Port Fairy business leader Ken Brookes hopes the continued loosening of COVID-19 based restrictions to allow the doors to open at the town's eateries will be of great importance for the town.
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Mr Brookes, who operates Brookes Hardware in Sackville Street and is president of the Port Fairy Business Association, is hopeful of more good news, but realises the pandemic is a global issue.
"We are at the mercy of the whole world, it would be great to get back to normal as quickly as we can but we have to be guided by health advice," Mr Brookes said.
"Like everywhere else, different categories of businesses are affected in different ways.
"In Port Fairy, the everyday essential businesses have been able to trade close to normal.
"The cafes, take-away shops, hotels, restaurants and accommodation have been hit hardest.
"With the food businesses it is important that they can safely open for sit down diners.
"That is really an important part of them getting back to normal."
Once Victoria does open up, Port Fairy is likely to be a destination of choice for many from outside the region.
While Mr Brookes said this would help the local economy, it also shaped as a risky proposition.
"We have been very lucky down here as far as avoiding the virus," Mr Brookes said.
"But once Melbourne opens up again and people can travel to regional areas there will be an element of uncertainty.
"Having people in own towns and not knowing where they are all from will have locals a bit cautious for some time."
Moyne Shire Council has taken steps to help businesses across the shire, teaming with Regional Development Victoria to offer a Business Adaptation Service.
This service offers customized mentoring for businesses up to the value of $1000 and is open for applications until September 25.
Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Meade said the service could help reinstate confidence and support successful business operations going forward.
"The adverse effects of COVID-19 to local businesses have been indiscriminate and far-reaching," Cr Meade said.
"The unprecedented nature of these times has left many businesses at a loss of how to initiate steps to recovery, and we are very aware that many are overwhelmed by information on how to get help.
"Through the program, we hope to provide businesses with the guidance and professional framework to help them get back on their feet."