Wagga's Christmas parties will be looking a little livelier following the announcement that households will be able to invite up to 50 guests to their homes.
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Only 20 people are allowed under the current restrictions, but as of December 1 they will be able to host an additional 30 provided they have outdoor spaces they can use.
Bartender Damien "Damo" Laurent hopes to have an emotional reunion with his son for Christmas, provided that the border to Western Australia opens in time.
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"We haven't seen him for three years now. We're hoping to get to Western Australia, but that probably won't happen," Mr Laurent said.
"We'll be going out to the lower Blue Mountains for Christmas, but if the border opens up in the new year we'll be going straight over to Western Australia."
Tracie Bate also has people she probably won't be able to see this Christmas, but is hoping to make up for lost time when life returns to normal.
"I've got family up in Queensland," Ms Bate said. "It probably won't open in time, but there's always next year."
Restrictions are also easing on gatherings in public spaces such as parks, with the cap lifting from 30 to 50 people.
Restrictions are also easing for small venues such as pubs, restaurants, and cafes, who will now be allowed to fit one person per two-square-metres, effectively doubling their capacity.
It comes as welcome news to Cafe Sonder owner Adil Khan, who said the months of lockdown had been tough for small businesses trying to pull through.
"It's good news for everyone, but particularly for people in the hospitality industry. We've had restrictions on people inside, so it will allow us to have more customers inside and through the door," Mr Khan said.
"It's been tough, especially back when we were only doing takeaway. But we've come through the other side and restrictions are easing, which is great to see."
From December 14 working-from-home orders will also be repealed, meaning that employers will be able to ask employees to return to the office full time.
Christmas choirs can sing in groups of 30 outside, but only five when indoors.
Congregants will be allowed to sing at church and other religious institutions, however everyone over the age of 12 must wear masks when doing so.
Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
