Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Colleen Gates and Deputy Mayor Cr Sandra Wilson have issued the statement below in support of the Brooklyn community, who are in Stage 3 restrictions.
"As many would know, earlier this week the Premier announced that 10 postcode areas across Melbourne will revert back to Stage 3 restrictions for the next 4 weeks. It is frustrating to note that Brooklyn has been swept up in the process simply on the basis of a postcode, rather than Hobsons Bay being an actual 'hotspot' or having a high number of reported covid positive cases.
"We recognise that there are challenging aspects associated with the reinstatement of restricted movements, especially when this will mean residents all over Hobsons Bay will be working to different sets of rules. Understandably, people are angry, hurt and anxious.
"Across our city, so many of us are either residents or visitors of Brooklyn, or we have friends or family who live or spend time in Brooklyn.
"We welcome all Hobsons Bay residents to reach out and connect with people they know in Brooklyn. We all need each other right now, and to remember that we are all in this battle against covid together, regardless of where we live.
"Since we all have the responsibility to do our part, and everyone needs to be cautious regardless of their postcode, we remind our community to remain vigilant and adhere to state government guidelines in relation to social distancing, hygiene practices and getting tested if you believe you have symptoms or need peace of mind. If you can stay home, please do so and help keep your family safe.
"We want to support and assist residents of Brooklyn wherever possible. We have immediately inquired with the state government on whether Brooklyn can be removed from the postcode grouping given the physical divide between the Brooklyn residential area in Hobsons Bay and the other 3012 lockdown areas.
