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The Southern Downs has been spared from its second consecutive Easter break decimated by a coronavirus lockdown, but the decision could prove too little, too late for some businesses.
All Queenslanders are still required to carry masks outside their home, limit private gatherings to 30 people, and sit down in restaurants until April 15.
The threat of an extended lockdown was enough to wipe out bookings at McNevin’s Warwick Motel for the second year in a row, with manager Debbie Bender reporting at least a 90 per cent loss.
“(The lift) is good news, there’s no doubt about it, but the cancellations have already hit. You can’t blame (tourists) even one little bit, especially when it could change again,” Ms Bender said.
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Jumpers and Jazz in July, a new Warwick Chamber of Commerce event, and more are set to receive a slice of $150,000 in government funding as part of a new events initiative.
Jointly funded by Southern Downs Regional Council by the State and Federal Governments, the first round of the Local Events Funding Program will see $151,907 into funnelled into 10 regional events.
Councillor Marco Gliori said he was impressed by all potential recipients.
“The council received a large number of applications, which is encouraging as it speaks of the high level of business confidence in the region,” Cr Gliori said.
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THE magic of Merry Muster shoppers is still rippling around the region with one Ballandean business calling the visitors an “injection” of love for local stores.
Last weekend, over 370 shoppers showed up to Ballandean Estate for the Granite Belt’s biggest picnic of 2020.
Fourth-generation vigneron Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said locavore picnic experience took days to prepare and a whopping 3850 pieces of sesame lavosh, 70kg of hand roasted capsicums, 40kg of grilled zucchini and more. Merry muster shoppers at Ballandean Estate.
“When Christine Bonner, founder of the Merry Muster, called last week to speak to Barrelroom chefs Matt and Bobbi Wells about last minute menu requests, and mentioned 370 people, I was flabbergasted. It was hard to keep my cool or contain my excitement!,” Ms Puglisi-Gangemi said.