Mayor urges kindness as state opens up

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Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens is encouraging locals to be kind and support each other as Melbourne and regional Victoria move to the same Covid restrictions from this Friday.

All Victoria will come under the same rules from 6pm on Friday 29 October when the state reaches 80 per cent fully vaccinated.

“As we reunite with the entire state under the same Covid restrictions from this Friday, it's a great time for us all here in Wellington to show some kindness and work together to support the local businesses that have continued to service the community throughout the pandemic,” Cr Stephens said.

“There are many ways you can show your support, perhaps most importantly by staying safe.

“We should all ensure we continue to follow the health advice around masks, hygiene, physical distancing and getting tested for Covid-19 if you have any symptoms.  

“There may be some people unsure about getting out into the community with the easing of restrictions.

“But the reason we are able to enjoy those freedoms is because Wellington residents have done such a phenomenal job in getting vaccinated and playing our part in making the community safe.

“Our efforts as a community have ensured businesses and services across all sectors can now safely open up to more people. Many of those businesses have continued operating in tough conditions, so please support them by spending your money here in Wellington.”

Cr Stephens said it would be great to see locals and visitors to the region taking advantage of warmer weather in late spring and throughout summer by using The Middle of Everywhere app to explore Wellington.

“Book a 'staycation' close to home, go out for dinner and drinks, take in some live entertainment and purchase from local businesses.

“It will take some time for many businesses to fully recover and they really need all of the community's support right now.

“Of course, we also currently have the Archibald Prize running in Sale. While it has received tremendous support from Gippslanders in its opening weeks, we are now excited to welcome Melburnians to experience this unique opportunity and locals will start to see some of the economic flow-on from the increase in visitation.

“We look forward to making some exciting announcements in the coming days about how Port of Sale will continue its fun, vibrant atmosphere well into summer, so stay tuned.

“Finally something very simple but essential that we can all do to support the community and ensure this remains a great place to live, is to be patient and kind to each other.”

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