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Businesses get ready to open the doors again
"There's some excitement, a little bit of a buzz about the place, which is nice because we haven't had that for a while." That's the observation of Jaimi Jackson from Mittagong's Glass Cafe, who this week has been busy ordering supplies and setting the cafe up again to serve customers at tables inside and out after weeks of takeway only. Find out how our local business people are feeling as they plan for restrictions easing on Monday.
'Isolation kills': Highlands youth facing mental health hurdles
Gambling addictions and financial pressure, fueled by loneliness and isolation, are pushing young people in the Southern Highlands to breaking point according to a mental health expert. Alice Richards, who works as a Clinical Integration Manager at Community Links Wellbeing, said uncertainty around COVID on top of financial and social distress was highlighting the need for action in one of the most depressed regions in the district.
Potato Festival hopes to put region's tourism on the boil
Robertson will soon have even more reason to praise the potato and pass the chips, with a whizz-bang Potato Festival confirmed for next autumn (April 30-May 1). "From a timing point of view, it's captured everyone's imagination," said organiser and spud-lover Gary Fitz-Roy, who has been farming in the district for 25 years, and also runs Enterprise Events, which is spearheading the festival plans.
Where do the Highlands and Tablelands stand on vaccination rates?
There are fears that some regions will be left behind as the state begins to ease stay-at-home restrictions on October 11, with vaccination rates behind in some areas. Vaccination has been the key instrument in the roadmap going forward, and those who are fully vaccinated will benefit from the allowed freedoms.
National film captures the impact of the bushfires in the Highlands
Villages in the Southern Highlands that were devastated by the 2019-2020 bushfires are some of the many locations explored in the film A Fire Inside. It is a film that shines a spotlight on the losses, the dedication of RFS members to their villages, the power of kindness but the everlasting toll the blazes have had on many communities.
How will the new roadmap out of COVID-19 affect residents in the Southern Highlands?
With changes set to start from Monday, and lots of misinformation in the air, you may be unsure about exactly what the updated roadmap looks like for our region. This handy explainer might help clear up some confusion.
Paramedics remain in the Highlands despite Sydney calls
Triple zero calls for medical emergencies won't go unanswered in the Southern Highlands. NSW Ambulance has reassured residents that help would be provided if called in an emergency. This is in response to the increased demands of paramedics and Ambulance crews as they respond to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Give Where You Live matches supplies to needs in the Highlands
A platform supporting people who are struggling with issues such as domestic violence, the repercussions of COVID-19, homelessness, disabilities and natural disasters, launched in the Highlands last month, is already seeing real results. Give Where You Live enables individuals to give in every way they possibly can, and provide a platform to community groups across the region.
'Old school' Schodel back in town and ready to teach
It mightn't be a straight sequel but new Southern Highlands Storm coach Trevor Schodel will feel right at home in the Highlands. The former Canberra Raiders halfback was recently named head coach of the Storm as they seek to field a first grade side in Group 7 next year. Find out a bit more about him here.
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