Ferntree Gully
Belgrave
Mail Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
5
Support for new PM
Tuesday, 22 September, 2015
10 & 19
A Mail News Group publication
Grand final feature
26-27
Sports of all sorts
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Holiday fears
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Godfrey is keeping fit
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MONBULK favourite identity Godfrey Stephens, 93, continues to impress the team at the Monbulk Aquatic Centre with his dedication to his fitness regime. The team at the centre say his exercise routine is regular as clockwork, as he fulfils his weekly swimming and gym commitments. In fact, they say the only time he is a little late is when he has prior commitments, such as milking his goats. Monbulk Aquatic hope more will follow Mr Stephens’s lead and exercise regularly, no matter what age. Mr Stephens is pictured with his fitness trainer for more than 10 Picture: ROB CAREW years, Rayanne Hutchins. 144170
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MANY Yarra Ranges traders fear the introduced public holiday next month will have a significant impact on their business. As the Friday, 2 October, holiday looms, on the eve of the AFL Grand Final, the ‘Mail’ has canvassed opinion regarding concerns over the potential for negative impact on the region’s economy. A recent Australian Industry Group survey found the public holiday could cost the state at least $1 billion, with three-quarters of the state’s businesses opting to keep their doors closed. This sentiment seems to echo that of the Yarra Ranges business communities, with John Newell from the Healesville Chamber of Commerce estimating it could cost the region hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next two years. Meanwhile, John Coleman, from the Monbulk Business Network, conducted a brief poll on behalf of the ‘Mail’, with the overall response being “not in favour”. Mr Coleman said much concern existed within the region. “Some communicated that additional staff wages would make it too expensive to open their doors,” he said. “Others said they would have to close and that it was bad for business.” The ‘Mail’ also sought opinion through social media channels. Robyn Schimmy said, “Great, more tourists making our roads dangerous in the Yarra Ranges. Thanks politicians“. Pete Steky said, “I’m not convinced about the day off. But I do think it might help tourism. Though, I think most
interstate visitors would be hanging around Melbourne for the weekend. Why would they want to come our way if there’s more to do in the city?” Linda Shambrook said, “I see it as a waste of a perfectly good working day, already having issues with staff not being available for Saturday, as they are making it a long weekend”. After recently meeting with the Victorian Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, the ‘Mail’ questioned the Liberal Party’s position on the holiday. Although saying it could have a positive outcome for tourism-oriented areas such as the Yarra Ranges, he said it would be an overall drag on the Victorian economy. Mr Guy didn’t state whether that, if re-elected, the Liberal Party is likely to scrap the public holiday, but admitted it had the potential to become a key election issue. Meanwhile, Gembrook MP, Brad Battin, said the holiday would be a blow. “This is just another example of an ill-considered Labor policy, rushed through with little regard for the consequences,” he said. “Local small business owners are your neighbours, mums and dads trying to make a living while competing with big business and online trading. “Friday is one of the busiest days for retail and hospitality businesses.” The Mail has sought a response from Member for Monbulk, James Merlino, but was unavailable at the time of print and his response will be uploaded to www.starcommunity. com.au. Is the new holiday a winner or a blow for traders? Email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
1161391-HM44-14
By PETER DOUGLAS
32 years.
5 Fitzgerald Street, Ferntree Gully
9758 4245