It's easy to be weighed down with doom and gloom associated with COVID-19.

Social restrictions have been onerous yet necessary but increasingly we are becoming impatient for a return to 'normal'. What 'normal' looks like though is unknown.

Everywhere we turn there are negatives. Yesterday we revealed Warrnambool residents are among the 10 per cent worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak. The city's reliance on agriculture, food manufacturing and tourism have contributed to this, according to a COVID-19 Financial Impact Index.

Earlier this week the Hampden Football Netball League abandoned senior competitions in both codes for 2020 - the first time since World War II. Many had hoped a return of football and netball across the region would give us a much-needed fillip and signal a return to that craved 'normal'.

We have documented the struggles individuals and businesses have faced in recent months but in the face of adversity our community has rallied. There have been stories of goodwill and understanding. The pandemic has reinforced the need for us all to shop locally and support business owners who employ our friends, family and give back to our community.

Out of the gloom, there is brightness.

A couple of months ago Warrnambool's Callaghan Motors suffered a major hit when the brand synonymous with it, Holden, announced its exit from Australia. Instead of sit idle, the business which employs more than 60 staff, has pivoted. This week it announced it is expanding, adding two new showrooms, and employing three more workers with the arrival of two new vehicle brands.

The region's accommodation providers after being gutted by travel restrictions are starting the long road back after a busy long weekend.

This week we revealed plans for a $100 million battery storage facility for land near Terang. The proposal, which has to win planning and public support, would enable wind-generated power to be stored and then released into the electricity grid at peak times. It is another sign of positivity. Today's story about a Mortlake business digging into its own pockets to fund a road upgrade is another. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

We might have had some cold mornings/nights this week but there were some sunny winter days. Photographer Morgan Hancock took the above image at Port Campbell on Friday, Makes you long for a return to summer!

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

Stay safe.

Until next week,