Checking up on Kempsey businesses after the Mid North Coast was set free from lockdown

Hair and beauty appointments were a priority, with Jemma Ryan from JB's Hair Salon confirming that business was booming.

"On Saturday we had to extend our hours, we had people waiting at 5:45am and had to stay here until 5:30pm trying to cater for everyone," Ms Ryan said.

"All the staff are back, and it's great to be back, we are just going to get our hands in some hair, do what we love, it's hard with the number restrictions, but we are happy to be here."

And in regards to having a few cold ones, Kerr Black, manager of the Kempsey Heights Bowling Club said that it was a "busy Saturday night".

"It went well, obviously rostering wise we had no idea what to expect with patronage, but it was smooth sailing," Mr Black said.

"I spoke to a few of our regulars on Saturday and they were just itching to get out of the house, husbands and wives driving each other insane at home.

"So it's great to be out of lockdown and for the club to be open again, I would just like to remind all of our patrons and members to maintain social distancing and keep masks on to make our lives a little bit easier."

And the Tumblegum Bakehouse and Cafe is not just a takeaway option anymore, with customers allowed to sit inside.

Kempsey chamber of commerce president, Gary Scott, provided the Argus with an update on how businesses were tracking.

"I spoke to 4 businesses, and they have all suffered a substantial downturn in this period, some ranged between 50-80% of loss of income, so they are very glad it didn't go for much longer," Mr Scott said.

"Most businesses have been in the process of applying for government grants, the essential ones were able to click and collect, but the ones that couldn't are doing it tough at the moment."

Mandatory vaccinations for businesses were a point of concern for Mr Scott.

"Businesses don't know how they are going to handle that, because they once again feel they don't need that pressure put on them, especially in a small town like this, it's potentially chasing businesses away and they can't afford that," Mr Scott said.

"I'd like to congratulate local businesses in the community, they have managed to once again endure the hardships of this lockdown, and I think largely the public has done the right thing.

"The next stage is going to be how successful the vaccinations and the roll out of the freedoms happen, and it's going to be crucial, for not only Kempsey but the State, to see how we handle the next stage of the freedoms."

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