VIC Active calls on Victorian Government to fulfill its promise of financial assistance

VIC Active is calling on the Victorian Government to fulfill its promise of financially assisting fitness businesses that have been unduly impacted by the third COVID-19 lockdown.

VIC Active spokesperson, Tim Schleiger highlights “the fitness industry was one of the hardest hit during the extended 16 - week lockdown during the second half of 2020, forced to adhere to an entirely different set of rules to any other industry, despite clear evidence that fitness centres are COVID-Safe.

Schleiger states that the fitness industry – operators, staff, members and users – has suffered badly, and has in effect “been treated as an outcast” by the Victorian Government.

Although the fitness industry demonstrated they were COVIDSafe and critical to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Victorians, using academically and scientifically collected evidence Schleiger goes on to state “we were ignored. We cannot be ignored again.

“Since then, we have received no support and trading and morale has again been completely smashed during the last five-day lockdown.

“Fitness centres were closed for seven months during 2020. We have already been shut twice in 2021!

“The only carrot thrown at fitness centres during 2020 was the ‘outdoor exercise’ option. Less than 10% of VIC Active members were able to open on this basis. This was destined to fail for many obvious reasons.”

Schleiger has questioned measures associated with Victoria’s Coronavirus measures, asking  “what about our customers, our rental payments, our suppliers – what about the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Victorians who need professional support?

“Why close fitness centres in regional Victoria?”

Schleiger emphasises “It’s time for the Victorian Government to throw some real, tangible support behind the fitness industry. We need financial support now.”