Let’s hope that this 6+ weeks of restrictions does the job of eliminating this damn virus from the community. If we’re going to lock down, let’s do it properly. A ‘stop/start’ approach to reopening is, in many ways, more challenging than one extended ‘hard lockdown’.
If you feel like a laugh, check this out. I was a huge fan of the program Blackadder and thought it might give you a smile. Some jokes age better than others. I don't recommend printing it out and sticking on your window, but there are useful resources you can print and use further down the email.
As promised on Friday, here are further details of support packages available to tourism operators. The return to Stage 3 lockdown for Melbourne, and Mitchell Shire, was a kick in the bum that none of us needed. It’s a shame that it has got to this point, but here we are. Again.
Some good news today, with an announcement of further business support packages. There’s a fair bit of detail to come, and we should be able to provide this early next week. We also have a useful Q&A link below that answers many of the questions that have been raised over the last few days. Read on…
Trust you’re all well and have had a good few weeks of business. It’s certainly been very busy in the region, and with that has come some interesting stories in the media. I’m confident that businesses are doing the right thing and Councils and emergency services have reacted appropriately.
Daylesford Macedon Tourism has supported our region’s tourism industry during this incredibly tough year and we are now moving into the recovery phase over the next few months, safely and sensibly driving a return of visitation to the region. In 2019, the DMT region was a standout performer in terms of visitation growth and our hard work will see this strength continue.
I hope you’re well. We meant to send this email earlier in the week, after the fantastic news that re-opening has begun! A couple of weeks earlier than we predicted too. That has of course meant that we are all busier. I hope that things are turning around for you. DHHS has a ‘source of truth’ page on openings here. You’re probably across what you need to know but it’s a handy resource.
I daresay you were as taken aback as me by the influx of visitors to our region this weekend. It is great to see that people are eager to visit our region and spending their money with our tourism businesses. We are, however, mindful that some members of our community feel vulnerable to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In this edition, we have a few webinars (yeah we’re sick of them too, but these are good ones) that might interest you.. There are marketing opportunities, grants, and more. So, ScoMo wants the economy to reopen quickly, but Daniel Andrews is more cautious. While I want visitors to come back and businesses to reopen, and today’s announcement is a step in the right direction, it does not quite open the region for tourism.
The Chair of the Board to which I report recently sent me a great little video on ‘Optimism vs Positivity’ last week. It’s by a guy who you may have heard of, named Simon Sinek, who is truly brilliant. If you haven’t seen his Ted Talks, do yourself a favour. This video is one minute long – have a look here.
