Northern Rivers Covid lockdown restrictions to lift

Spirits and hopes were high in the Northern Rivers as residents buoyed by an imminent end to lockdown readied for freedom to be reinstated. Here’s what they had to say.

Lismore resident Danial Loadsman is looking forward to taking his daughter Poet to the beach once lockdown ends. Picture: Alison Paterson

Relieved, happy and looking forward to going to the beach.

Northern Rivers residents rejoiced on Thursday after hearing their lockdown pain would lift at the weekend.

Lismore dad Danial Loadsman, 33, said knowing he and his daughter Poet, 3, could go out again was good news.

The news came exactly a month after Lismore was locked down.

“Absolutely we are looking forward to an end to lockdown, whatever this means,” he said.

“I feel businesses are ready to open up again and for us in this region without any cases it’s time to open up.”

He said he was looking forward to getting out of Lismore.

“The beach would be nice,” Mr Loadsman said.

The Function Room fitness owner Sheay Wheeler says easing of lockdown rules will hopefully mean he can get back in the gym with clients. Picture: Alison Paterson

Fitness trainer and Function Room owner Sheay Williams said getting back into his customised gym space would mean a great deal to him and his clients.

“An end or a loosening of lockdown restrictions will bring a sense of normalcy, routine and stability for everyone” he said.

“I feel my businesses offers a sanctuary for mental and physical health.”

He said people had coped with the lockdown the best they could.

“Getting back to normality will mean a great deal for everyone,” he said.

Bank Cafe manager Rhys White (left) and staff member Darcy Laskaj are looking forward to welcoming back their wonderful customers. Picture: Alison Paterson

Bank Cafe manager Rhys White said the team at his Lismore business was very much looking forward to offering more than takeaway options.

He said the Molesworth Street cafe would usually be busy all day.

“It’s going to be very beneficial for our team, we had to put some people off and it will be great to be back with everyone,” he said.

“The biggest challenge for us is the sense of the unknown but we are so looking forward to seeing our clients again.

“We are still here and look forward to seeing you all again.”

Kidsnest owner Rebecca Klemm says she can't wait to see her customers in person. Picture: Alison Paterson

Kidsnest owner Rebecca Klemm said it would be “really nice to see my customers faces again”.

“I have received a lot of support from customers, especially with buying our sensory aids which are beneficial for families with members suffering from anxiety or whom are on the spectrum, during lockdown,” she said.

“What’s been very popular are body socks, which if someone has a heightened sense of anxiety, it’s like getting a cuddle and keeps you calm.”

Ms Klemm said her lockdown routine involved offering a click and collect service in the mornings, then running free deliveries in the afternoon, followed by home schooling.

“I have had customers call me in tears because the products have helped so much,” she said.

“And I am really grateful for my customers support during lockdown.”

Originally published as Northern Rivers Covid lockdown restrictions to lift