But as we've learned these past couple of weeks, a lot of us are now very much dreaming of a magical, colourful place over the rainbow.

And so a number of families across the region are taking that dream to the next step, painting rainbows on their homes and properties as a way of bringing joy into an increasingly melancholy world.

An Enfield family is one of many who have spent the early part of the school holidays decorating parts of their property with rainbows.

Nysa Hodgkiss and four of her six children, Mason, Tristan, Cooper and Harvey have all worked together to produce a large rainbow mural reminding people to be kind to one another in these trying days.

"There's a Facebook group called the Rainbow trail and they've done it like a treasure hunt for kids if they wish to go for a walk or for a drive, they can pin point a rainbow," Ms Hodgkiss said.

"For me, as a parent, it's great for our own mental health, as it can be difficult on the kids and equally so the parents, so if they can go for a drive it really does help everyone.

"The kids had a ball making it, it was good fun. We made it all on Wednesday. The kids are adapting but it's a bit tough, it's such a big change for them.

"There's some rainbows in Dereel happening as well, it's great that people are coming together as one. Our windows are visible from the street, so it had to be pretty big for people to see, and we've had people driving past and tooting a lot since."

Of course it's important to remember social distancing rules if you do go and have a look and stay at least 1.5 metres away from anyone else who may be visiting at the same time.

It's important to remember this is not Halloween or Christmas lights, social distancing rules must be followed. A quiet walk with your own kids is fine but this is not about socialising.

The other community coming together has been the creation of the 'We're going on a Bear Hunt' page which is listing homes which are putting teddy bears in windows or on their front lawns. Already more than 1400 people have signed up to the page.

"Everyone looking for a bit of positivity and it's been posted in a few local groups, it was put in our little group in Nerrina," co-group founder Melissa Pompe said.

"We've already got around 300 houses who are taking part. People are really thankful and have been sending through their address.

"I've seen kids and parents walking past, it's something to do with the kids. There's not a lot of options at the moment, but it's a lot easier to sell to kids to say, let's go on a bear hunt."

CHECK OT THE BEAR MAP HERE. Courtesy Melissa Pompe

One of the biggest bears found in Ballarat was in Winter Valley.

Shannon Aruliah who put the bear in the front window said it was about bringing some joy to young children particularly, who would find it hard to explain what was happening.

"I came across the site on Facebook, 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' and it's actually my niece's bear who lives with us and we decided to put it in the window on Wednesday night, I think we've already had 175 likes.

"The focus is so much on the virus, so I think it's great to make things a bit more fun. It's very difficult for a four year old to try and understand what is happening.

"My little boy is super exciting and can't wait til I get home from work so we can all go on a bear hunt together. As long as it brings joy to some kids, that's the main thing. We all need a bit of joy at the moment."

To find the bear hunt map, head to facebook.com and search for 'We're going on a Bear Hunt - Ballarat'

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