While most of us understood the NSW government's need to act after a jump in COVID-19 cases around Melbourne, the blunt approach of shutting the border created enormous concerns and anguish for the many cross-border communities I represent.

At the height of the shutdown, we saw about five per cent of local workers who couldn't get to their job, farmers who couldn't farm, children unable to get to school, split families unable to grieve the loss of a loved one.

That heartache was also felt by local small businesses, who suffered an estimated revenue hit of around 30 to 50 per cent, with over half of those businesses needing to cut their hours or staff.

For the tourism and hospitality sector, the blow was arguably worse - data suggesting accommodation bookings dropped by 90 to 100 per cent, with entertainment and hospitality revenues falling up to 80 per cent.

So, what is the new challenge, come Monday? There are two things we can each do to help rebuild the Border region's health and economic wellbeing.

Number one is to remember the virus has not disappeared!

The more we continue to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing, the more likely we'll keep out the virus.

Carry a mask and get used to wearing it in a crowded area, particularly indoors - and for NSW residents right now, that's a good habit to get into for when you head more freely back into Victoria?

The federal government fully expects that localised outbreaks will occur from time to time given the nature of the virus - but if we stop that happening here, the border closure will hopefully turn into a distant memory.

Number two is ... love your local area! Right now, the most important thing we can do is to 'shop local'.

That also includes eating local, visiting places in our local cross border region and heading to the areas which were so badly fire-affected last summer. And if you have friends or family in Sydney, Melbourne or another capital, encourage them to visit.

After the lockdowns in 2020, there will be plenty of city folk wanting the wide open areas, getting away from the crowds and enjoying a little country hospitality.

The 138 day border closure will have been the greatest challenge to communities on the NSW/Victorian border for 100 years.

What we do, and how we behave from Monday, is the next challenge.