As some states across the country enjoyed their first taste of social freedom in weeks over the weekend, for many living in border towns it was more a case of confusion than celebration.
The Mayor of Wodonga City Council, Anna Speedie, on the Victoria-New South Wales border said the differing relaxation of lockdown laws in each state was hard to navigate.
"It makes it a bit challenging. Wouldn't it be terrific if we had a national approach to this?" Ms Speedie said.
"Cut the confusion. Yes, it's more confusing for us on the border but we are all Australians, we are all in this together and having the same set of rules would be much easier."
From last week, residents living in Albury were able to visit the home of friends within new social distancing guidelines.
But just kilometres south of the border in Victoria, Wodonga residents remain under lockdown.
"I guess it is a bit like all those other state issues that we deal with on a daily basis here on the border," Ms Speedie said.
"The reality is that for us it is a challenge here on the border and I just think, as a nation, we could have done this a bit better."
Fishing and golf
Ms Speedie said while she appreciated it was important to keep more vulnerable members of the community safe — such as the elderly — she would like to see Victoria follow New South Wales in easing some restrictions.
"My commentary has really been centred around can we ease up on some of things like letting people go out fishing along our rivers, getting out, and playing golf," she said.
"That doesn't necessarily expose our highest risk people, but it certainly gives people a bit more space and a good headspace too to get out and do things that are normal for them."
She believes the easing of some restrictions would also help those struggling with their mental health in isolation.
"I am seeing those mental health issues raised while talking to businesses, seeing the stress on those people. We need to make sure we are really cognisant of that," Ms Speedie said.
There were also fears for small businesses in the region, with Victorians still restricted to visiting stores for essential items only.
"I am extremely concerned about some of our businesses and I know that some of them are doing it incredibly tough," she said.
"I've had a lot of business owners burst into tears on the phone to me because they are under so much stress and we have to be mindful of that.
"We've got to stop thinking about borders and thinking about us a nation and thinking about us as a whole."
