A STREET party in the heart of Millicent has been touted as a way to mark the end of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
As some restrictions start to ease, a public gathering in Kentish Place has been floated as one way to celebrate when the long-awaited all clear is given by the authorities.
The concept of a street party was canvassed when the Millicent Business Community Association recently held its monthly committee meeting online.
Business association chairman Lee Morgan said Kentish Place could be suitable as the legislated alcohol-ban did not apply in that area.
Mr Morgan said the closed street and car park could host a wine and food festival with music and markets.
“The MBCA note the ongoing re-invigoration in this area including the opening of the former Millicent Community Club and Wattle Range Council’s works so it would be an opportunity to have a celebration in this area,” Mr Morgan said.
The committee accepted the suggestion of cafe owner Melissa Armfield.
She said it could follow the successful example of the street party which was held in Kentish Place last November as part of the Great Vic Bike Ride.
“The town needs something to celebrate we came out the other end of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Armfield said.
“There seems to be more people about Millicent and their mood is brighter.”
In other MBCA news, Mr Morgan said the meeting noted the improvements to numerous facades in the main street over the last 12 months including the Beehive Corner.
“The MBCA Committee commented that this was a significant investment by the landowner Andrew Pratt of SECO Homes,” he said.
“Although not quite complete it has significantly improved the look to the western entrance to the main street.
“The MBCA resolved to send a letter of appreciation to Mr Pratt.
“The MBCA officially deferred the MBCA Outstanding Business Awards to 2021 and it will be called the 2020-21 Outstanding Business Awards.
“We will invest some time to use better technology over this winter to develop a voting system in 2021.
“The MBCA will update its webpage and to continue to acknowledge past winners of the Business Awards and other historical information.
“We had discussion on the annual general meeting and a date is yet to be set.
“The MBCA Committee is keen to see some invigoration and in these times of coming out of the pandemic, anything is on the table to reinvigorate and boost Millicent and to encourage people to shop local.
“Therefore, we are after new members as we want to engage further and market Millicent businesses more than ever.”
Mr Morgan said the MBCA will also be participating with other businesses association across the region online means about collaborating with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast on boosting industry opportunities across the Limestone Coast.
“The MBCA received a report from council’s economic development manager Roger Babolka,” he said.
“It noted the work regarding compliance, council’s bid for stimulus projects and the progress of projects in the Domain area such as safety aspects.”
