The last six plus months have been hard on all of us with drought, bushfires, and now the dreaded CoVid-19 virus lock-downs regulations etc etc. No doubt these events have affected us all in many different ways, but what now, what is the future for our town, our region, and the many businesses that are struggling to survive. What can be done to keep our town alive?
It is no good waiting for a hand out, or for some mythical upsurge in business, no good waiting for restrictions to be relaxed or for visitors to start returning. Certainly no good waiting for our leaders to get off their comfy seats and actually do something practical now, in my view, we have already waited far too long already for some proactive action, now is the time for local and individual action.
If we want to keep our town we, yes you and me all have to play a part and it starts NOW. So here is as I see it a way to try and make a difference. It might just keep a business open or a job in place.
While we are able, and regulations regarding movements allow, we all make a point of going out at least once a week, perhaps to somewhere we haven't been before or for a long time or to do something we haven't done before. East Gippsland is so large, I wager nobody knows every road, every track, trail or tour.
Walk, wander, cycle, drive, or even cruise, but do it and do it local. This will not only do us all some good mentally, and physically, but if we stop for a take away coffee or snack along the way it will keep our local businesses alive. I am happy to publish via this blog weekly ideas to inspire you.
There are many groups in town that have been affected, so why not and within the bounds of social distancing, get together and perhaps book a group cruise with one of our local operators. I am sure if the numbers are confirmed they will be happy to do a run. Why not order a picnic style lunch on board from a local caterer and make a afternoon of it.
Hire a boat from one of our three North Arm operators, Blue, Red, or Yellow, take your pick, go for a cruise, taking a picnic lunch from a local provider or bought from a local store, enjoy something different, they even have party boats, take a BBQ with meat from a local butcher and a beer from your local.
Go on a cycle ride, or walk and have a break along the way for a coffee, a donut or other gastronomic delight, then walk it all off on the return trip! Lakes has over 6 kms of flat waterfront walkways.
Its easy, and we all will benefit, even going for a drive will keep the local garages going selling fuel, it will keep your vehicle running better and our local servicing businesses will be kept in business as well. No doubt some nibbles along the way will keep the driver happy.
That is the active bit covered, so what next. OK, once a week grab a take away meal be it lunch or dinner and/or book a table at one of our local cafes/restaurants for a dine in night while we can. I have enjoyed many take away lunches parking at Bullock Island as so many of us locals do.
So I hear you ask, who is open, at the time of writing I do not have a list, but again I am happy to make one up if the business owners let me know their opening times and rules re dining in. A simple spread sheet which again, I am happy to post online and keep updated.
So I hope you get the drift, I will keep this post short but will publish some suggestions in the next couple of days, if you want the information 'Like' my page and you will get updates as posted.
In short - 'IF WE DON'T USE IT, WE WILL LOSE IT' - join with me and do your bit trying to save our town and all that is in it. Its too good to lose. There are some great sights to see in our own backyard.
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