APRIL 14, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
(Damjan Janevski) 207295_03
Club tees off at bans Golfers should be allowed back on to Victoria’s fairways for exercise, according to Goonawarra Golf Club chairman Hans van Pelt. Earlier this month, the state government introduced new rules outlawing the sport and forcing clubs to shut their doors. However, Victoria is the only state to introduce a ban on golf, with the sport able to continue on greens interstate, as long as social distancing regulations are followed. Mr van Pelt said the Victorian ban had caused a lot of frustration among golfers. He has called for the state government to reverse its decision. “Golf is an outdoor activity that can be run in line with the isolation requirements,” he said. Mr van Pelt said the golf club, like many other supporting organisations, had been impacted inancially by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the club had stood down workers, with the bar, bistro and pro shop closed. HANS VAN PELT
Laura Michell
Council virus support plan By Laura Michell Financial support measures aimed at easing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Macedon Ranges residents, businesses and sporting clubs have been adopted by council. he new support measures included the suspension of late payment penalties on animal registrations until September 30; not charging interest on overdue rates or other payments until September 30; and ceasing debt collecting activities on unpaid rates until September 30. Chief executive oicer Margot Stork said
the new measures, which came into efect on April 3, would support the community during the crisis. “hese are unprecedented times for council, our community and businesses,” she said. “We are all in this together, supporting each other at this very challenging time.” Ms Stork said the council also had existing measures to help residents, businesses and sporting clubs, including allowing suppliers to request earlier payments and enabling groups to request a waiver of their lease fees. “We have been working on ways to reduce the pressure on our community, businesses
and sporting clubs. Please contact us so we can help,” she said. “We will also review our current budget to redirect funding to assist small business and our community groups in recovery. his will be an ongoing project – we are in this together, and for as long as necessary.” he new inancial measures are part of the council’s #InhisTogether campaign, which aims to support the wellbeing of the community by inding innovative ways to deliver services while council-run centres are closed. “Already our itness staf at the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre are sharing
videos to encourage people at home to keep moving and exercising,” Ms Stork said. “You’ll start to see these initiatives rolling out in coming days and weeks, so keep an eye out for #InhisTogether across our social media channels and on our website. “We encourage you to join the conversation by using the #InhisTogether on social media and help us spread the positive stories of residents, groups and businesses doing great things.” Residents experiencing inancial diiculties are encouraged to contact council on 5422 0333 or via mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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