Bushfires, smoke, a global pandemic, the border closure, restrictions.

It's been hard on everyone especially border communities.

In the midst of it all, it's pretty easy to focus on the huge, black, overwhelming storm clouds and ignore any wisps of a silver lining.

But we all need good news, and residents are still doing great things.

In a time of isolation we all need reminders that our community, with its kind, selfless and generous members still exists, even if our doors are closed.

So in a bid to focus on the positives, we've pulled together a weekly wrap of Border Mail stories of generosity, selflessness and kindness.

Josh Rickard, 23, doesn't really do days off.

When he's not responding to a crash or emergency with the Albury and Border Rescue Squad, he's volunteering at Carevan, Red Cross, Country Hope, Nolan House or headspace.

Mr Rickard's hard work and unyielding enthusiasm has seen named a finalist for the Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

Find out more about Mr Rickard and why VRA Captain Paul Marshall nominated the young man here.

Many months after bushfires tore across the state, Victoria's clean-up program has officially been completed with nearly 200 properties in Towong Shire have been cleared of bushfire-damaged infrastructure.

In total, more than 2500 individual buildings that were destroyed or damaged by fire were removed, including structures from 183 properties in Towong Shire and five in Alpine Shire.

Federal Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said he hoped property owners could take "the next steps towards their future plans".

Find out more about the Victorian fire recovery effort here. In the Upper Murray Blazeaid is currently working to repair fencing.

Burrumbuttock's Brendan Farrell has traded hay for school supplies, sporting equipment and toys to put a smile on the faces of drought-affected children.

Bumpa and long-time hay runner Brett Lieschke will visit Louth, Tilpa, White Cliffs, Packsaddle and Tibooburra, to distribute the donations.

He said it was important to remember people were still doing it tough and needed support.

Find out more about Bumpa's latest run and how to donate here.

MORE GOOD NEWS:

Imagine going about your errands and suddenly finding out you're $100,000 richer.

For one Albury man, that dream came true last week

The unidentified man said he was "screaming on the inside" when he checked his ticket and discovered he won $100,000.

Find out more about the delayed prize win and how he plans to spend his good fortune here.

Something beautiful is on its way to Tallangatta, with two new public murals to come to life this month.

Last week it was revealed murals entitled The Town That Moved and Grow had strong support from the community and would be created by Chiltern artist Kirrily Anderson.

Towong mayor David Wortmann said hopefully the bright works will be a welcome sight for residents when the come out of stage three restrictions.

Find out more about the artwork design and project implementation here.

Months after it closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Regent Cinema in Albury has reopened.

Manager Kelly Davis said more than 500 tickets were pre-sold ahead of the reopening.

"We are so glad to just have people back in the cinemas," she told The Border Mail.

Find out more about the reopening and renovations here.