Moama Bowling Club felt a “huge” impact from the restrictions, with 80 per cent of club members living in Melbourne.
“We lost about 10,000 members from the renewal process in June, because Melbourne residents didn’t know what the future would hold,” MBC sales and marketing manager George Santos said.
“Usually we would have 24,000 members, but that hasn’t happened this year.”
Mr Santos said they were extremely happy things were opening up but were unsure of the finer details.
“It will be lovely to have both the ring of steel and the border down because it will change things for us in a big way,” he said.
“It will be a big drive to get members back on our books.”
He said he hoped a lot of those members who had dropped off would sign back up.
“I think people in Melbourne are just a bit stir crazy at the moment from being in the same place, so there’ll be many looking for a bit of fresh air and the hospitality and club — I think a lot of people have missed it.”
Border Inn publican Adie Daly said the announcement was a “breath of fresh air”.
“Everyone’s been very patient and done the right thing — now I think we’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
“We’ve been reasonably lucky being able to trade more freely (under NSW restrictions) but this will make it easier for us.
“We’ve been relying on our locals because if people in Echuca want to come for lunch — you’re not going to come over because you’re going to spend 40 minutes on the bridge.”
Mr Daly said his team would now focus on preparing to welcome Melburnians in just over two weeks’ time.
“We might be in NSW but 99 per cent of our tourism comes out of Victoria so our motel’s been empty for six months,” he said.
Rich River Golf Club marketing manager Paul Lavars said its phones had been running off the hook since the announcement was made.
“The big thing we are going to be faced with is the capacity limits,” he said.
“We are allowed 300 inside, and it hasn’t been an issue with the border bubble, but it might be with the whole of Victoria on their way.
“This is great news for all our venues and we are excited about what has been announced — we just hope there is more good news to come.”
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