Venus Bay General Store owners boosted by local support

VENUS Bay General Store owner Rupy Multani is grateful nobody was injured when a car was accidentally driven into the front of the business on Wednesday, expressing his appreciation of the community support he has received since.

Three four metre windows were destroyed, with frames needing to be replaced.

A couple of local cleaners sprang into action, helping to tidy up, while Glen of South Gippy Signs erected aluminium screens to secure the damaged section of the store.

Dan Lawrie and Bruce Leonard of the Tarwin Lower-Venus Bay Tourism and Local Commerce (TALC) association also arrived to offer support to Rupy.

There was no damage to stock.

In the aftermath of the accident, Rupy called for South Gippsland Shire Council to install bollards to protect businesses from such incidents.

A council spokesperson responded to a request for information on whether that safety measure is being considered.

“A tender for the development of a new streetscape for Venus Bay has recently closed; the new design includes bollards and trees in the vicinity of the Venus Bay General Store, as well as other measures to help improve pedestrian safety and slow traffic through the commercial area.”

In his capacity as TALC president, Bruce said he understands work on the streetscape is due to start in the middle of this year.

He was pleased to hear news of council’s plan to include bollards in the design, along with other planned safety considerations he’s noted such as widening the footpath, reducing speed limits, having a raised area and creating a pedestrian crossing.

“A big part of the community feedback to the Shire concerned safety around the commercial precinct for both pedestrians and cars, so if the bollards are going in, that’s a positive in terms of safety,” Bruce said.

He expressed confidence the bollards will be incorporated in a manner that is as aesthetically pleasing as possible. 

Community members have extended their best wishes to Rupy and family and have made it clear the Venus Bay General Store is a much-valued part of the town.

“Their support is really good in this difficult time,” Rupy said.