Today, October 25, the region takes even more steps in the right direction as the last of local schools around the Western Plains return to face-to-face learning. 

While most schools across the region have been in full swing for weeks now, communities like Bourke have operated under Level 3 plus settings, meaning that until today, only Kindergarten, Year One and Year 12 students have been able to return. Today, the remaining years will join their cohort back in the classroom.

Assistant Principal of St. Ignatius in Bourke Una Taylor says the first day back will be remembered as a happy one.

"Our kids were so happy when they walked through the gates this morning, it was like seeing their long lost friends. It's just lovely to see everyone smiling and happy," said Ms Taylor.

Until now, learning from home has been a mixed experience for every student, says Ms Taylor.

"The online process was really difficult for some students. Not every child has the same at-home experience, not everyone has access to a computer or good internet," said Ms Taylor.

To meet the needs of each student, school staff delivered some work to students through a weekly parcel delivery of work at their front gate and phone calls when necessary, while other students were able to access their schoolwork online.

Following months of learning from home, Ms Taylor says there is a little bit of apprehension in the air about going forward, but mostly just excitement.

"A school isn't a school without the children," she said.

The return comes as today marks a day without any new cases in the Western Plains communities, and 6 new cases in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). 

Of those cases, five were located in Bathurst and one was in Orange. 

The Covid-free day for the Western Plains is a hesitant win, following three positive cases that were detected in Walgett over the weekend. 

After the WNSWLHD announcement that information about cases that have been infectious in the community is being suspended, locals are urged to behave in the community as if anyone could have a positive case of Covid-19. Furthermore, they are urged to seek out information regarding new exposure sites. 

Still, not all Covid-19 news comes with a dark cloud, with the recent announcement of vouchers from the NSW Government indicating the state’s support of increased movement in the community. 

The vouchers include:

·       $25 for Dine NSW, available in December 2021

·       $25 for Discover NSW, available in December 2021

·       $250 for families with school children, available early 2022

·       $50 for Stay and Rediscover accommodation, available March 2022. 

The stimulus vouchers are to be used in NSW to support the recovery of hospitality and tourism sectors that have been impacted through stay-at-home orders.

Following the announcement that International travel could potentially be allowed as soon as November, businesses across the west are still hoping for higher than usual internal travel similar to the increased visitation enjoyed by local communities in 2020. 

The vouchers will be made available through Service NSW for eligible applicants to receive. 

Information regarding testing and vaccination across the WNSWLHD can be accessed here.