On Saturday, for the seventh time in 18 months, Wodonga businesses were plunged into lockdown leaving many wondering how they will survive.

"To be honest I felt numb," Mrs Hindmarsh said.

"It wasn't the biggest surprise in the world given what's happening in Shepparton, but I just felt numb.

"That we have the same restrictions as Melbourne now is harder than before.

"That fact it gets tighter and tighter each time does add extra pressure."

BeanStation cafe owner Rod Ayton said while it was obvious the lockdown was coming, that didn't make it any easier.

"It's getting tougher and tougher, especially when the business support is less and less," he said.

"The only bonus out of this is that my staff are getting support at the moment. There's not enough support for business owners, but we've got to solider on and get through it."

Mr Ayton said they would not be open for takeaway during lockdown because it just wasn't financially viable.

"We've tried before to run takeaway but it costs us more to open than to shut," he said.

Throughout Saturday morning, shops were frantically trying to accommodate a rush of last minute customers, while trying to figure out what the new restrictions meant for them.

As well as being worried about making ends meet herself, Mrs Hindmarsh is terrified about what the latest lockdown might mean for other small businesses in Wodonga.

"How many are going to be able to withstand another lockdown?" she said.

"It's one after the other, after the other.

"Some businesses are slipping through the cracks (of financial support)."

The reality is, unless the community steps up businesses will close.

"Without massive support from locals some won't be here come Christmas, which will be a huge blow to the community," Mrs Hindmarsh said.

"Every business that can't reopen will be a huge loss to the community."

Owner of Exact Computing and Home Entertainment Greg Haysom fears this latest lockdown might just be too much.

"A lot of businesses won't cope," he said.

The Wodonga Retailers president is also worried about small business owners on the edge of financial ruin but staying silent.

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"Sometimes you see on social media someone having an outburst and you think, 'that person is really hurting but can't say it'," Mr Haysom said.

"When you're a small business owner you feel you can't say you're almost broke."

To those businesses, Mr Haysom has just one message - ask for help from your community, from fellow businesses and from those who can guide you towards grants or helplines.

"We need to be stronger together," he said.

"If one shop is really, really hurting the rest of us need to support them. If you own a business in Wodonga and you're going OK, spend some money at a business who isn't. If we look after each other we will be stronger and possibly get through this.

"Ask for help if you're struggling."

On Saturday afternoon, businesses across Wodonga cancelled bookings and threw out stock, saying goodbye to their income at the same time.

Mrs Hindmarsh was meant to be hosting her in-store social stitching group and the last-minute cancellation cost her a significant amount of money.

"That's sort of thing I can't make up for, once that event is gone can't make up that money," she said.

"Sales within shop I can hope to regain in the lead-up to Christmas but lost income from cancelled events, I can never make that back."

It's the third time in a row the monthly event has been cancelled and Mrs Hindmarsh worries about the toll it will take on those who attend.

"I particularly worry about the mental health toll lockdown has," she said.

"People look forward to social groups so much and to have that ripped away, I've definitely see that take a mental health toll on people.

"Please everyone stay in touch those you love, check in on people. I do believe we have very silent mental health toll that may not be visible for some time yet."

Mr Haysom was torn about the lockdown.

"I don't like it, I don't think anyone likes it, but I feel like if we do nothing we could be a lot worse off than we are now," he said.

"Are we being locked down more than we should? I don't know."

My Haysom was worried that even when Delta was under control another variant would come along and plunge Australia into crisis again.

The retailer considered himself lucky as he'd been able to remain operational but on the other hand he was not eligible for most government support.

"That hurts us, while we're still open and trading we're down on income," Mr Haysom said.

"Small businesses don't make a lot of money even when things are good."

Mrs Hindmarsh and many other business owners are relying on a good Christmas season.

"I need a good lead-up to Christmas," she said.

"September to December, everyone please shop local for Christmas. That's what gets us through the quieter months. If we don't support local all we will be left with is empty shops and big chains."

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