Commentary Box: How will volunteers respond to return of sports?

BRIAN: What a week! So many south-west sports have benefited from the state government's easing of coronavirus restrictions on Sunday. I've talked to thrilled people from the touch footy, table tennis, triathlon, volleyball, basketball and kart clubs. Also walking along Warrnambool beach this week it was great to see lots of people enjoying themselves without masks in ripping weather. Our south-west community has been very strong this year but do you feel spirits have lifted this week with many activities back?

JUSTINE: Without a doubt. There is a sense of freedom. It's also taken away many of the obstacles sporting clubs and organisations were forced to work within. It would be a major relief for indoor sport in particular. It was fantastic to see Warrnambool Basketball Inc's proactive approach pay off with a junior domestic season returning on Monday afternoon - the first day it was free to play under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. After so much time off, there's no need to waste more!

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NICK: Definitely. It's a real testament to the work of Victorians and people in the south-west that we've been able to get to this position. It's been a good result for all. Sport is such a uniting thing for so many people and generates a genuine sense of community that has otherwise disappeared, particularly in country towns. Do you think small, rural communities like Noorat and Hawkesdale, for example, will be the biggest beneficiaries?

BRIAN: You'd think so, we'll get a better sense of that as we ramp up our in-person reporting. Sports venues are where those communities gather so sport's return must be a massive relief. Events provide a place for people to share stories and make in-person memories. One thing I've wondered is if any events which have been cancelled already will be resurrected. I doubt it but that in itself makes me realise how much organisation and volunteer hours go into making events happen. The return of volunteers will play a big part in many sports getting back on their feet. They can't be underestimated. Do you think getting volunteers back will be a challenge for sports in the south-west?

NICK: It's always going to be a big challenge with volunteers because people are just time poor in the era we live in. I don't think the pandemic will have a negative impact on it though. I think people are generally a bit sick of being at home and will have missed that community engagement. It might be a positive thing for volunteers but only time will tell. What do you think, Justine?

JUSTINE: Let's hope so. Maybe some new volunteers will pop up too. There might be some people who have volunteered for years and years who enjoyed the break and have now decided to take a step back too and you couldn't begrudge them that either.

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