We can call it a ring of steel, or whatever we want, but ironically, the barrier now in place between Bendigo and Melbourne is one of the best things we have going for us.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We need to appreciate and value the relaxed restrictions that now exist for regional Victorians, without losing sight of the fact that one otherwise insignificant mistake or dare we say it, a deliberate exploitation of the rules, could easily bring it all undone.
That's the precipice that we now exist upon.
Read other news:
Able to leave our homes for whatever reason, and to socialise with people from other households for the first time since early August, our newly created freedoms will undoubtedly be the envy of the millions of people in Melbourne who are still experiencing a far harsher version of lockdown.
The heavy penalties announced yesterday for anyone found to have infringed on Melbourne's borders must be backed up by a rigorous defence of that city's perimeter that extends to train services and any other potential source of a leakage from the state's capital city.
We know it has been too easy for people to slip through the cordon up until now, and sadly, we know the price we can all pay if something does go wrong.
Our new restrictions are not yet Melbourne's to share, and the state government makes no apologies for looking at how our regional communities adapt as a potential guide to how to manage the easing of restrictions in Melbourne when the appropriate time comes.
Until that time, we need to be glad for the changes to the rules that we have all earned.
Looking back, the past six months should have taught us all to better value the things we have and to be willing to do more to help others.
Now, as our (hopeful) recovery starts to swing into gear, we owe it to ourselves to put all that into practice - to support local, to look out for one another and to stay safe.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.