IF you are a parent with small children you probably breathed a sign of relief on Friday when finally the COVID-19 restrictions were eased to allow visits of up to two people in homes.
Undoubtedly there were many SOS calls received from grandparents as there's nothing like toddler tantrums in isolation to test the patience of even the most chilled parents.
One saviour for many Hunter mums and dads has been ABC TV children's show Bluey. The animated series about a family of four blue heelers is the most downloaded show in ABC iView history and it's various non-screen or gadget-related games are perfectly tailored for home isolation.
Topics' own two rug rats have given statues (where someone pretends to be a statue for sale and keeps moving when the buyer's back is turned) and asparagus (where the person holding a piece of asparagus can turn other people into animals) a real workout in isolation.
However, the biggest appeal of Bluey, is the dad Bandit Heeler. A hands-on modern father who seemingly never tires of entertaining his rambunctious daughters.
Bandit is voiced by Dave McCormack the laid-back frontman of '90s indie rockers Custard, whose hits included Apartment and Girls Like That (Don't Go For Guys Like Us).
McCormack, himself, is a father of two daughters, but admits he struggles to stack up to Bandit's lofty example.
"He's taught me I should be more patient and better," McCormack told the Newcastle Herald. "Because Bandit is also pretty good, isn't he? He's always playing the games and getting involved.
"So if I've learnt anything from Bandit Heeler, it's that I've got to be more involved.
"Don't you find that things happen in the show that apply to your life? Like things that happen in all dads' lives. I'm always going, 'Are they spying on me? That's exactly what I do'."
Bluey is so popular it's new stage show, Bluey's Big Play, was scheduled to perform in 53 venues across Australia, including Newcastle's Civic Theatre in September, before it was postponed due to COVID-19.
"I think it's just the universal themes," McCormack said. "We all try as hard as we can, but Bandit is good. He has some idiosyncratic foibles, but it's a pretty good dude."
BEARING LUCKY FRUIT
JUST when superannuation and retirement nest eggs have taken a pounding due to the economic downturn, a Hunter Valley couple has landed a lucky strike.
Last week the retirees, who wished to remain anonymous, walked into Bellbird Fruit Newsagent and General Store and purchased a ticket in the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot. That ticket proved to be worth $100,000.
"For us it's just a wonderful relief during these uncertain times," the Hunter Valley man said. "I don't think the timing could have been better. It's the perfect boost for our retirement."
