Recent clear skies and warm temperatures have seen Maitland LGA locals out and about exercising in our own backyard, particularly at 'Lorn Beach', the sandy part of the Hunter River, east of the Belmore Bridge at Lorn.
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Locals have been spotted getting their daily dose of exercise and vitamin D in large (socially distanced) numbers, with stand up paddle boarders, swimmers and kayakers all enjoying our very own inland beach.
According to Maitland Mayor Cr Loretta Baker, when the Hunter River floods sand is dumped there, creating the popular beach style swimming spot.
"This is the value of [the river], it comes into its own with all the green space on either side of it".
"It's a lot busier now," Cr Baker said.
Exercise is one of very few reasonable excuses to leave home for many people under current circumstances.
Cr Baker stresses the importance of getting outside and exercising if you can, and has herself been going on walks along the river.
"It's really important to get fresh air and exercise, it's important for your mental health."
Her message to Maitland? "Hang in there, and if you are struggling reach out to someone in the ways that you can via phone or online".
"We've all got to push through and it is difficult for some more than others.
"It will become a bit tedious but for some people it will become incredibly lonely, so it's good that most people can get out and exercise."
According to Cr Baker, the Maitland community is showing strength during this lockdown.
"I think we're pretty good you know we do look out for each other, there's always someone that will be checking in [through phone or message] to see if you're okay," she said.
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