The initiative will reduce residents' risk of contact with other people at supermarkets amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It will also ensure hotel staff remain employed at a time when many in the hospitality industry are losing their jobs.

Great Western doesn't have a supermarket and residents have to risk the trip to the Stawell or Ararat shopping precincts to get essential supplies.

"It's just not an enjoyable experience and it just does not feel safe," hotel owner Bruce Ahchow said.

Goods will be passed to drive-thru customers via a tray, ensuring no person-to-person contact. Instead of queuing in a check-out line, people can wait in their cars.

"You can keep safe distances in your car, in your own space," Mr Ahchow said.

The drive-thru is stocking staple products including bread, milk, eggs, rice, flour, sugar, margarine, cheese, juice, cereal and frozen vegetables as well as takeaway coffee, drinks and pre-cooked meal options. Delivery is also available.

Mr Ahchow said the hotel also plans to add meat packs and fresh fruit and vegetables.

"We will never have the variety or quantity of the supermarkets, but we can keep the basics and build up shopping orders the best we can," he said.

"We will expand the goods as we understand what our community wants and needs.

"We love the Great Western community. We really want to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in our community and think this service will help."

As of Monday March 30 four cases have been confirmed in the Wimmera and Northern Grampians region.

"We also want to keep our amazing staff employed and we want to continue to support our suppliers," Mr Ahchow said.

Great Western resident Deidre Coon said the hotel was "one step ahead" in its response to the crisis and was making life easier for the community.

"I think they'll turn over backwards to help people," she said. "If I can get what I need without going to Stawell or Ararat then yes, it's wonderful."

Ms Coon said the hotel has already been "overwhelmed" by demand for its takeaway meals, which the pub started offering last week.

"I think people will support them wherever they can," she said. "If you lose a pub in a little town you've lost an awful lot."

The Great Western Hotel Drive-Thru is open seven days a week from 10am - 8pm. You can call to order on 5356-2270.

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