Voice of Real Australia: Take it gently and safely, but your community needs you

Hospitality venues across the nation want you to get organised. Quickly.

They're keen for Christmas party bookings. And it's just another stark reminder that we are all in this together, whether it's keeping COVID-19 at bay or keeping our communities and businesses alive.

Just as it can only be up to us to wash our hands regularly and stay home when we're unwell, it's also up to us to do our bit for the local economy.

Unlike the start of the pandemic, and the months of harder restrictions, we don't have to stay in hibernation anymore. As long as everyone can follow safety protocols, there's a semblance of normality to be enjoyed.

Supporting your community is a huge part of that. People across regional Australia have heard the call and reacted positively. It can be as simple as picking up a locally-made good on display at your favourite cafe, or sharing social media shots of your region and its artisans.

You could book a table at one of your region's pubs or restaurants for a quiet night with the family or a not-so-quiet one with friends.

The next time you spot a gig or show coming up you think you'd enjoy, reserve the ticket.

Choose a trip to the cinema instead of a night of endless Netflix scrolling and "have you seen this?" every once in a while.

And if things are a little tight, and dinners out or drinks after work aren't the greatest option for your circumstances, there are little ways to make a difference.

Head to the farmer's market or a grocer for your fruits and vegetables - most of it's cheap, locally-grown and super fresh.

Explore your own backyard or head off for a day-trip to give a neighbouring town a boost.

Snap a photo or two and share it with the world - that's promoting our region. Who knows who could be enticed into the exploring the Riverina from that one photo?

We've come a long way since March - now, much of our old life is merely a QR code, a pump of hand sanitiser and just a little adapting away.

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