Geelong business figures seen gathering, appear to breach lockdown rules

Barwon Health’s former chairman is among a group of prominent Geelong business figures who appear to have flouted lockdown rules, gathering for group bike riding and coffee.

BARWON Health’s former chairman is among a group of prominent Geelong business figures who appear to have flouted lockdown rules, gathering for group bike riding and coffee.

An image posted to bike riding app Strava, logged on Monday, shows a group of 11 men gathered together on Pakington St, some with their faces uncovered. Among them was GP John Stekelenburg, who last night denied he or the others photographed had broken the present rules.

Among those pictured with him were managers of local businesses including Riordan Grain Services and Malteurop Australia.

“No one has done anything factually wrong,” Dr Stekelenburg said.

“Different angles of a picture tell a different story.

“Mental health for business people and for Geelong’s population is the most important thing, and I’m there to support mental health.”

A “frustrated” business owner confirmed cyclists had been congregating in the area during lockdown, as the Police Minister warned people breaching public health rules were putting the community at risk.

At least five men were listed on Monday as having ridden together, according to the app.

The image and ride details appeared to have been removed after the Addy questioned participants on the activity.

Group of bike riders have been accused of ignoring COVID rules.

Dr Stekelenburg, a GP who is the vice-president of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and former Barwon Health chairman, was listed as participating in the group ride and pictured clutching a drink with his face uncovered.

Hugh Bowman, whose website says he is “Geelong’s number one business coach” is also pictured, with his face uncovered holding a drink, and was listed as participating in the ride.

Trevor Perryman, managing director of Malteurop Australia, and Mark Lewis, general manager at Riordan Grain Services, were also listed as participants.

Mr Lewis said he did not want to comment.

Attempts to obtain comment from the other men were unsuccessful.

A Pakington St business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed cyclists had been hanging around in the area in groups on multiple occasions during stage three restrictions.

The business owner said he was frustrated by the breach of lockdown rules and lack of concern on display.

Police Minister and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the Chief Health Officer’s directives for Stage 3 were clear — exercise can only be with one other person adhering to social distancing rules, and face coverings are mandatory.

“This applies to everyone in the community, regardless of who you are, and anyone who chooses to disobey those directives is actively putting the community at risk,” Ms Neville said.

“The overwhelming majority of the Geelong community are doing the right thing and for that I want to say thank you.

“Victoria Police are out in force throughout Geelong and the Bellarine and if people chose to blatantly disobey the directions of the Chief Health Officer, they can expect to be fined.”

Barwon Health declined to comment on Dr Stekelenburg’s involvement.

Spokeswoman Kate Bibby said Barwon Health encouraged the community to strictly follow the DHHS’s advice about exercising within the guidelines of our stage three restrictions.

Under Stage 3 directives, you can only exercise or undertake sporting activities outside with one other person or your household members.

You must be able to keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.

People are allowed to take off a face covering while drinking or strenuously exercising, but must carry a face covering and wear it when they finish exercising.

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Originally published as Geelong business figures seen gathering, appear to breach lockdown rules