Forgotten industry: Bass Coast gyms forced to stay closed

Gym owners are demanding the state government let them open after Covid restrictions eased in regional Victoria on Friday – but their doors remain slammed shut.

Grip Fitness in Cowes have once again been the victim of harsh restrictions after just reopening in October 2020 after last years regional Victoria lockdown. Picture: Facebook

Bass Coast gym owners have slammed the state government for forcing their businesses to remain closed despite Covid restrictions easing across regional Victoria.

Acting Premier James Merlino relaxed rules in regional areas on Thursday with cafes, restaurants and schools allowed to reopen.

But gyms and recreational facilities remain closed with outdoor group classes limited to 10 people.

San Remo’s My 24/7 Gym director Paul Cooper said gyms should be allowed to open in regional areas.

“I have seen more people in supermarkets touching multiple items and putting them back on the shelves,” he said.

“Our members sanitise often and wipe down every workstation with antibacterial wipes.”

Inverloch’s Tomfit owner Tom Taylor said his business had been seriously impacted financially.

“We have no income and our staff rely on their shifts,” he said.

“A large percentage the gym makes goes back into providing our members with the best equipment and facilities so this really does affect the operations aim to run."

Bass Coast Boxing and Fitness is offering outdoor classes and bootcamp sessions.

But owner Scott Williamson said this wouldn’t keep small gyms alive.

“We need to keep bringing in new memberships and this can’t happen when doors are closed,” he said.

“Changes should be made to allow gyms to reopen under the same guidelines as other businesses in the area.”

Mr Williamson said many people go to his boxing gym to improve mental health struggles they might be experiencing such as addiction and depression.

“It’s not just a place to train, but somewhere to go, have a chat, connect and feel part of a family,” he said.

“I am concerned, not just for my gym but for other small gyms operating in regional Victoria.”

Bass Coast Boxing and Fitness owner Scott Williamson said gyms in regional Victoria should be allowed to open. Picture: Supplied

Mr Williamson said he was frustrated not being eligible for any of the government financial assistant packages.

“The government seems to have forgotten about the small sole trading businesses,” he said.

“I see many medium and large businesses getting funding, but small sole trader businesses are left out of the picture.”

Mr Cooper agreed, calling the recently announced cash payment for Victorian workers a “very poorly thought out strategy”.

Payments of $500 will be available to people aged over 17 who normally work more than 20 hours a week while those working less than that will receive $325.

The package is only available to people unable to work because of a lockdown lasting longer than a week in an area defined as a hotspot by the federal chief medical officer.

People living in regional Victorian don’t qualify because their restrictions were eased after one week and the region wasn’t a hotspot.

“Our staff are our greatest asset and like all other Australian workers, they have families to feed and bills to pay,” Mr Cooper said.

“Yet they have been completely ignored by the Federal Government’s latest support package.”

Bass State Labor MP Jordan Crugnale said the National Framework Package needed to be expanded to include regional workers.

“I know this is really hard for businesses like gyms and we are providing tailored supports where we can so businesses can be in a position to recover once their doors reopen,” Ms Crugnale said.

“Our decisions have to be guided by the advice of the chief health officer to protect the health and wellbeing of Victorians and this has been the case all the way through.”

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