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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
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INSIDE
PropertyGuide GippslandTimes
Businesses hope for easing of lockdown in regions
Watching and waiting Josh Farrell and Julianne Langshaw
On the prowl for foster carers Animal Aid is seeking foster homes ahead of kitten season. Pictured are Animal Aid's Kirsty McCallum and Ellie Clarke, with adoption-hopeful Turtle. Full story, page 7. Photo: Josh Farrell
LOCAL business people are hoping lockdown will be eased in regional areas this week, after Premier Daniel Andrews flagged the possibility last Wednesday. Sale Business and Tourism Association president Julian McIvor said everyone knew local businesses were doing it tough, but this extended lockdown had truly pushed many businesses, and business people, “to the brink”. “Our region has largely remained COVIDfree, but has been forced to endure every lockdown,” he said. “This has placed an enormous financial burden on businesses and increasing mental stress on business owners. “I have received a number of calls from community leaders who are expressing deep concern for local business owners. “At the moment all they have is confusing rules and ever-changing restrictions. “What business people need now from our Premier is clear and consistent messaging and a significant strategy to move forward.” Wellington Real Estate principal Tony Kiss said business was surviving, but only due to sacrifices made by owners and workers. “We are currently running on a skeleton staff ... we can only really do property management at the moment,” he said. Mr Kiss said the sales side of the business had dried up because staff were unable to complete appraisals, and they could only carry out essential work on rental properties. After restrictions once again tightened in Melbourne, Mr Kiss said interest from Melbourne buyers had almost completely evaporated.
New The Vines on Avon owner Tamara Maxwell estimates she has lost about $60,000 throughout this lockdown either through postponed weddings or loss of regular restaurant business. Ms Maxwell, who has owned the business for eight weeks, is utilising takeaway options to keep business going and her staff employed. “We have started things like taco Tuesday and other events ... anything to give my staff a few shifts,” she said. But she is trying to look on the positive side, saying the community is being supportive. “Community support in the regions has been amazing ... everyone wants to find ways to help,” she said. Ms Maxwell does not believe events businesses such as hers will be able to open until mid-September — even if regional Victoria comes out of lockdown this week. “We just have to keep going — it's all we can really do — a lot of people have it worse than me,” she said. Wellington Shire Council is sending officers around the region to help businesses ensure they are meeting COVID-safe requirements. They are helping to set up and maintain QR code check-ins, physical distancing measures, cleaning and sanitation, and preparing COVID-safe action plans. On Sunday, Mr Andrews described the current wave as a “pandemic of the unvaccinated”. There were 89 people in hospital in Victoria, with 24 in intensive care and 13 on ventilators, the new infections bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 1417. More than 90 per cent of Victorian cases were aged under 50. Continued page 5
YES, WE ARE OPEN! We offer free pick up and drop off in the Sale area.
SALE MAZDA & MITSUBISHI 273 York St, Sale Ph: 5144 1311 www.salemazdaandmitsubishi.com.au
LMCT. 10439
“I have always depended on the kindness of hairdressers.”
See you soon
at HAIR IS KANYEMBA Raymond Street, Sale
Phone 5144 5746
GP1631807
FOR SERVICING AND REPAIRS
We will be practicing safe hygiene and social distancing as per Covid 19 prevention