This week's easing of social restrictions put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus was the light at the end of the tunnel south-west residents craved.
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Anglers, golfers and lawn bowlers were quick to flock back to their pastimes when facilities re-opened after almost eight weeks.
The return to face-to-face classroom learning from May 26 for some students was also good news for youngsters and parents.
AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan on Friday declared "this is an exciting day" when he announced matches would resume on June 11.
It is good news for footy lovers who desperately need something to cheer about.
But he said the biggest challenge for the AFL, its clubs, players and officials would be managing their responsibilities to the community as the industry returns despite restrictions remaining in place for most people. We all have responsibilities to manage as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly changed the way we view the world.
Last weekend was a case in point. Shopping centres in Warrnambool were as busy as Christmas. While going to the shops is allowed, it was clear, just a day after Premier Daniel Andrews said no restrictions would be eased, Warrnambool residents had had enough of isolation.
Mr Andrews is worried the isolation efforts might be wasted if all restrictions are lifted and there is a second outbreak. None of us want that. More clusters of cases like that associated with a Melbourne abattoir is what he fears.
We have come too far now.
We need to accept remaining restrictions. We need to maintain social distancing, we need to continue to cough into the crook of our arms, we need to avoid going out when sick. And we need to adhere to the gathering restrictions. We can now have five guests in our homes for dinner but we shouldn't flaunt it. People with far more knowledge and information than us say we shouldn't do it every night.
We have maintained we will get through this. We are getting through it. We just need to be patient a little longer.