How we’re coming good after COVID

SENTINEL-TIMES COMMENT

WE’RE not out of the woods yet where COVID-19 is concerned but all around you see business and the general community trying to get on with it again after a tough couple of years.

And last weekend was a sure sign of that with big crowds out around our tourist towns, on the rail trails and enjoying everything that Bass Coast and South Gippsland has to offer as we turn the focus to local produce, food and a nice drop of local wine through autumn.

Another sure sign that we are really starting to get back to some sort of normal is the return to people in the streets, enjoying shopping, lunch and coffee; and also getting out to socialise over a meal, music and drinks with friends.

The prospect of an exciting finish to summer sports and the build up to the start of the football, netball and soccer season is also a great sign, providing a boost to our local lifestyle.

And next week, Warragul’s Farm World gets back to its best after a quiet year last year, with each of the four days, from Thursday, March 24 to Sunday, March 27 having a special theme, including Friday the big day for the farming community featuring demonstrations every hour by the major machinery manufacturers and farm suppliers.

There’s a rodeo and twilight trading on Saturday night and Sunday is market day when everyone can go after a great final day and deal on anything and everything.

What it underscores is that local business operators are coming back, as best they can, after the difficulties they’ve encountered during the pandemic, and while many are still battling financial pressures and a lack of staff, they certainly deserve our support and encouragement.