However the ripple effects from down south have created something like a second wave of economic blows to Border and North East businesses. And for some operators, it's just become too much.

No doubt many can empathise with Tawonga South accommodation provider Mardi Lucas when she talks of the fatigue around dealing with 2020's challenges.

We've also heard from businesses in Falls Creek and Mount Beauty, floored by the closing of ski lifts during a delayed snow season that had only just started.

"People were just so happy up here to be able to have a dining experience, to be outdoors and have a ski and then this came and took it from underneath us," Falls Creek cafe owner Jaye Fatchen said.

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When the coronavirus pandemic followed so quickly a summer dominated by bushfires, many businesses showed an admirable ability to adapt quickly.

Trade went online or became takeaway or home delivered, workplaces used the time to renovate or complete those niggling maintenance jobs.

As autumn turned to winter, restrictions began to ease and business owners perhaps started to see a way forward.

Unfortunately, the highly infectious virus was not done with us and increasing numbers of cases saw an end to hard-won freedoms and even, in the past week, a state border closure not seen since 1919.

And so once again come the cancellations, the changed conditions for those who rely on visitors to our region.

With many potential tourists barred from the North East - but not everybody thinking the rules apply to them - operators find themselves having to turn detective in trying to manage their bookings responsibly.

No wonder Ms Lucas finds it exhausting.

"I'm just wondering how many more times we can get knocked down and bounce back up again," she said.

We all hope, for everyone's sake, at least one time more.