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Almost 14 weeks in lockdown has given me a new appreciation for the small things in life - catch ups with friends, dinners out, travelling and boy, oh boy, my hairdresser!
I write for Australian Community Media's newest publication - the Northern Beaches Review and recent stories here on the beaches have got me thinking just how I've spent these long lockdown weeks, especially when speaking to the founders of the 3-Day Diet about how I could shed some of my COVID-19 kilos.
Businesses in the area have, like many across NSW, have been doing it tough and I'm loving the creative ways they've come up with to welcome back customers post-lockdown. Hairdresser Nicky Cassidy was granted a council exemption to take her skills to the street once lockdown is over - did I mention I'm missing my hairdresser?
Gyms, eateries, beauty salons and breweries have been granted council exemptions to trade from the footpath outside and the park next door, all in an effort to get customers back in the door. What's your council doing to help your business reopen after lockdown? It may just be worth taking a look.
The other 'freedom' that I can't wait for post lockdown is travelling, geez I've missed it.
After what seems like an eternity being cooped up in Sydney, the call of regional NSW is definitely beckoning.
I spent 10 years working across our great ACM newspapers in the Central West of NSW and I'm oh-so-keen to get back there for a break.
Give me wide open spaces, give me great restaurants in Bathurst, give me the zoo in Dubbo and give me the great community of Parkes right now and I'll be as happy as a pig in mud. The Mudgee Guardian even have a great list of things to do once lockdown is over.
There's a host of other freedoms just looming around the corner for the double vaxxed and they're so close you can almost taste it right? Or, maybe that's just the thought of a finally being able to have a meal out with friends.
So, let's get out there, let's travel our great state, taste our great wine and enjoy freedom.
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