A DEGREE of vitality remains evident among Beachport community groups and businesses despite restrictions imposed since March by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each morning, the Sea Urchins and Sea Slugs swim groups take to the shallows while practising social-distance protocols.
The 30 members of the Beachport and Rivoli Bay Lions branch cannot meet each month, but the group remains active.
Club president Dan Prouse said firewood cutting and selling remained a valuable money-spinner for the seaside group.
“We are also laying three concrete slabs for bases for picnic tables and benches,” Mr Prouse said.
“The Lions have another two memorial seats to install as well as additional seating for the jetty.
“Our board continues to meet as there are only six members and this number is allowed under the (COVID-19) rules.
“It is disappointing the Lions could not stage the Anzac Day dawn service, but our member Bob Grieve arranged to fly the three flags.
“We are due to have the annual change-over dinner at the end of next month and this might have to be cancelled.”
The Beachport branch of the National Trust remains active despite the temporary closure of the Beachport museum as ordered by the Federal Government in March.
It has displayed the rich history of the town and district for the past 49 years and is based in the former wool store on Railway Terrace.
Trust member Elaine Donaldson said the group was still accepting donations of items for public display.
“We always put on a special display for Anzac Day and this was in one of the windows,” she said.
Ms Donaldson said trust members continued to work on a number of projects and displays, including next year’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of a tragedy at the Beachport Surf Beach.
Two Royal Australian Navy sailors were killed after they tried to diffuse a wartime German mine.
Meanwhile, the majority of Beachport shops and businesses are still trading despite a sharp reduction in the number of tourists.
It is almost business-as-usual at Baked@Beachport, with customers barely noticing any changes to the Railway Terrace business.
There is only one entrance, seating has been removed and there is a limit on customer numbers at any one time.
Qualified baker Melanie Smith was overwhelmed by the support from the Beachport community.
“This support during the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled me to keep going and keep my same hours,” she said.
The building sector remains buoyant at Beachport going by the number of development approvals granted by Wattle Range Council in the opening three months of 2020.
