ABBEY Woodyatt could not go to Bali for her 21st birthday, so her nan organised for a touch of Bali to welcome Abbey on Saturday night.
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While pandemic restrictions are set to ease a little more on Monday, Abbey said her birthday dinner with her close-knit family felt just right at the weekend.
There was a gradual sense of steps towards normal across the city at the weekend.
Families were back out enjoying play spaces about Ballarat, including the much-loved and newly re-opened Lake Wendouree adventure playground.
Abbey was prepared to wait a while longer to mark her milestone with friends, many who drove past to wave and call out their best wishes. She was rapt restrictions had eased enough for her family to come together for this tropical surprise.
"I did have a 21st all planned but I will do a 21-plus-one party next year. It's been great having this party with family," Abbey said.
"I was shattered when I found out I could not go to Bali - it was to be my first time going overseas. I'm glad nan did this. We're all dressed up and it's as close as I can get for now - except the weather is nothing like Bali."
From Monday, up to 20 people can gather at private residences and in public, indoors and outdoors.
Playgrounds, skateparks, and communal outdoor gym equipment have been allowed to re-open since Tuesday.
Ballarat Light Car Club successfully became the first club in Victoria to reignite motor sport with a motorkhana at its Ballarat Airport circuit on Sunday.
The club drew 22 entries, just short of the maximum 30 competitors it was allowed.
Ballarat Light Car Club president David Haddon said it was about bringing a little fun back under tight COVID-19 restrictions in place from Motorsport Australia and the Victorian government.
"This event wasn't about making the numbers, it was just about getting out and doing skids," Mr Haddon said. "It gives people a chance to think about something else than what we have been day-in and day-out.
"All we are is a grassroots motor sport club. Most of it is getting kids involved and giving them a go and experience they wouldn't have otherwise."
It gives people a chance to think about something else than what we have been day-in and day-out.
- David Haddon, Ballarat Light Car Club
It was a family affair for the Haddon family, who drew on Mr Haddon's daughter Paige as a nurse and running COVID-19 checks as has been her job in Melbourne's outer-west the past two months. Her sister Brittney was assistant clerk of course and brother Oakley a timekeeper.
Mr Haddon said Motorsport Australia had been great help for the club to safely get back on course.
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