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.

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.

You won't find anyone saying police are waging a war on drug traffickers across the region but it sure feels like it. Nine people have been arrested in the past 10 days as part of Operation Abalone, which was set up to target a drug ring operating in Warrnambool, Hamilton and across the South Australian border. Three cars, two motorbikes, methamphetamine with a potential street value of more than $50,000, as well as ketamine, cannabis, cocaine and firearms, $18,000 in cash and almost 100 grams of ice have been seized during raids.

Police around the region have also uncovered six cannabis grow houses in a different operation.

There are some big plans on the drawing board for tourist facilities across the state, including an $85m resort at Cape Bridgewater. Opinions are divided on the project. The proponent of that facility has plans for up to $1 billion worth of investment across the state with resorts earmarked for near Port Campbell, Moonlight Head, Halls Gap and Woodend.

The future of Edwards Bridge over the Merri River in Warrnambool's Stanley Street is up in the air with the city council looking for feedback on whether to replace it or rebuild it. It's the second-oldest remaining bridge in the city behind Wollaston Bridge, pictured above (photo: Mark Witte).

Here's a selection of other stories that made headlines this week.

Until next week, stay patient and stay safe.