Western Australia is known as the mining state and is home to some of Australia's biggest companies. But small business is the key driver of the state's future growth, with 97% of all businesses in WA classified as small.
In recent years, WA has been on the path to a slow and steady recovery, but many restaurant owners are still feeling the bite of Perth's economic slowdown.
Indonesian restaurant, Manise Indonesian Eating House has been serving authentic Asian dishes for almost two decades and has experienced the change first hand.
"We are originally from Ambon, Mum and dad started the restaurant back in 2000. We want to combine the best taste of Indonesia with the best of Australian produce," explains Manise owner Joana Sirliem.
Since taking over the restaurant, Joana and her husband have revamped the menu to include a wider range of Indonesian cuisine.
"West Australian mining is gone," says Joana.
"People are a bit more cautious in spending, and I suppose there are a lot more Indonesian restaurants that have opened in Perth".
"The target market from when mum was and my dad was is different from now. Especially with people flying into Bali a lot. People are more familiar with Indonesian food now."
Manise originally served dishes traditional to Eastern Indonesian, but has recently widened the menu to include food from the entire nation Source: SBS
Joana's family migrated from the tiny Indonesian island of Ambon 20 years ago. A city which is famous for its spice blends and untouched beaches. But it has a violent past.
During the 1990s religious riots broke out across the region, leaving thousands dead and half a million people displaced.
Joana's parents were forced to leave their home behind and move to Australia.
"There were riots happening in Ambon, it was quite dangerous to be back there."
Following a career path with skills already known, Joana's parents took to the food industry in Australia.
"Dad managed the restaurant, mum cooked the food," says Joana.
"Three years ago we took over, my husband is a qualified commercial chef so that is why we are able to take on the challenge."
Like many small business owners, Joana is always looking for new ways to generate additional revenue.
Joana’s parents are now retired, but continue to help in the business Source: SBS
"We are thinking of bottling the sauces and hopefully it will be introduced to the people of WA and hopefully nationally".
"With the busy world now we wanted to be able to introduce the gourmet sauces, where you could just fry your chicken, or you could just grill your beef, and just open the jar, pour the sauce and it tastes gourmet".
For now, they hope to continue serving authentic Indonesian flavours to the Perth community.
"Manise has been here for 18 years now and hopefully in the next few years we'll still be here," says Joana with a smile.
"Even with the ups and downs in the economy, we're still here."
