The current infection status for Benalla is that we have had three cases reported in March/April so far this calendar year. We currently have no reported cases, or patients in hospital, all due to the diligence of our community members. Our township, and surrounding communities are complying with the regulations, however many of our businesses have closed, or are on limited trading programs, due to the restrictions.
Our service, community and social organisations have closed down their regular meetings and events with most being managed by their executive via the internet. Our senior citizens rooms, which are also utilised by over 300 members of our U3A, have been closed. As a result, almost all of the 47, U3A courses on offer this semester have been cancelled, or are being conducted remotely. The art gallery was to be opened for limited days and hours, but is still closed due to tighter restrictions. Our sporting clubs are doing what they can to retain interest in their activities, particularly for the junior members. Most of the regional leagues have now cancelled the 2020 season because of the uncertainty surrounding the restrictions easing.
Almost every day I hear of yet another regional event being cancelled, due to the uncertainty of restrictions being imposed and the current reluctance, given the risks, of many volunteers to participate. Why would people go to all the trouble to prepare these events only to have them shut down due to a sudden change in regulations, or by a reported case of COVID19? It should also be noted that insurance for these events is now almost unprocurable due to the uncertainty of compliance, or the sudden changes in regulations. In Benalla Rural City we have seen two large historic motoring events, SCRAP, Wall to Wall, various other community annual events and the Benalla Festival, cancelled because of uncertainty. These events are generally held annually and provide funding for local businesses and the not-for-profit community organisations to continue their community support work throughout the year. With these events now cancelled, substantial funding and program support will be lost to our community, for at least one year.
On a personal level we all need to wear masks whilst out and about. Please remember that when you smile at a person they cannot see you!!
Whilst on Zoom or Skype, remember to comb your hair and put a clean top on, it does not matter what else you are wearing, the others cannot see it!!
Have you gone through the cupboards to clean out all of the ‘stuff’ that you have not used for decades? What are you going to do with it? Vinnies is a good option, but please ring beforehand to check that they are still open. RedB4 bookshop is currently closed due to restrictions. Benalla Buy, Swap and Sell on Facebook, is a good option, because people do not have to travel far to pick up the item/s. The alternate is to store the items in a safe place until Vinnies or the RedB4 bookshop re-open.
Have you started writing that book you were always going to write? I have been busy and expanded on the background of our family trees, with three books that are almost complete.
Stay alert for the next episode of “Are We Having Fun Yet?’
Barry O'Connor
August 28, 2020
Our service, community and social organisations have closed down their regular meetings and events with most being managed by their executive via the internet. Our senior citizens rooms, which are also utilised by over 300 members of our U3A, have been closed. As a result, almost all of the 47, U3A courses on offer this semester have been cancelled, or are being conducted remotely. The art gallery was to be opened for limited days and hours, but is still closed due to tighter restrictions. Our sporting clubs are doing what they can to retain interest in their activities, particularly for the junior members. Most of the regional leagues have now cancelled the 2020 season because of the uncertainty surrounding the restrictions easing.
Almost every day I hear of yet another regional event being cancelled, due to the uncertainty of restrictions being imposed and the current reluctance, given the risks, of many volunteers to participate. Why would people go to all the trouble to prepare these events only to have them shut down due to a sudden change in regulations, or by a reported case of COVID19? It should also be noted that insurance for these events is now almost unprocurable due to the uncertainty of compliance, or the sudden changes in regulations. In Benalla Rural City we have seen two large historic motoring events, SCRAP, Wall to Wall, various other community annual events and the Benalla Festival, cancelled because of uncertainty. These events are generally held annually and provide funding for local businesses and the not-for-profit community organisations to continue their community support work throughout the year. With these events now cancelled, substantial funding and program support will be lost to our community, for at least one year.
On a personal level we all need to wear masks whilst out and about. Please remember that when you smile at a person they cannot see you!!
Whilst on Zoom or Skype, remember to comb your hair and put a clean top on, it does not matter what else you are wearing, the others cannot see it!!
Have you gone through the cupboards to clean out all of the ‘stuff’ that you have not used for decades? What are you going to do with it? Vinnies is a good option, but please ring beforehand to check that they are still open. RedB4 bookshop is currently closed due to restrictions. Benalla Buy, Swap and Sell on Facebook, is a good option, because people do not have to travel far to pick up the item/s. The alternate is to store the items in a safe place until Vinnies or the RedB4 bookshop re-open.
Have you started writing that book you were always going to write? I have been busy and expanded on the background of our family trees, with three books that are almost complete.
Stay alert for the next episode of “Are We Having Fun Yet?’
Barry O'Connor
August 28, 2020
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