Letter from... Sydney

By Matilda Hartwig

Reporting in from the Great Southern Land where the weather is starting to warm and we are beginning to emerge out of what has felt like a very long winter. 

Since the last time we checked in, a second wave of infection has wreaked havoc over the state of Victoria, where our Melbourne colleagues remain in lockdown. Restrictions are, however, beginning to ease in regional parts of the state and travel is now permitted to and from NSW. Hallelujah! Now we wait with fingers and toes crossed for Melbourne’s restrictions to relax in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, our "safe" states have kept their borders shut, keeping out infected Victorians and New South Welshmen. But this hasn't stopped our NSW colleagues from travelling around their own state skiing, surfing, camping and swimming. Sometimes life isn't so bad in exile. 

The coronavirus could never keep Aussies from their one true love – sport – with professional matches allowed to resume at the beginning of June after a two-month hiatus. Australia was one of the first countries to admit spectators to stadiums as lockdown measures were relaxed. We love sport just that much. 

Stadiums transitioned from cardboard cut-outs to living, breathing and screaming supporters taking hold of venues across the country. Victorian footy fans and sporting clubs have, however, had to temporarily migrate to the north and west of the country. This has been a coup for regional and suburban fans who have had the pleasure of watching first-grade contests at local grounds. 

And with both of the major national codes – Australian Rules and Rugby League – finishing their regular seasons in the next few weeks and heading into finals series, footy fans are soaking up every last mark, goal and try before Summer brings the cricket season into our living rooms and backyards.

Speaking of cricket, Australia recently played England in an international T20 series, the results of which have mysteriously vanished…