Monday September 13 offered Dubbo residents a "little ray of sunshine", according to Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, with the day marking the first taste of freedom in over a month.
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The new rules for fully vaccinated people means they can now meet in a public, outdoor place in a group of five adults. Kids under 12-years-old do not count, kids aged 12 to 15 years don't need to be vaccinated but will count, while anyone aged 16 and over must have proof of being double vaccinated.
"This is a way of looking forward to having some parts of normality that we haven't been able to enjoy for some time now back in our lives," Mr Saunders said.
Proof of vaccinated can be on a phone using a MyGov account, or a print out from a medical practitioner.
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"If you are out and about...don't be surprised if you do get asked by police to produce evidence of your double vaccination," Western Region Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said. "If you haven't, there's a fair chance you are going to receive a ticket."
Young mums Liz Whiteley, Natasha Young and Majella Kinscher organised their catch up at Wahroonga Park as soon as the new rules were announced.
"It's been hard to come up with new, exciting activities," Liz said. "This is wonderful, it's nice to actually see people face to face instead of on Skype and Zoom."
"I had to remember how pack everyone up, what to bring and all of that," Natasha said. "It gets a bit monotonous by yourself."
Majella said lockdown has been challenging. "I think it comes in ebbs and flows. It's just nice to be back with friends after a long lockdown. It's good being double vaxxed and feel safe to be in the outdoors again."
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