It won't be long before you'll be able to head to a ground to watch a game, have a parma and pint afterwards and maybe head off to the cinema to catch a movie.

Sports people who have been trying to keep fit waiting for a season to kick off will be looking, with hope, for a start date. It shouldn't be long before they know - either way.

The return of competitive sport is part of towns establishing what has become known as the "new normal".

Cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs are still trying to navigate the social distancing laws. They aren't going away soon but our enterprising Wimmera businesses are rising to the challenge.

Chef and co-owner of Horsham's BAA 3400 restaurant, Hugh Goldson, has been able to keep fully booked, encouraging people to stay and enjoy the experience even though they have fewer numbers.

Owner of the Dooen Hotel, Ali Faux, is allowing 35 patrons at a time and staff will provide table service.

Cafe Jas manager, Sharon Hayden, however, has found the social distancing rules and the costs of enforcing them mean that it will be a while before you can sit down for lunch at the Horsham venue.

The Grampians had a bumper long weekend as tourists flocked in. It's great news - let's hope for more weekends and holidays like that.

Locals can also do their bit to help towns across the Wimmera. If you can stay local, buy local, support local then the whole region benefits.

And if you can bring in your friends and family (and they tell their friends and family) to help get the Wimmera economy back on track - even better.

There's plenty to do here - from wide-open spaces and starry skies, to bushwalks, wineries, food outlets and bike rides. Great places to stay, picnics to take, waterfalls to find and rock art at which to marvel.

Spread the word. Winter's a great time to head to the Wimmera.

Juanita Greville

Got a story idea or a news tip? I would love to hear from you. Email: juanita.greville@austcommunitymedia.com.au