Mr Andrews, it's time to ease the squeeze

Victoria recorded two COVID-19 cases on Friday, which is just phenomenal. It's a far cry from 687 new cases on August 4. It's a drop in the ocean compared to the 27,362 cases in Australia. Light-years away from the 38.8 million cases of coronavirus worldwide.

Two positive coronavirus cases in one day is why it is appropriate to lift restrictions in regional Victoria. Fingers crossed, this Sunday the Victorian Premier will announce precisely that. We're champing at the bit. Plenty of horses will be champing on Sunday at the Horsham Cup, but punters can't attend. At least we have our memories. A consolation prize is the chance to see the Melbourne Cup instead. Excellent trade-off, I guess.

Horse racing aside, there's a lot at stake on Sunday. Gyms are itching to open, so are dance studios, churches, clothing stories ... the list is as long as my arm. As the French would say: Jes suis prest.

As we return to normal, we look towards our leaders for inspiration. Across the state, our leaders could look completely different in November compared to August, with voting for the local government elections closing at 6pm, Friday, October 23. It's an exciting time, especially in Horsham with up to seven new faces leading the city council. Make sure to fill out your ballot paper correctly, because every vote counts.

But you don't have to be a councillor to be a leader. You can be a police officer, a business owner, a community sports star, or even a big, boofy bloke who is willing to talk with others about mental health. That's the great thing about it - there's no formal job interview - you rise above and bring people with you on that journey.

On Sunday I'll be glued to the TV, waiting to see if Dan the Man walks out in a North Face jacket or a blue suit. Fingers crossed he'll give us the green light to get on the beers this Christmas.

Have a great weekend,

Ben Fraser, Editor.