HEATHCOTE and Tooborac residents have been left separated, as severe COVID-19 restrictions are imposed on just one of the two neighbouring towns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mitchell Shire, in which Tooborac sits, will be subject to stay at home orders after Wednesday evening, along with metropolitan Melbourne.
The town is less than 20 minutes drive to Heathcote, in Greater Bendigo, but more than 30 minutes drive to Kilmore, Broadford or Seymour, in the Mitchell Shire.
Tooborac Hotel owner James Carlin said it was "a kick in the guts" to close, after successful trading for the past seven weeks.
The new Mitchell Shire and metropolitan Melbourne restrictions allow hospitality businesses to serve takeaway only.
Mr Carlin said the tiny hamlet of 200 was isolated, and just on the fringe of the shire.
The move was a blow for his business, which employs 21 people, Mr Carlin said. He said he had recently employed three more people, who he was now forced to lay off.
"We're at the northernmost tip, and for that to be called out, and us to be lumped in with it. It's just a pity," he said.
"A little town like Tooborac should be able to contest the government's really broad sweeping categorisation of areas.
"While I appreciate and understand why they might do it, I think a little town like ours should have some right of reply for the benefit of our staff and our patrons."
Greater Bendigo resident Sarah Wilkins hoped the Victorian government would announce face-to-face learning despite the restrictions, as her children attended Tooborac primary.
The Costerfield family chose to send their children to the Tooborac primary because the smaller setting suited their needs.
The Victorian government announced on students in restricted areas, including the Mitchell Shire, would have an extra week's school holidays.
It is yet to make an announcement on whether they will return to school via remote learning, or face-to-face.
Mrs Wilkins said of about 18 children at the school, nearly half lived in Heathcote.
She was concerned about a possible return to remote learning, saying poor internet connections meant the family had struggled.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.