It would be the preferred scenario of just about everyone that, once we get the green light to do so, the first sign of team sport activity on the Border post-COVID-19 will be from our own sporting clubs and leagues.
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Whether you're an Albury Thunder, Wodonga Diamonds or Lavington Panthers supporter, across the many codes we support here in our region, everyone has a common goal in wanting sport to resume in our communities, once it is safe to do so.
The three-stage process for the return of sport in our communities was presented by national cabinet late last week, where the point was made that competitions "can contribute many health, economic, social and cultural benefits to Australian society" but also, quite rightly, their resumption cannot "compromise the health of individuals".
There has been a lot of talk around the Border in recent days, both for and against, about Melbourne Storm setting up a temporary base in Albury ahead of the NRL's return to competition on May 28.
On the surface, it may appear a contradiction that the Storm's elite-level rugby league players are allowed to train as a team when, for example, the Albury Tigers and Twin City Wanderers cannot. But the community should take comfort in the fact that the Storm will pose no threat to our health or way of life in basing themselves in Albury for a short period of time.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack said as much when he told The Border Mail "we are relying on the advice of the NSW Chief Medical Officer, NSW Government and the NRL ... we are very mindful that community safety is paramount and this will be at the forefront of our considerations".
IN OTHER NEWS:
The NRL is returning on May 28 so the Storm returning to training is simply them going back to work, in the same way that journalists, tradies, doctors and baristas, just to name a few, have in the past six weeks.
Our region's hospitality industry has taken an enormous hit in the past month and a half and even if it is just for a week or two, the Storm's custom will be welcomed.
If nothing else, their arrival in town should be a sign that the COVID-19 storm clouds are one day closer to disappearing.