Coronavirus lockdowns are becoming all too familiar. The adrenaline rush some people experienced during the 2020 lockdowns is well and truly absent this time. The atmosphere is one of hunkering down and getting through.
It's clear that the threat of the virus isn't going to suddenly vanish. But sooner or later the restrictions will again ease and we should continue to try and hold events and come together as a community in a safe manner if we possibly can.
It is important life continues on and we remain connected.
This lockdown has impacted many scheduled events, including our Civic Honours and Citizenship ceremonies.
My heart goes out to those who have had to cancel or postpone events – in particular, those events also impacted last year, such as the Spring Garden Festival and many of our agricultural shows in towns across the Wimmera.
Having the Natimuk Frinj Festival postponed until October 2022 is also a blow for our region. I can only imagine how disappointed the organisers would be.
I also feel for families who cannot gather to celebrate life milestones, or are grieving in this time of lockdown.
On a brighter note, it is wonderful to see planning happening for the Kids Fishing Academy event in Horsham on the first Saturday in October.
Let's hope it can go ahead.
Tournament anglers from the Australian Fishing Championships (AFC) are coming to Sawyer Park deliver a free workshop alongside members of the Horsham Angling Club.
Small groups will be rotated through six workshops over two hours and kids can get hands-on with knot tying and casting workshops. They will also learn about fish species and lures, fishing environs and safety.
With all of the uncertainty around restrictions, it would be easy to put this event in the too-hard basket.
But pushing ahead with planning this event is an example of the type of can-do attitude that makes communities like ours great to be a part of.
Those who plan ahead with a hopeful outlook will be able to provide some joy when restrictions are eased.
For groups who need assistance to prepare for and hold community events at this time, there is help available.
Council has received $30,000 from Regional Development Victoria (RDV) to support existing or new events in our municipality over the next 12 months.
The program aims to strengthen community resilience, reduce the financial risk of running events and support innovation for groups in response to COVID-19.
