The opening of pubs and clubs in a handful of towns in the western districts over the weekend has caused a ripple of excitement with patrons flocking to their local watering hole as lockdowns lifted. 

Manager of the Gulargambone Bowling Club Gary Ferguson says Saturday 11 September was an extremely busy day for the small community’s only club.

“It was very positive to watch. People were pleased to be back out, to actually see one another again and socialise,” Mr Ferguson said. 

Still under several covid-related restrictions, the venue's opening is dependent on the Coonamble local government area remaining without a positive COVID-19 case, which could throw the town back into a snap lockdown.

After seeing a positive case last month, Gulargambone Bowling Club faced the real possibility of not being able to open. The Bowling Club itself was a venue of concern after a positive covid case spent and hour in the club on 19 August but fortunately their covid safe plan and diligent cleaning meant that the premises could continue to operate.

Mr Ferguson said the town's size and close-knit nature of Gulargambone meant that the case rattled the entire community, and that no place felt safe. 

“That case had a real impact on us that snowballed right through the community. Staff were afraid to come into work,” he said.

He believes that’s why, despite the relatively large crowds last night, the patrons at Gulargambone Bowling Club were completely respectful and compliant with social distancing rules. 

“Nobody wants to go into lockdown again, so everyone was doing the right thing, so that they can keep on keeping on,” said Mr Ferguson.

Mr Ferguson said that although the limited operations of the only club in town were bad for business and community spirit, they saw it as an opportunity to see to the jobs that needed doing to improve the club, putting them “on the front foot” for their opening. 

*Standing room only at Quambone's Sundowner Hotel in pre-covid times.

While Gulargambone was undoubtedly thrilled with the opportunity to gather, in the local community of Quambone, the Sundowner Hotel has decided to play it safe. 

Skeptical of the new freedoms and concerned that the town could return to lockdown at any minute, manager of the Sundowner Hotel Don McDonald says they will see what the week brings before reopening. 

Also keen to get on the front foot, the hotel Is waiting for their staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19 before they open their doors.

“We want all of our staff to be protected.” Mr McDonald said. 

“The government said that for all pubs and clubs to reopen they should be fully vaccinated, and we just want to abide by that,” he said.

Naturally, the knowledge that any LGA could be thrust into lockdown has re-opening businesses concerned. They are not only trying to recover from the losses of the last month, but also stand to lose more if a snap lockdown leaves their stock wasted. 

Mr Ferguson said their closure had already been a strain on the both the club and the community.

“Here in Gular, we don’t have a lot of takeaway or things the public can have. We’re very limited in what we’ve got available, and that’s what makes us a vital hub,” Mr Ferguson said. 

As lucky locals continue to enjoy the company of other the community at pubs and clubs in the region, they are reminded to remain vigilant with masks and handwashing, and to respectfully socially distance from other patrons for the sake of their newfound freedom.