced customer demand amid an ongoing cost of living crisis. As the sector grapples with ongoing uncertainty, calls are growing for coordinated support to ease supply chain pressures and ensure the survival of small hospitality businesses. For more on this story, go to page 4