It is Time for the Victorian Government to Walk the Talk!
ACWA has been actively petitioning the Victorian State Government to allow car washing to open for business. We take this opportunity to thank those members who have taken such a proactive role in extending ACWA’s reach amongst decision-makers by contacting their local members and other politicians.
The 29th September is an important date for all of us. This date is referred to by the Victorian State Government as the “Second Step – coronavirus road to recovery” and provides for additional workplaces to open. However, under the published restrictions car wash sites will not be able to open their sites until 26 October 2020.
Every single day, the Victorian Government tells us they want to get COVID-safe businesses up and running as soon as possible. If this is true, car washing presents a first-class opportunity for them to walk the talk and allow car wash sites to open for business on 29 September 2020.
It’s not reasonable, and it’s not right to have COVID-safe businesses like ours closed without good cause!
As we have seen from the likes of Melbourne’s Dog Groomers, it is possible to positively impact decision-makers if there is community support for a cause. And by activating their passionate customers, Melbourne’s Dog Groomers were able to influence a significant change that will see these businesses reopened a full stage sooner than first recommended by DHHS.
Car washing may not have the emotional connection of a pet. However, many customers are as passionate about maintaining their car, as the owners of dogs are about pampering pets. And why wouldn’t they be? In many cases, their vehicle is their most valuable possession, and we all know that left unwashed until 24 October, the paintwork on many cars will be irreversibly damaged.
ACWA is calling on all Melbourne based car wash operators to join ACWA’s fight for common sense by appealing to your customer database and your Facebook Friends for support.
And to help you, ACWA provides the following message that can be personalised to your wash. Please help ACWA help you by spreading the message far and wide:
Dear (customer)
You are probably aware that (Name of my wash) has been forced to closed due to the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. But what you possibly don’t realise is that unless there is a change to Government policy, our wash will be closed until 24 October 2020. By this time, it may be too late to save our business from potential destruction and your vehicle from permanent damage.
Most car maintenance experts recommend washing your car once a week to prevent damaging your car’s paint and finish. Things like bugs, dirt and bird droppings aren’t just a cosmetic inconvenience; they’re often acidic and cause lasting damage to vehicle paintwork.
We understand that in the grand scheme of things, there is a bigger story than a damaged car and where COVID-19 puts anyone in our community in jeopardy, we need strong Government action.
However, it seems economic madness to close a small business like ours when a commercial car wash presents a lower risk to staff and customers than almost any other permitted activity. Yet, our bureaucrats appear prepared to stand by and senselessly watch as car wash businesses, their families, and thousands of workers go to the wall.
Rest assured, unless there is a change many of Melbourne’s car wash operators are set to become collateral damage in the war against coronavirus. I have attached an open letter to the Victorian Government which states the clear case for car washing to reopen on 29 September 2020.
We encourage all our customers to contact their local member and support the plight of car wash operators in Melbourne.
All we want at (Name of my wash) is to be allowed to open our COVID-safe business so we can service our valued customers and protect their valuable assets.
