First taste of freedom

Central Coast residents flocked to their favourite retail outlets, hairdressers, cafes, restaurants and watering holes as the region emerged from its 15-week lockdown on October 11.

Retailers across the region, including Erina Fair and Gosford’s Imperial Centre, saw customers return in droves.

Pubs and clubs reported high customer volumes, with patrons lined up outside Central Coast Leagues Club on Monday morning keen to enjoy their first taste of freedom in more than three months.

Gosford Hotel was one of the first venues to open, with drinks being poured from 7am.

General Manager, Scott Miller, said staff had been “very excited” to get things open and running.

“Everyone has been behaving within the guidelines and in another four weeks we’ll be able to open up our new bistro; we can’t wait to show people,” Miller said.

A spokesperson for the Imperial Centre said there had been a great many people in the centre throughout the week, with retailers applauding the return of customers.

“Imperial Centre is thrilled to welcome customers back into the centre as restrictions ease,” a spokesperson said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to see everyone sitting down for coffees as they catch up with friends, treat themselves to a haircut and browse our fashion offering.

“We’d like to thank the Central Coast community for getting behind our retailers and bringing the centre to life once again and appreciate (their) diligence in following the NSW Health Guidelines.”

Customers also flocked back to Erina Fair.

“We’re incredibly pleased to welcome back our customers, retailers, and centre staff to Erina Fair,” Centre Manager, Stephen Ross, said.

“Our customers certainly seem pleased to be back too.

“We welcome the State Government lessening of restrictions and are committed to providing a safe environment in our centre that allows the community to return with peace of mind and enjoy the experiences they have missed.”

A “Colour Your World” artwork by Brent Smith will put a smile on the faces of shoppers as things return to normal, and a new sculpture by Pete Rush, Erina Fair Eagle, is perched in The Hive jacaranda tree on the lower level.

“These two artworks have provided a way for us to bring a little joy to our customers’ days and celebrate some of the amazing artists we have in our region,” Ross said.

For many, a trip to the hairdresser was a priority.

Civitas at Terrigal decided to combine a fundraiser for Beyond Blue with its opening day haircuts and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, was one of the first customers at the Amber Antonio salon at Ettalong.

“I had my first haircut in months from Ro Antonio, who has been my friend and hairdresser for years,” Tesch said.

“Her daughter Amber Antonio allowed us to use her lovely new salon in the Ettalong Markets complex.

“Amber is a fabulous enterprising young woman whose salon has been shut down for most of the time it’s been open.”

Tesch reinforced the importance of supporting local businesses as the region reopens.

“The 15-week lockdown took a terrible toll on every member in our community, with our mental and physical health paying the price,” she said.

“One positive to reflect on is that we are now all so much more appreciative of the once mundane activities we took for granted.

“I cannot wait to see our community liven up again and get back into the swing of things and I could not be prouder of every single person’s perseverance through one of the most difficult times of our lives.”

Fully vaccinated Coast residents can once more enjoy retail and hospitality outlets and can travel anywhere within Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong, with travel to other regions expected to open up within weeks.

“As NSW opens up and travel outside of our LGA is finally allowed it is important to remember to support your locals,” Tesch said.

“Many of our local businesses have struggled over the last few months, recovering not only from the lockdowns since the pandemic began but also the loss of business during the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires.

“It is so important we keep supporting our locals through this very critical rebuilding time.”

Terry Collins