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COVID-19 is creating all sorts of unwanted history across the south-west. The economic impacts and the job losses have been well documented.
But for the first time since World War II, one of the region's football leagues will not play this season. Port Fairy Show for the first time in 160 years and Cobden Spring Fest both this week cancelled their events later in the year. Fear of spreading COVID-19 was the South West District Football Netball League's primary reason for walking away from the season without a ball being bounced or pass thrown when this week's decision was made.
"The threat of a COVID-19 outbreak within the area is very real and the presidents and league do not want to put their members at risk as we have many who work, have their own business or are in the high-risk category," the league said. It includes teams from eight small communities like Heywood, Coleraine and Tyrendarra where sport is more than a game. It's a social outlet, it's an economic driver when visiting clubs hit town, it's a way of life.
Restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus were another key reason clubs opted to walk away. The restrictions were seen as onerous and complicated.
They are required to have a volunteer in charge of COVID-19 protocols. Who wants to do that job when something could go awry? Who has the time? Could this role become part of a job creation scheme funded by government?
Social restrictions are also ambiguous. Much has been said the state government may allow a crowd of 100 people for matches by mid-July as a way of helping clubs get revenue at the gate and over the bar. But who will police that number? Is that 100 a day or 100 at any one time? Is it 100 at the netball courts and 100 at the footy? You would think there's less chance of contracting the virus at an outdoor sporting event than a bustling supermarket or hardware store.
Regardless, 100 isn't enough to make it viable for clubs. The South West District league was the first in the region to cancel its 2020 season but it may not be the last. It's a pity. Until recently it was incomprehensible anything could kill a season. Only a chapter in history as large and catastrophic as World War II could. But now this virus has.
As mentioned in previous weeks, job losses are mounting as a result of the virus. This week Deakin University announced it would shed 400 jobs across its campuses, including Warrnambool. Any cuts at the Sherwood Park campus are a major concern because the community fought hard to keep the facility operating after there were moves to close it four years ago. Deakin has invested in the campus in recent years and the prospects have turned for the better, including the exciting hydrogen research projects on the drawing board that could not only secure the facility's future but boost the region's economy. Too much good work has been done so let's hope the positive momentum can continue despite this week's developments.
Mortlake's heritage-listed Avenue of Honour is set to change with 15 trees to be cut down in coming weeks over safety fears. But after years of debate, no decision has been made on which species will replace the cypress trees.
It was good to see two popular identities are doing their bit to promote men's health causes. They were among some of the week's feel-good stories.
Photographer Morgan Hancock enjoyed our late autumn burst of sunshine with the spectacular shot (above) taken of the footbridge over the Merri River mouth on Friday night.
Here's a selection of other stories that made headlines this week.
Until next next week, stay safe.