NEWS DESK
Olympic hopefuls team up to train
Tourism support COMPENSATION for tourism accommodation operators who have suffered cancellations due to the lockdown of metropolitan COVID hotspots has been welcomed. A $5 million fund for regional businesses such as motels, caravan parks and holiday home operators from the state government will help cover lost revenue as a result of cancelled bookings. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said: “I want to thank the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula for ensuring Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses are included in the regional accommodation support fund. “We know our tourism businesses are struggling at the moment and we appreciate all the support they can get.” Cr Hearn said the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 were forecast to be greater for the peninsula than for Australia overall, with a predicted 21 per cent fall in gross regional product. “This is much worse than the 6.9 per cent drop forecast for Australia as a whole,” he said. “There has already been an 11 per cent drop in employment opportunities in the region, which foreshadows a bleak outlook. I look forward to continuing to work with the state government to support our community recovery efforts.”
By Bree Masters ATHLETES training for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are being confronted by an unforeseen obstacle: the six-week lockdown aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. With their training options suddenly curtailed Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club sprinters Sophia Fighera and Matthew Rizzo have teamed up to help each other stay fit for Tokyo. Matthew Rizzo, 2017 Stawell Gift winner, said news of sporting facilities and gyms closing and outdoor exercise being restricted to two people, means his Olympic dream is at stake. “With gyms closing, it will mean that we will not be able to complete our gym sessions and may cause us to be behind the eight ball compared to athletes from other states once the restrictions are over,” Rizzo said. “I am currently in the process of modifying my training sessions and working out a revised training plan with my coach for the next six weeks, that will still allow me to take the path that I need to get me to the Olympic games next year.” Rizzo, 21, of Langwarrin said the lockdown would also have a big impact on training for many athletes around Victoria. “At first, I was disheartened about the news, however I am trying to stay positive, despite the new restrictions,” Rizzo said. “I’ve wanted to go to the Olympics since I was a young boy, so I’m willing to jump a few hurdles to achieve my ultimate goal of representing my country at the Games.” Training partner and fellow Olympic hopeful, Fighera, said training would be different without the moti-
In step: Matthew Rizzo, above, and fellow 2021 Olympic team hopeful Sophia Fighera are training together on the Mornington Peninsula in line with the latest coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Clay Nettlefold
vation and company of her peninsulabased Pride Performance squad. “Training without my squad will be very difficult, as we all push each other to be better and we have a lot of fun at training,” Fighera, runner-up in the 2019 Stawell Gift, said. “I am very lucky to still be able to train alongside my sister and have a little gym set up at home so I can still work on my strength.”
With the big goal of racing at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, 22-yearold Fighera said despite the restrictions, she will continue to focus on her ultimate goal of racing at the Games. “I will continue to push myself in every session and focus on both my small and big goals,” she said. “I will focus on working on my weakness and continuing to improve the small aspects in my training.”
Telstra off line THE Telstra store at Mornington Central shopping centre was temporarily closed on Thursday 16 July after a staff member contracted coronavirus. Spokesperson Matt Smithson told The News: “A staff member at one of our licensee stores, who worked Friday 10 July, tested positive to COVID-19.” Mr Smithson said the staff member was tested and did not attend the store again before calling in to report a positive diagnosis, 5pm, Wednesday 15 July. The store was closed on Thursday 16 July. “Staff members were being tested and have been provided help under the company’s employment assistance program,” Mr Smithson said at the time. “The store is currently being deep-cleaned over the next 48 hours and we look forward to welcoming customers back when it reopens.” Centre manager Andrew Gibson said in a letter to traders that Telstra was working with Department of Health and Human Services officers “and we are making contact with each of our retailers as a precautionary measure”. Contact tracing had been completed to identify anyone who could have come into contact with the ill staff member, Mr Gibson said. He said centre management had “increased our cleaning roster since learning of the case” with the focus on high public contact areas. “We have put every possible safeguard and precaution in place and we are working from there. “This will continue into the foreseeable future.”
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Back In Motion Balnarring 6/2-8 Russell Street backinmotion.com.au/balnarring PAGE 8
Southern Peninsula News
22 July 2020