Municipality leaders have urged the public to continue supporting Wimmera businesses in the wake of COVID-19. 

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said it was vitally important for everyone to rally together to tackle the challenges the business community was facing.  

He said the council and the Greater Ararat Business Network had been in daily contact in relation to the situation, while taking advice from East Grampians Health Service.

“Council’s economic development unit is building a page on its website with links and information from government authorities, specifically aimed at the business community,” he said. 

“Our local business operators will be feeling anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead, and this information will help them prepare better and get the answers they need to plan adequately for what might happen next. 

“Council is encouraging everyone, as the GAB Network is, to support our local business operators, keep our dollars in the region and shop locally. 

“This is one very important way we can all help support them at this uncertain time.” 

GAB Network president Maria Whitford said it was important community support one another in the weeks and months to come.   

“The success of moving past this situation as soon as possible with minimal disruption to services and businesses relies on everyone supporting the measures government has advised, and if this includes closing of many customer service-based facilities, then so be it,” she said.  

“Taking the advice of the chief medical officer and those experts who are monitoring the global situation on an hourly basis, the Health Department and government are able to formulate the best approach to minimising and eradicating the spread of this virus sooner rather than later, so GAB Network fully supports the current measures Ararat Rural City Council has put in place.” 

Ms Whitford said 2020 would be a particularly difficult year for businesses. 

“Now more than ever, shopping locally and supporting our business operators has never been so important, as it will be over the next few weeks to months, so please keep that front of mind when deciding where to spend your dollars,” she said.  

“Our priority is the health and safety of all our members and our community. 

“Please look after yourself, one another and follow the chief medical officer’s advice regarding social distancing and stay home if you’re unwell.” 

As the situation progresses, the GAB team will ensure members are kept up to date, with relevant information via its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gabiznetwork and through direct email. 

For details on COVID-19 updates on important news and actions individuals can take, people can visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. 

The entire April 1, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!