As we move on through the Covid journey, we are all dealing with constant challenges. Nothing seems stable or secure.
Businesses are not able to fill staff vacancies or cover those needing to isolate, and as a result are not able to open their normal hours. This then frustrates shoppers.
Many businesses are reporting being 50% down in their turnover, as many of our community preferring to stay home with so many covid cases in our community; this puts further pressure on our small business owners.
We will soon see the release of the draft plans for the redevelopment of the CBD, (CAD – Central Activity District), inviting the community and businesses to make submissions and provide feedback on the plans.
As a Councillor elected to represent our community, I would like to ask community members how you feel about the number of major projects continually being put out to the community for feedback. Is there too many? Do you know about them? Are you finding the time to really consider them and provide feedback? Are you finding you are able to attend face to face or online sessions if you are keen to have input?
And how do you feel about moving on with all these large projects at this point in the pandemic?
Some events have recommenced Wimmera River Park Run, the shows at the town hall and the art gallery, and we’ve had the recent lawn tennis championship and this weekend’s basketball tournament. Thank you to all volunteers involved in these events, we appreciate your efforts.
However, many running events have declining volunteers, or people needing to isolate, leaving more holes to fill on the date of the event.
How can we as a community pull together, which we do so well, to enable filling some of the gaps in businesses and in community committees?
Can we tell others, where “staff are wanted”?
If we are now buying more online items, can we make some changes and increase our local purchases?
Could we put up our hands to help a local club, organisation, or event, and offer help in some small way?
Are we watching out for each other, for our elderly and our youth in case they are struggling?
Are we asking each other “R U OK?”
Please take time to think and act to make a difference for each other in the community.
