An outdoor event that aims to support small businesses, Self Made Market returns to Wodonga on Sunday, with more North East dates scheduled in coming months. Stallholders can showcase their products and creativity to the general public, which also has the chance to sample quality goods handmade with love. Check out the market's Facebook page for its COVID-safe conditions of entry.

IN OTHER NEWS:

In a tough year for all performers, it's great to see some smaller live music gigs taking place now, and the promise of bigger events to come as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease. Pat Russell will be welcomed back to Balldale Hotel, which reopened almost a year ago, on Saturday. Commercial Club Albury continues to offer live and free music in the Zodiac Lounge, although there is still no dancing and patrons must stay seated. Eric Ball performs from 6.30pm on Friday, October 23, while Paul Gibbs aims to entertain on Saturday, October 24.

The finale to football seasons like none other take place on Saturday for Australian rules and Sunday for rugby league. In the AFL, Richmond and Geelong meet and may the fiercest feline win the battle of the Tigers and the Cats. Melbourne Storm is playing for Victoria in the NRL but faces a Penrith Panthers side on a 17-game winning streak. While some Border residents, particularly north of the Murray River, may be able to gather together to watch the games, many will be glued to their screen at home.

Albury Wodonga Theatre Company winds up its nearly sold-out season of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof this weekend. Something of a litmus test of whether audiences were ready to return to indoor theatres, the show expanded to six public performances when tickets sold quickly. Among the limited seating and other COVID-safe measures, the Tennessee Williams classic has proven popular.

We're into the final week of the Gardens 4 Wildlife children's art competition. Organisers hope the contest sparks some family conversations about wildlife close to home. Teenagers aged 15 to 18 years have been particularly encouraged to enter. Participants are asked to create an A4 picture of an Australian native animal in a garden setting, using pencils, textas, paints or collage. More details available on the Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga Facebook page.

Whatever your interests. the Kiewa Street Market is likely to have a stall to match. A joint fundraising venture of the Rotary Clubs of Albury North and Belvoir Wodonga, the weekly market has raised several million dollars for local, national and international charities over the years.

Berries, beef, tomatoes, eggs, bread, biscuits and more can be found at Saturday's Albury Wodonga Farmers' Market. Organisers remind NSW residents to bring their permit and face mask. The easiest way to access the market is to park in South Albury or Noreuil Park and walk across the bridge.

The easing of restrictions in regional Victoria and a more flexible border resident permit, means there are more opportunities to go for a drive and sample what our region has to offer. While everyone needs to stay safe - maintain your distance, wash your hands, abide by the various public health orders - people now have more freedom to enjoy attractions of the Border and North East. Many smaller towns that rely on tourism have struggled during the pandemic and would love to welcome you along.