December 2020
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Think Local
Box Hill Mall Transformed into Dining Destination
We’ve all heard about the importance of buying locally, especially during the COVID pandemic. But have you ever wondered about the impact that buying Australianmade has on the economy?
Council is working closely with Vicinity Centres, owner of Box Hill Central, as well as local hospitality venues, to expand their outdoor trading into Main Street. Box Hill Central regional manager Andrew Drivas said COVID-19 had impacted businesses throughout Box Hill, like much of Melbourne, and it was important for Council to support a safe and successful return to trade.
We did and this is what we discovered...
71 JOBS
89 JOBS
105 JOBS
If every resident in Whitehorse spends $100 at local businesses on Australian made goods and services, an estimated 71 jobs will be supported across the Australian economy.
If these goods and services are purchased from businesses that are also Australian-owned, the number of jobs supported increases to 89.
If these businesses also have strong local supply chains and a greater use of Australian inputs, an estimated 105 jobs will be supported.
When checking off your December shopping lists – whether online or in person – remember that we all can play our part in leading Australia’s economic recovery. More information www.wbiz.com.au
Let’s all stay COVIDSafe
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You should be asked to use hand sanitiser on entry and wear a mask You should be encouraged to stay 1.5m away from others The business should advise of their maximum allowed capacity inside and out
While restrictions are easing, COVID-19 safety regulations have made it more difficult for customers to navigate dining-in, which is why Box Hill Central has helped transform Main Street into a new, outdoor dining destination. The revamp includes: ■
16 extra-large picnic tables that can accommodate more than 60 extra diners
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shade umbrellas
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safety barriers
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relocated amenities, such as bike hoops, to make more dining spaces increased cleaning services.
Locals and visitors to Box Hill will be able to enjoy regional Chinese cuisines, as well as Japanese, Indian, Korean, Malaysian, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese, in addition to the much-loved modern Australian, Italian, Mexican, Persian and more on offer at Box Hill Central.
Council is supporting the recovery of local businesses in a range of ways. Extending footpath trading and turning car parks into outdoor dining areas will help restaurants and cafes make the most of the important summer trading season.
Here’s a reminder of what you should expect every time you visit a business in Whitehorse: If you stay for more than 15 minutes, the business should take your contact details in case they need to get in touch if an outbreak occurs. This includes restaurants and cafes, hairdressers and beauty services, entertainment, art and cultural venues, sports and community venues and places of worship
“Box Hill Central is more than an amazing Asian food precinct,” he said. “It’s a bustling destination for dining with more than 75 eateries inside and around the centre, full of culinary delights for everyone.”
“Main Street and Box Hill Central are now well-equipped to cater for anyone who wants a place to enjoy takeaway dining, and those who would prefer table service,” Mr Drivas said.
We’ve all had more than a month of enjoying life after lockdown, but it’s important that we all stay vigilant and COVIDSafe for a while longer.
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We’ve waived fees for footpath trade permits and we can assist with barriers to make car park transformations safe for diners across Whitehorse. Vicinity’s proactive approach is a great example of cooperation between businesses within a precinct to attract diners. To ensure compliance, random spot checks of businesses are occurring in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. You can stay up to date with restrictions and public health advice at www.coronavirus.vic. gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-victoria Information for businesses on the latest restrictions can be found at www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au/business-and-work
We encourage business owners to approach Council with their ideas. We want to see our cafes, restaurants and retail stores thriving again and will endeavour to do everything we possibly can to help our businesses to reopen as restrictions lift. Criteria such as appropriate locations and no pedestrian or safety concerns must be met before a COVID response outdoor dining permit can be issued. More information www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/outdoor-trading
