MY HEAD is spinning from everything that has happened in the fortnight since my last column.

The State Election has been run and won. Nationals Emma Kealy has been returned as the member for Lowan and in the neighbouring Ripon electorate the ALP candidate, Martha Haylett, has won the seat over incumbent Liberal Party member Louise Staley. The whole GABN Committee passes on our sincere congratulations to both representatives and we look forward to working with them to ensure that our region is front and centre at Spring Street throughout the next Andrews Government term.

The East Grampians Business Awards have also been held and what a fantastic night it was. The team at Pomonal Estate continue to shine brightly with a second consecutive Business of The Year gong, but let’s not forget all the other category finalists and winners who represent the best of what this region has to offer. Congratulations to everyone on an incredible event. [See the Winners on our website in the News Section]

The festive season has well and truly arrived as everyone makes the final mad dash to the end of 2022. GABN is delighted to be a part of this year’s Annual Christmas Lights Competition in partnership with the Ararat Advocate and Ararat Rotary. This year there is more than $1200 in prizes to be won across five categories so it’s well worth dragging those lights out of the garage and getting amongst it. I can’t wait to see all the entries brighten up Ararat this Christmas.

It’s also important to remember, as we again start to gather in large groups to celebrate the year, that coronavirus is still in the community and our health services are seeing another increase in the numbers of people contracting the virus.

• This Christmas please remember these simple steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:
• Get vaccinated (if you haven’t already) and keep up to date with your third and fourth doses.
• Wear a face mask indoors or where you are unable to maintain social distancing recommendations.
• Let some fresh air in. Good ventilation means that you are less likely to catch COVID-19 and this can be achieved by opening windows, doors or using an air purifier.
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser.

If everyone follows these four basic steps, we can all have a very merry Christmas.

If you are considering becoming a member of GABN or would like to know more about what we can offer to local businesses, please contact us via email at admin@gabn.org.au.