G21 CEO Elaine Carbines spoke to the program about the latest happenings in the G21 region.

Jennifer Cromarty, CEO at Committee for Geelong appeared on Mitchell’s Front Page to discuss the impending Stage 3 restrictions for Geelong and the latest report into ‘Gateway Cities’.

Luke Elliot, Regional coordinator for Road Trauma Support Services in Victoria and Volunteering Geelong CEO Helen Hunter spoke about opportunities to volunteer for Road Trauma Support Services Victoria. Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV) is a not-for-profit organisation contributing to the safety and wellbeing of Victorian road users. The organisation provides counselling and support to people affected by road trauma and address attitudes and behaviours of road users through education. Find out more at www.rtssv.org.au

Customer Service Expert Jaquie Scammell believes that the new requirements for mandatory face coverings is an opportunity for businesses to improve their customer service. “During these mask-wearing times we have an opportunity to hone our non-verbal skills and language skills to get better at serving people using eyes, body language and language that is articulate and shows people we understand,” she said. “Businesses who choose to rise above this challenge will come out even stronger when the masks are no longer needed.

Vic and Liz talk about the issues of the week.

Animal Justice Party MP for Western Victoria MP Andy Meddick spoke to the program about the issues in state politics.

Davina Montgomery joined the program to discuss the issues of the day.

Emma Cvitak, Lawyer at Barwon Community Legal Service joined the program for the monthly ‘Without Prejudice’ segment. This month’s topic was fines and infringements in the wake of much community discussion around fines for breaching COVID regulations. Additional Reading Directions issued by the Chief Health Officer in full (links at bottom of page): https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19 This site was created by Barristers in Australia and links to where COVID laws in each state come from (be it legislation/bills/instruments etc):  https://covid19-law.com.au/index.html Summary of Restrictions [PDF]

Yesterday’s announcements on new restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are the strongest limitations yet to apply to any Australian state in the COVID-19 crisis, which will have a devastating impact on businesses and jobs according the Victorian Chamber. Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra spoke to the program. “This is a very tough day for Victoria,” Mr Guerra said. “Stage 4 will mean the end for many businesses, with thousands more jobs set to be lost.” “The only glimmer of hope is that with such extreme measures we can stop the spread and get Victoria back into a position where we can talk about opening up our economy again.”

Yesterday’s announcement that Victoria will move to a combination of Stage 3 and 4 restrictions will further devastate the state’s ailing tourism and event industry, according to the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). VTIC Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said, “While we completely respect the need for these drastic measures to get  the virus under control, this six-week dramatic shutdown will gut our industry and dim the prospects of making it through to the other side of this situation, for many. “VTIC has already noted the dire circumstances confronting the tourism, events and hospitality sector in Victoria, given that the state has been unable to reactivate at the same rate as other states in the country. On Friday, we called for Victoria to have special consideration from both State and Federal Governments to support the industry in weathering the impacts of these restrictions – and that needs to start with reviewing the decision to reduce the JobKeeper payment from end-September for Victorian operators.”