Regional Victoria’s vaccinated economy trial has begun, with participating businesses hoping it will smooth out any problems the sector may face before the state reaches 70 per cent fully vaccinated.
Key points:
- The Victorian government’s vaccinated economy trial has been rolled out in 15 regional businesses
- Under the trial, participating businesses will service fully vaccinated patrons and report problems
- The trial will run for two weeks as it’s expected the state will be 70 per cent fully vaccinated and adopted statewide
Flora Hill’s Anglican Church accepted an invitation to be a part of the trial, but Bishop of the Diocese of Bendigo Matt Brain reassured his congregation it would not stop anyone from attending church.
“My view is that if a parish or church wants to take up the opportunity of the higher caps that the vaccinated economy trial allows, then that’s done alongside a service with a lower cap that allows unvaccinated people as well.”
For the parish, the option of shaping the vaccinated economy policy and welcoming more people into services were key factors in accepting the trial invitation.
“Seeing our activity as a way to assist those in Melbourne who haven’t been able to meet to have a pathway out is one part,” Bishop Brain said.
Reward for high vaccination rates
As of October 4, Wycheproof had 85 per cent of its population over 16 years of age vaccinated with one dose.
Town forum vice president Martin Duke said it was a “just reward” as the Terminus Hotel rolls out the vaccinated economy trial after the new owners took over eight weeks ago.
“I think they’ve selected well because [the owners] are prepared to do things differently,” Mr Duke said.
East Gippsland Art Gallery curator Crystal Stubbs said she and her staff were “absolutely raring” to go when the gallery reopens.
“I think our gallery patrons will be really good about it. We may get a bit of backlash, but fingers crossed it won’t be too strong,” she said.
She said state government case managers were training their staff to deal with complaints.
“We’ll definitely be prepared for opening. We’re seeing it as a really good opportunity to learn,” she said.
‘Small but vocal minority’ opposition
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said she hoped people would be respectful of the trial as the state government rolls out support for participating businesses.
“The small but vocal minority, if they have a different view, I hope they at least give those venue operators and people attending those venues the respect to go about their business,” she said.
More than 50,000 Victorians connected their vaccination certificates to the Services Victoria smart phone app on Monday morning.
The trial will run for two weeks.
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