Locked-down northern beaches residents free at last and proud of 'amazing' solidarity

Shops hoping business will soon be back to normal as NSW premier praises community's 'sacrifice'

Residents on Sydney's northern beaches have welcomed the end of a tough three-week lockdown and praised the amazing" community solidarity that helped avert a disastrous outbreak.

The past three weeks proved an immense challenge for the northern beaches, particularly the northernmost zone. The lockdown ruined Christmas holiday plans and robbed local businesses of revenue during their busiest trading period.