While it is still a long way from being back to normal, restrictions have been eased.

From today, more local businesses can open including clubs, pubs, beauty and nail services, while cafes and restaurants are allowed to have up to 50 customers.

Museums and galleries can reopen, and NERAM director Rachel Parsons told us about their plans to open on Saturday, as well as what they have been up to during the lockdown.

Churches will also open again next weekend, which Catholic Bishop Michael Kennedy predicted might happen when we spoke to him last week about the restrictions.

We also caught up with The Welder's Dog last week, to hear how owners Tom and Dan got to have an online chat with the CEO of the ANZ Bank about how they were faring.

It is heartening to hear the stories of resilience at this challenging time.

And speaking of challenging times, the council saga continues.

By the time you're reading this newsletter, the extraordinary council meeting will have at least commenced, as they determine their response to the Local Government Minister's suspension notice.

On the weekend we reported that the council will welcome the suspension.

At its meeting last week, the council made several decisions, including making it clear that delivery vehicles would be able to enter the Beardy Street Mall.

There was also a decision to carry out works at Dumaresq Dam to strengthen the dam wall, while it was also approved to allow to waive charges one day a month for six months to dump dead trees and plants following the drought and water restrictions.

While many people are still working from home, we also had a chat with Bronwyn Pearson at Pinnacle People Solutions about how it was working from them.

Have a great week everyone! And if you have a great story to tell, don't forget to let me know by email at laurie.bullock@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

Laurie Bullock, editor