AS Sunraysia and the rest of regional Victoria brace for an influx of Melbourne visitors, Mildura police is encouraging residents to practise kindness and patience.
From Friday, as Victoria hits the 80 per cent double-dose vaccination mark, Melburnians will be allowed to visit the regions, opening up intrastate travel and reuniting loved ones.
Inspector Michelle Young said as everyone adapted to new measures, including being asked for vaccination status and answering questions in line with Chief Health Officer (CHO) directives, compassion and understanding were needed.
"We are aware Melbourne has been under significant lockdown so I'm sure people will want to come into regional areas, however restrictions will still be in place," Insp Young said.
"I would encourage people to be very mindful that we've all been living with significant change and that our retailers and our licensed venue personnel are also in a period where they are going to have to be aware of different changes.
"So we need to all practise kindness and patience as people are entering venues and when they are asked about vaccination status."
A dedicated COVID-19 sergeant now works at Mildura police station, acting as a liaison for local businesses.
"We've already been doing foot patrols and there will be increased patrols where we will be engaging with our local business community so they're aware of their obligations under CHO directions," Insp Young said.
"We want to support them to ensure an efficient, effective implementation."
In what is expected to be a long weekend for many, with the Melbourne Cup holiday falling on Tuesday, Insp Young urged everyone who was planning to hit the road to take extra care.
"I would encourage people to be mindful that for significant periods of time they've probably driven no further than 25km, so be aware of their own fatigue, make sure they're taking those appropriate breaks, make sure they're sticking to the road limits and they're aware of their environments.
"Particularly if they're travelling through areas at dusk - we do have wildlife on some of our local roads.
"Metro drivers need to be aware that they're coming into a regional area where they may be unfamiliar with the road conditions."
Throughout the long weekend extra marked and unmarked police cars will patrol local roads and foot patrols will work to keep the public safe.
"There will be (police) units designated out and about to ensure community safety and to remind people about simple things like the wearing of masks and ensuring they are adhering, for their own safety and the safety of our own community in Mildura."
Insp Young encouraged everyone bound for Sunraysia to enjoy their time in the region, saying it would be an opportunity for many long-awaited reunions.
"Police are part of the community as well and are looking forward to seeing family and friends they haven't seen for a significant period of time, so we encourage everyone to enjoy every moment with loved ones."
