There are plenty of reasons to be gloomy in 2020, but even in a pandemic there are still reasons to smile.
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In the past week, the border bubble has expanded - though daily life travel is out of the question.
Albury staff and students have been recognised for their outstanding efforts, while NSW students were given a glimmer of hope with formals and graduations likely to go ahead.
On top of that farmers are reporting a great season for crops and 150 outback children living through drought had a special visit and delivery of toys.
Take a look at some of our carefully selected good news stories below and have a great week.
2020 formals and grads will go ahead! Celebrate with a trip down memory lane
Well it's official, formals are back on the agenda for 2020 in NSW
To celebrate the news, we've dug into the archives to relive the best of the 2001-2010 formals.
In a world of uncertainty family to remain a focus on dad's day
Living through a global pandemic, there's plenty to feel down about.
For many on the border, this Sunday, Father's Day, brought home marked another unwanted milestone in the pandemic. A holiday apart.
But for Jayden Williams, nothing could detract from his very first father's day.
Mr Williams and his partner Sarah Peters welcomed their first son Jaxon Wolf Williams into the world on August 21 at Wodonga hospital.
"I certainly didn't think I would be bringing a child into this world during a pandemic," he said.
"But through all this negativity and sadness in the world, our new little man made this year a complete positive for myself, my partner and my family."
MORE GOOD NEWS:
Toy run delivers joy: Burrumbuttock Hay Runners chief Brendan Farrell
Christmas came early for drought-affected children this year, but instead of Santa on a sleigh, it was Brendan 'Bumpa' Farrell and a B-double bringing the goods.
The Burrumbuttock Hay Runner loaded his truck with Lego, toys and school supplies before heading north to deliver the surprise to 150 outback children.
Myrtleford's fitness mission for cancer during lockdown
Although they may be locked out of their gym, Myrtleford bootcampers didn't let a little fact like that damper their spirits.
The groups are on a mission to complete a virtual challenge to row, run or ski the distance to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
For every kilometre achieved as part of the 74 kilometre journey, the group is helping to raise money for the cancer centre's trust fund.
'It's almost too good to be true': farmer optimistic of cracker season
For Riverina and North East farmers' this season so far has been "almost too good to be true".
It's a welcome change from recent years of drought, with Walla's Jason Schlig saying the season was shaping up to be near perfect.
"Everything is looking good; in fact it's looking fantastic," he said.
Baking business blooms as people stay in touch with sweet offerings
How sweet! Even though we're all separated, our need to stay connected remains clear.
Wodonga-based Simply Sweet by Mel founder Mel Arnold said people were looking for different - and sweeter - ways to connect during the pandemic, when they're unable to be together.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
