Tradies across Greater Bendigo are facing a health epidemic after nearly 250 tradesmen were treated for dehydration after visiting various massage parlours across the city. From white hills to Kangaroo Flat, 80 new businesses have started operating out of government-funded housing. With names like Happy Luck, Golden High, Good Time Massage, and Share Curiously Uniform Opening Hours, Health officials have not speculated on why the businesses avoid daylight hours. "She really milked me dry. I had nothing left," said electrical apprentice Tylan Blaize Henderson, 22, after visiting a High Street business on recommendation from his foreman. "I went in with a sore back and came out unable to stand. Five stars."
Local GP Dr Caroline Marsh said she had seen a "troubling spike" in tradie patients presenting with fatigue, leg cramps and an inability to make eye contact.
It's me back," one tradie told The Bendigo Standard. "It's really sore. It keeps flaring up in the same spot around 5:15 p.m."
When contacted for comment, one massage said they were "fully booked" through April and offered this reporter a loyalty card.
At press time, Bendigo Health had installed a dedicated rehydration bay in the emergency department and was refusing to ask follow-up questions.
