Good Friday Appeal to go ahead online
The Country Fire Authority will raise money online for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For decades, CFA volunteers were spotted at events and traffic lights throughout Victoria, but this year their fundraising efforts will be done differently.
The Virtual Tin Shake began as a response to brigades who were devastated by not being able to fundraise in the same way this year because of coronavirus.
More than 160 brigades have registered for the online fundraiser and more are expected to register before tomorrow.
People can share brigades’ links via their social media around their communities, family and friends.
CFA chief officer Steve Warrington said the Good Friday Appeal was a cause close to the hearts of thousands of CFA volunteers and staff across Victoria.
“We are so touched by the support our members show for the Good Friday Appeal every year,” Mr Warrington said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible support shown by the Victorian community during the recent bushfire crisis. We are so grateful for those who might still donate to the Appeal amid the current circumstances – every little bit counts.
“We’re extremely proud to continue to support an appeal that unites us all and I’m sure our people and Victorians will dig deep again for such a wonderful cause.”
Further park closures
Before the Easter long weekend, Parks Victoria have closed additional parks with high visitation to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
The parks closed as of midnight last night and include parks throughout all of Victoria, and will remain closed until further notice.
Parks Victoria rangers will be patrolling the parks and working with Victoria Police and Department of Land, Water and Planning officers to ensure people abide by the closures.
On the spot fines will be issued by police to people who do not comply – individuals can receive a fine of $1,652 and businesses can be penalised with a $9,913 fine.
Parks closed include; Barmah National Park, Cathedral Ranges State Park, Gunbower National Park, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Murray Sunset National Park, Lake Eildon National Park and Toorourrong Reservoir Park.
For a full list of park closures throughout Victoria, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19.
Boat ramps and jetties close
Authorities have also closed boat ramps and jetties across Victoria, as part of stage three restrictions in place which direct people to only leave their homes for essential duties.
The restrictions mean boating is viewed as non-essential, and all forms of human powered boating are also prohibited, including canoeing, kayaking, surf-skiing, stand-up paddle boarding and rowing.
All forms of powered boating such as jet skiing; and all forms of wind-powered boating including yachting, kite-surfing and windsurfing are prohibited.
Department of Transport head of transport services Jeroen Weimar said people who went out onto water was putting themselves and others at risk.
“Recreational boating is not an essential activity – I urge everyone to stay home and keep off the water to keep everyone safe,” he said.
“I know this is hard, but all of us can help slow the spread of coronavirus.”
On the spot fines also apply for people who do not abide by the restrictions.
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