WITH the recent State Government announcement that stage 3 restrictions would be re-introduced across regional Victoria, many businesses – particularly those which thrive off tourism – have taken yet another hit.

Among the many businesses who are currently struggling to stay afloat is Australian Sled Dog Tours, who spend much of their time in Mansfield and Alpine shires.

With a pack of 45 very loveable dogs, owners Brett and Neesha Hadden have voiced concerns regarding what the pandemic means for not only their business, but also their dogs – many of which are rescue dogs.

“We’re looking for a place,” Brett said, explaining that he is at risk of having to re-home his beloved dogs.

“There are heaps of ideas coming in, but they are only ideas.

“We need to get it rock solid, otherwise it’s all over.”

The pair have, for the last three years, been living on a friend's property in Mansfield Shire, however, the owner has recently put it up for sale.

Prior to this, the pair were living in Cobungra.

“A lovely lady offered us a place in Merrijig, but because of all the politics in town… we’re not going to be a target in town," Brett said.

And now, Brett and Neesha are looking for a quiet spot just out of Mansfield, at least a kilometre away from any neighbours.

“I love this area and working with Buller – but we still can’t find anything at this stage,” Brett said.

The pair have been operating their sled dog tour business for seven years on Mount Buller, and 13 years at Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain.

Last year, at Mount Buller, the business saw a huge volume of customers – all thanks to the High Country’s tourism industry.

“We put 1700 people in our sleds last year at Buller, and had to knock back another 2500,” he said.

Brett and Neesha have recalled the increase and growth in popularity since first beginning all those years ago.

Brett said that when the sled dog tours first started, the pair were seeing approximately 65 people with a much smaller pack.

“It’s growing,” he said.

With growth comes pouring more time and effort into business.

“We train on a four-wheel cart through autumn and spring,” he said.

“And we train some of the newbies by doing that on dirt trails or forest tracks.

“That’s how we keep them fit and healthy.”

Over the last year, Brett and Neesha’s biggest challenge hasn’t been keeping their dogs fit and healthy but the rapidly changing environment they have found themselves in.

“We have had to evacuate all the dogs twice in the last year because of the bushfires,” he said.

“From the fires to the coronavirus closing our business, and now having to find another place to live.

“It’s been a really tough year.

“We need to find something.

“I’d love to be a part of Mansfield, because we love it here.”

However, he hasn’t only just begun looking for a property in Mansfield and has noticed that the real estate market is currently seeing a surge of popularity.

“What worries me is that panic stemming from the virus makes Melburnians buy up huge real estate across the regional areas,” he said.

“Pretty soon there won’t be anything left.”

The coronavirus has put pressure on those like Brett and Neesha who are trying to find a property – not because they want one, but because they need one.

From Lima to Tolmie, Bonnie Doon to Jamieson, Brett and Neesha aren’t too fussed – as long as it is a safe and secure property for their dogs.

“We are a product of Mount Buller,” he said.

“They are all good people and they all want us there.

“We support them and they support us.”