Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP

No Support for Cellar Doors Closed for Coronavirus Shutdowns

No business support for family-run cellar doors.

By Portal Admin - 28th September 2020 - Back to News

Family-run cellar doors have been excluded from accessing the Andrews Labor Government’s business support.

Wineries desperate for financial relief after months of forced shutdowns have been blocked from the third round of the Business Support Fund grants, which are available to hospitality and retailers.

Acting Shadow Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Peter Walsh said coronavirus shutdowns had delivered a double hit to Victorian wineries.

"Many wineries with cellar doors are family-run small businesses which have struggled through drought, fires and now government-imposed restrictions, including the loss of their sales to cafes and restaurants," Mr Walsh said.

"Confidence was just starting to return before the second round of lockdowns that were imposed after Daniel Andrews let the virus slip through the cracks of hotel quarantine in Melbourne.

"So it’s particularly cruel they now find out that the government has excluded them from accessing support.

"With Melbourne still in lockdown, visitor numbers will take a long time to recover.

"Our country businesses are resilient, but access to these grants would provide critical relief for small businesses struggling to stay afloat at this time.

"The Andrews Labor Government keeps putting roadblocks in front of small businesses at a time when they can least afford it.

"Victorians have lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government and its empty promises that fail to deliver genuine support for Victorian businesses to recover."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
  Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.