North East and Riverina reopen after lockdown

For best friends Lachie O'Leary, 11, and Baxter Murphy, 12, both of Albury, their first weekend free of restrictions was spent walking Freya the dog, buying Akubras and making up for lost time.

"Initially I was sad that home learning was going to end and I'd have to go back to school," Lachie said.

"But then I realised we could have sleepovers again."

Lachie's mum Rachel Hardie continued to work through lockdown as a nurse but said she was glad the boys could get together again.

"It's disappointing community sport hasn't returned yet," she said.

"It's a bit crazy you can go to an outdoor concert but the kids can't finish the footy season."

Sam and Maddy Bowers enjoyed their freedom taking daughter Katie, 1, out for the day to enjoy the sunshine.

"I can't do another day in the house," Maddy joked.

"It's not natural."

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