Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from ACM, which has journalists in every state and territory. Sign up here to get it by email, or here to forward it to a friend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As parks and playgrounds are re-opened, parents everywhere are collectively sighing in relief.
Finally, the kids can head outdoors and get some fresh air and exercise again.
And it seems they are doing exactly that - Tamworth Regional Council sport and recreation manager Paul Kelly says the number of people using council facilities is "considerably high", reports The Northern Daily Leader.
Skate parks, playgrounds and parks are all in high demand - but it's not just the kids rejoicing in the return of freedoms.
"Throughout our whole network of paths, cycleways, footpaths, public open spaces ... a lot of our recreation areas were getting used by mums and dads and families trying to get out," Mr Kelly said.
"Absolutely, we're seeing an increase."
But as outdoor areas are opening up, the federal government's free childcare schemes are coming to an end, which is no doubt bringing some headaches back as many parents are still juggling working from home and looking after the kids.
From July 12, parents will go back to previous fee systems as the JobKeeper payments to childcare centres are scaled back, eventually to zero.
What does that mean for families? The Canberra Times has put this explainer together to help answer some questions.
As for childcare workers, they feel unfairly targeted by the government - as Natalie Colbert, who owns three childcare centres in Canberra puts it: "We've been treated like an errant, naughty child."
"We were open [during the pandemic], while everyone else was safe at home. We were there hugging snotty children.
"Essential workers are being mistreated so badly by the government."
- In case you are interested in filtering your pandemic coverage down to just twice a day, why not sign up for COVID-19 Informed newsletter?
More stuff happening around Australia ...
- How free childcare helped families during pandemic
- NSW senior sport gets return date as COVID-19 restrictions ease
- The drought, the fires, the floods and the virus: A $2 million 'Lifeline' for vulnerable people
- Labor says no to new Australia Post model
- How our alcohol intake changed during lockdown
- South Coast castle could be yours for $3.95 million
- Why 'ugg boot foot' slipper-related injuries are swamping podiatrists
- 'Disturbing': Rescuers shocked after swans found headless at Lake Wendouree