CHURCH services will return across regional Victoria from Wednesday, allowing parishioners to return inside to their homes of worship.
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From 11.59pm Tuesday night, regional Victoria churches will be allowed to open up for up to 20 worshipers, plus the faith leader, while up to 50 people will be allowed to congregate outside for services.
Ballarat's Anglican Bishop Garry Weatherill said it was pleasing that some indoor services will be able to resume at last. "It's pleasing, and it's where we were when we opened up again last time," he said.
"Of course it's not quite the same, there will be some people who will still be anxious, particularly the elderly as it is a different experience to normal church.
"We still won't be able to run the usual hospitality, as they say, Sunday mass isn't over until the last coffee cup is put away."
Islamic Society of Ballarat secretary Darren James said the easing of restrictions were good news for regional Victoria. "It's very important for the community to be able to come together, even though we have to maintain the distance, it's an important thing for our spiritual collectiveness as a group, which will give everybody a welcome boost," he said.
Mr James said the Islamic Society of Ballarat would meet as a committee this week to determine the likely reopening of the mosque.
"We've had plenty of time to think about it the last few months about the day to come to reopen, have our COVID draft already, it's a matter of putting it into practice," he said.
Ballarat Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre's Pradush Narayanan said being able to socialise in small groups would be tremendous, and not just for adults, but children as well who had missing their friends.
"This is absolutely good news, it can really help us get together and families can socialise together," he said.
"There have been mental challenges. It will make people more relaxed, particularly for children, it's great to have an opportunity."
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