Businesses report good bookings

Businesses report good bookings

By Rhonda Dredge

Even though fear of COVID-19 is still gripping the community, businesses are adapting to the new health regime and are beginning to re-open.

ArtVo has re-opened at District Docklands with limited numbers in each viewing room.

The immersive gallery has a temperature gauge at the door and is providing four square metres for each person.

“We’re doing what we should,” PR Manager Lisa Oatham said. “A lot of people are fearful.”

She said there was a screen at the front desk to protect staff and they wouldn’t be able to help people take photos.

If you’ve got a cold or are mixing with someone who has a cold, “you shouldn’t be coming,” she said.

But the popular 3D gallery had already taken bookings in the lead-up to the school holidays.

Melbourne Boat Hire on NewQuay Promenade has also reported good bookings. It began advertising its small electric leisure craft for hire in the first week of June.

“Usually we get six bookings a day during the weekend in summer,” skipper Jordan Ruth said. Within the first two weeks of re-opening their weekend bookings were three a day.

“The good weather, with no more than three days of rain in a row, has made all the difference,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful winter. Typical waters. Today is 14-15 degrees and sunny. We’re doing quite well.”

Katherine Johnson, in Melbourne on a working holiday, took the bait and spent

her 33rd birthday with mates on board the Eliza Jay, cruising slowly under the Bolte Bridge and up the Yarra.

The exuberant CBD dweller organised a group of girlfriends plus a mate to drive the boat.

“I helped with the prep,” Katherine said as her friends arrived with plates of sandwiches. “It’s the one day it’s all about you.”

They were heard singing Happy Birthday in front of the rowing sheds on the Yarra before chugging back home in the afternoon sun.

Twelve people from the same household can fit in one boat or less if there’s social distancing involved.

Catering can be arranged from Cargo or Berth, waterfront places that have also been doing well.

A wedding was held at Berth on the third weekend in June and staff are optimistic as customers return to catch the sun along NewQuay when it appears between buildings •

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