Sarah Oliver
Residents in Hume and Whittlesea are preparing for a life back to normal, starting 6pm this Friday.
Last Sunday, the Victorian government announced a massive reopening of the state, earlier than initially anticipated.
Premier Daniel Andrews tweeted on Sunday “it’s a great weekend in Victoria – and next weekend is going to be even better”.Local businesses and shopping centres are gearing up to welcome people back, especially in industries where lockdowns have hit the hardest.
BOSS Fitness Female Studio owner and head coach Aida Gyftakis said the latest lockdown has been “the most difficult to endure,” from both a “mental health and financial perspective”.
“For many, the studio has been an outlet for them both physically and mentally; being closed for so long has had a negative impact on our community,” she said.
But the studio, located in Coolaroo, is “looking forward to opening up to our members who are extremely excited to be able to train again,” Ms Gyftakis said.
“We can’t wait to see everyone on Monday for our reopening.”
Reading Cinemas in Epping Plaza have been flooding its Facebook page with plans of reopening.
“And we’re back!” one post read, with a list of movies Victorian’s have missed seeing on the big screen during lockdown.
“Feels like it’s been 84 years but we’ve only got a few days left to wait!” the cinema posted on Monday.
Readings Epping is hosting a series of films in the lead up to Halloween, featuring both new and classics.
It is also urging patrons to book online early, as restrictions are still in place for capacity limits per cinema.
Craigieburn Central and Broadmeadows Central are preparing for the return of shoppers.
Craigieburn Central centre manager Christine McDonnell said: “We welcome the Victorian government’s easing of restrictions, and are delighted all retailers will be able to open again from Friday”.
Broadmeadows Central will be “ready and raring to go”, with general retail, hair and beauty services, cafes and restaurants opening from 6pm Friday.
Shoppers can still expect precautionary measures from both centres, including signage to help people identify which stores require customers to be fully vaccinated.
“As always, the health and safety of all visitors to our centre remains our number one priority,” Ms McDonnel said.
“Like many people in the community, we look forward to having our retailers open again.”
For all information on the easing of restrictions across Victoria, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorias-roadmap
