A Macedon Ranges horse racing fan has started a petition calling on the Victorian government to allow vaccinated people to attend the Kyneton Cup, which is held the day after the Melbourne Cup.
Key points:
- A petition calls for the return of crowds at the Kyneton Cup on November 3
- Campaigners say it is unfair crowds are allowed at the Melbourne Cup, the day before the Kyneton event
- In Warrnambool, 300 punters were allowed trackside this month as part of the Victorian vaccine economy trial
Suzanne Carroll said if a crowd of 10,000 fully vaccinated people were allowed at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, November 2, then the Kyneton Cup should also be allowed to have spectators.
"This is grossly unfair, as regional Victoria has far less COVID cases than metro Melbourne," she said.
"In the Macedon Ranges, more than 90 per cent have received their single dose with more than 74 per cent double-dosed.
"We want this decision overturned and crowds, fully vaccinated, socially distanced allowed to attend this year's Kyneton Cup."
Ms Carroll said it was a yearly highlight going to the cup with a group of friends who spend a lot of money in the local economy in the lead-up to the event.
"We go to the hairdressers, get our nails done, new dress, shoes, handbags. Accommodation, limos, taxis and after we go to the local pubs," she explained.
"I don't even mind showing my vaccination status, sitting outside, having a picnic at the racetrack."
Meanwhile, the Warrnambool Racing Club in south-west Victoria was the first of the state's country tracks to test managing the return of punters when 300 were allowed trackside on October 14 as part of the state's vaccine economy trial.
Other country cups impacted
Over the coming fortnight, there are several country cup meetings that will go ahead without crowds, including in Bendigo, Sale, St Arnaud, Mortlake and Wycheproof.
St Arnaud post office owner Helen Rigby said holding the event without crowds was detrimental to the town of about 2,000 people.
"It's horrible, small country towns depend on their events," she said.
"Economically it's devastating for small businesses which are struggling to stay afloat, it's taken a toll over the past 18 months."
Ms Rigby said St Arnaud residents are keen to see some kind of events return.
"With local sport, football and netball, we know the streets are buzzing when it's a home game but now we've got nothing," she said.
Wycheproof volunteer committee member Jackie Noonan described the decision not to allow crowds as disappointing and a cruel blow for the town.
"It also impacts the small tight-knit Wycheproof community in terms of having a financial impact for volunteer groups and businesses who rely on the day as a fundraiser," she said.
High hopes for 2022
Ms Noonan said Wycheproof residents were now looking forward to how significant and memorable 2022 would be.
“It’s [cup weekend] bigger than Christmas, there’s still that love and affiliation with the town. Lots of people make the trek home for Mt Wycheproof cup," she said.
"Hopefully next year we won't have to do advertising, people have already marked it in their calendar."
A state government spokesperson said if Victoria reached the 80 per cent vaccination rate by Kyneton Cup Day, the club would be able to welcome a crowd on course.
"Whether the club takes up the option, is a matter for the club," the spokesperson said.
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