Loch. Like just about everyone in South Gippsland, the people of Loch are adapting to these strange times. Others, like tradies, truck drivers and nurses, are working as usual. But the town is quiet, with people observing the guidelines to stay home as much as possible. Some who have a second home in or around Loch have moved here just because it is a nice, safe place to be.
How Loch and Meeniyan are Coping with COVID19
Loch. Like just about everyone in South Gippsland, the people of Loch are adapting to these strange times. Others, like tradies, truck drivers and nurses, are working as usual. But the town is quiet, with people observing the guidelines to stay home as much as possible. Some who have a second home in or around Loch have moved here just because it is a nice, safe place to be.
And the merchants have adapted. While some have closed, the food outlets are finding new ways to keep their businesses ticking over, staying open late to provide takeaway meals, or offering ‘coffee and burger specials’ during the day.
To kick-start full trading post-lockdown, the most effective plan will be to promote our town and region to Melbourne, in particular, and the total southeast region, reminding potential visitors of the attractions of the region. Why? Well, the national borders will remain closed well after the initial easing of local restrictions, and potential visitors will be watching their wallets as we have all taken a hit, economically.
But a visit to the country can be easy, whether as a day outing or as short stay-over for a few days. Such time away will be inexpensive and extremely rewarding, a win for tourists and traders alike. What might aid this push would be for groups of towns to get together and develop short ’tours’ to encourage people to have several reasons for visiting the region.
Ron Barnacle Chair, Loch Community Development Association
And Meeniyan? COVID-19 has had an amazing effect on our little town called Meeniyan. Some businesses have seen little change, or even an increase in trade.
But for some, social restrictions have had a devastating impact on business, forcing them to make the decision to close temporarily. Most of us are adapting to the ‘new normal’, taking each day as it comes. Most of the businesses in Meeniyan are open at normal or ‘COVID-19’ hours, including giftware, pharmacy, supermarket, farm supplies, jeweller, post office, auto services, deli, accommodation. Our fine hospitality establishments are offering take away meal options across breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.
Meeniyan Tourism and Traders Association would love to thank our Meeniyan and surrounding community for the support given to our traders during the past two months and look forward to this continued support in the misty months ahead.
Over the coming months and beyond, MTTA will be working with other local business associations, South Gippsland Shire, Destination Gippsland, our community, and many others to make a plan for our towns business future.
Marty Thomas President, Meeniyan Tourism and Traders Association
Reprinted from justcommunitysg newsletter with permission
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