October is finally here, and we are three weeks or less from hitting the 70 per cent target to start the reopening. It’s within sight now, and we can finally start to think about waving goodbye to lockdowns forever. The Victorian Chamber is continuing our push for the State Government to revise openings at both the 70 and 80 per cent targets.

Businesses and workers have sacrificed, suffered and done their bit to protect us all from COVID-19. They stayed closed, in some cases without work, pivoted their services to keep Victorians employed and many lost what they had spent years building. Businesses across the State are in crisis.

I had a close friend message me from London on the weekend, as he sat comfortably in a coffee shop on Regent Street.

Sunday was not the news we wanted. The roadmap fell short: short of hope, short of NSW and short of where we need to be moving to as a state.

Well, there was a welcome shifting of narrative late last week, and we are now clearly focused on a vaccination-based opening. The past week has been tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

While we are constantly reminded of how ‘unprecedented’ the COVID-19 pandemic is for businesses to operate, Monkami has shown the vital role that business continuity plans still play.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a time when lockdowns are gone and we get back to enjoying the Victoria that we love.

With a jump in demand for Ambulance Victoria’s services during the COVID-19 pandemic, AV’s Chief Executive Officer details the pandemic's impact on staff and the future of AV.

Welcome to the August edition of Chief Executive Paul Guerra's monthly regional column - covering issues, news and developments important to Victoria’s regional businesses.

I felt a shift in the fight against COVID-19 this week when Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarked, “this Groundhog Day has to end”. I couldn’t agree more!

The State and Federal Governments have jointly announced a further $2.32 billion in financial support for Victorian businesses struggling during Lockdown Six.

Not since September 11, 2001, has Melbourne Airport faced such capricious circumstances in which to operate. Lyell Strambi explains how the business is navigating the storm.

Lockdowns. We’ve had a few. And there will probably be a few more before we are done. Like them or not, it’s the agreed weapon of choice to combat COVID-19 until vaccination rates get to 80 per cent. They have worked to effectively stop the spread.  

It was mixed news for the business community this week with Regional Victoria freed from Lockdown Six but Metropolitan Victoria required to stay in lockdown for another seven days.

No other industry over the past 10 years has faced greater challenges than the taxi industry. Simon Purssey explains how 13cabs stayed in the drivers’ seat and navigated hazards.

On our first day out of lockdown, the Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a further $400 million in business support measures. Here is everything you and your business need to know.