After weeks of lockdown in regional Victoria and months of division due to the border closure, the last week has brought some much needed relief and hope.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Wednesday, regional Victoria moved to 'step three' of Premier Daniel Andrews' roapmap to recovery which allowed North East resident to leave their house and cafes to open their doors.
Meanwhile, the border region was offered some reprieve late on Wednesday when Brad Hazzard signed off on amended public orders which allowed border residents to once again cross the border for any reason.
Take a look at some of the week's best good news stories below.
For tourist town Bright, 2020 has been a pretty horrible year.
First, bushfires threatened the town and the looming risk and blanket of smoke kept the usual summer tourists away.
Then just as things began to pick up, COVID happened and businesses were forced to shut their doors, not just once but twice.
This weekend, life and hopefully some much needed money returned to the town.
Coral Lee cafe owner Michelle Turner has remained open the entire year, mostly with takeaway, and could notice the difference on Saturday.
"The whole vibe of the town is completely different," she said.
"Everyone is happier and they're not talking about COVID for five minutes."
IN OTHER NEWS:
After months of training and hard work, the Purple Chicken Cafe has officially opened its doors to customers.
The cafe is designed to build skills and support young people with disabilities into meaningful employment.
Currently 22 young people are involved with the program.
"In hospitality you also find all the skills you need to live independently - that's why we chose it," Jen Tait explains.
Despite tough times in retail, chain-store Cheap and Chips has shown faith in the Albury market announcing a new store would open September 30.
The new store will employ about 25 people.
Ms Nixon said the store boasts a broad range of affordable products including, furniture, manchester, garden accessories, power tools, storage items as well as supermarket ware and even aged care mobility products like wheelchairs.
Ms Nixon said the store boasts a broad range of affordable products including, furniture, manchester, garden accessories, power tools, storage items as well as supermarket ware and even aged care mobility products like wheelchairs.
It takes years for some people to land their dream job, but not Kai Campbell
Kai Campbell might still be at school but he's already landed his dream job.
The 16-year-old saw a design position advertised on US clothing brand Publicspace's Instagram and decide to put up his hand.
Despite his age, Kai impressed the company and has found employment.
"It's the sort of job I thought I'd want after uni, but now works too," he said.
After five long weeks, group fitness training has finally recommenced, much to the relief of trainers.
F45 Wodonga manager Gudi Gigliotti said all gyms in Wodonga had wanted to be open sooner, but last Tuesday's announcement that outdoor training could resume with nine people plus a trainer was welcome.
"When they brought us forward two steps, I was happy about that," she said.
"I hope we'll be able to open the studio soon."
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
