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It’S Official - Melbourne Cup Day Is A HoldayThe Minister for Small Business, Joe Helper, has formally declared Tuesday 6 November 2007 a public holiday in Bass Coast Shire. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 10th October 2007 - Back to News Melbourne Cup weekend traditionally attracts large numbers of visitors to the Shire. Until now, Melbourne Cup Day itself has not been an official public holiday for Bass Coast.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin said the announcement by the Minister would remove any confusion around the day.
"Cup Day weekend is a very busy weekend for the Shire," said Cr Goodwin.
"A lot of visitors who have the Cup Day holiday take advantage of a long weekend to get out of the city.
"And locally, there are already employees who get the Cup Day holiday, depending on what award they work under.
"This formal declaration of a public holiday removes any confusion."
Cr Goodwin said the public holiday could have implications for some businesses and employees.
"If anyone has questions about how this will affect them, I recommend they contact the Victoria Wage Line," said Cr Goodwin.
"They could call the Wage Line on 1300 363 264 or visit their website at www.wagenet.gov.au."
The announcement brings Bass Coast in line with metropolitan Melbourne and many adjoining Municipalities. It could also bring some relief to working parents.
"Cup Day is a day off for local schools, so the public holiday will mean working parents won’t have to make additional child minding arrangements," said Cr Goodwin.
Cr Goodwin confirmed that while Council offices would be closed on Tuesday 6 November, the Visitor Information Centres would still be open.
"The Visitor Information Centres will be operating as normal," said Cr Goodwin.
"Anyone wanting to book accommodation or organise other activities should drop into one of our Information Centres.
"Or they can call 1300 366 422."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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