We are nearly half way through the year and still adjusting to our new norm - COVID normal. What is this, you ask?

Last year, here in Melbourne, we spent a good part of the year in lockdown or with high levels of restrictions. At one stage, our movement was restricted to a 5km radius from our home. Both kids were home learning, work slowed down to a trickle and we were separated from our extended family - they all live outside of our 5km radius. Luckily, most of the tougher restrictions were lifted before Christmas and we were able to celebrate the holidays with our friends and family.

Here in Australia, when there’s been small exposure incidences, the different states have imposed different levels of lockdowns to curb the spread. As I’m extremely risk adverse, this has meant that we have not been interstate or overseas for a couple of years. On the bright side, it’s given us the opportunity to explore our own backyard, Victoria.

Over the summer holidays, we took some great day trips around Victoria. We ventured down the Great Ocean Road and through the Otway Ranges to visit Apollo Bay. We explored the Goldfield region of Victoria with visits to Sovereign Hill, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Enjoyed some food and a nice drop of wine at a winery in the Mornington Peninsula. We walked along and swam in the waters of Venus Bay. For the kids, many of these places in Victoria we visited were a first. Within the safety of our car, we minimised our exposure risk and engaged as a family as we explored our beautiful state. There were plenty of old school road trip games that kept us all amused and once we had enough of them, the kids resorted to their electronic devices to keep them entertained.

This year, Victorian schools restarted on time with minimal to no disruptions. Our kids were so happy to be back at school with their friends. At our school, there are still some COVID restrictions in place so parents have limited opportunities be onsite. Their extra curricular activities also started up again. Our hectic schedule pre-COVID has well and truly returned. The traffic on the road seems busier than pre-COVID, with many people reluctant to catch public transport - myself included.

My family’s COVID normal is now walking out of the house with our mask in our pockets or bags, checking in using the QR code at restaurants, shops and sporting facilities and practising social distancing. This past year has taught us some important lessons - to appreciate our health, family and friends.