However, for thousands across the State shut away from family and friends during the unpredictability of lockdown, painted rocks have become a type of lifeline, inspiring people to get out and about for a walk and maybe discover a painted, hidden rock.

For others, the phenomenon has encouraged them to take up the brush and paint and share their creative talents.

But, most importantly they have helped with the lockdown blues.

But, what is this all about?

NSW ROCKS is a State-wide group bringing communities together through painting rocks, which are hidden in public spaces for people to discover.

When the Mid Coast was plunged into lockdown in early August florist, Sue Ching was at a loss, how would she pass her time, deal with her panic attacks and stress, and the uncertainty of a COVID-19 future.

A naturally gifted handicrafts woman who could turn her hand at almost anything crafty, Sue turned her attention to NSW Rocks at the suggestion of a friend.

Sue had struggled with her mental health from time to time over the years, and preferred to avoid medication when possible, she often embraced a new hobby - mosaic, painting, beadwork, upcycling garden and household furniture to name a few - to help maintain healthy mental fitness

In a nod to her precious pugs, the dog-mad owner of six also designed and made a puppy-type letterbox for her Forster home from decking off-cuts.

"I have always loved artwork and I love upcycling," Sue said.

"I do it for me and for my own sanity," she said.

"When I am painting, that is my focus."

Sourcing suitable 'canvases' was no issue for Sue who had a collection of rocks from a creek which ran through her former Wingham home, and had a bag of pebbles left over from a gardening project.

Her painted rocks began as basic ladybugs, pigs, fish and of course the occasional pug, which were dropped at random sites across Forster and Tuncurry.

She then advanced to more 'professional' subjects with detailed animals, birds and sea life.

From start to finish - searching for that perfect image, preparation and painting - it takes Sue about three days to complete one rock.

She has completed more than 50 since the start of lockdown.

"It is all about the message, spreading happiness and positive thoughts," she said.

But, it has also been about the joy it has brought her, knowing she has left a little 'mark' on the community and the many who have found her artwork.

Sue was particularly touched when she noticed a group of children and adults searching the Tuncurry dog park for one of her magnificent painted rocks.

"I see the kids running around; they are beaming; it is so lovely."

A relative newcomer to the Mid Coast - Sue and plumber husband Darren relocated from Devon in the UK's south west more than nine years ago - hiding the rocks has been an exercise in discovery in many ways.

"I quite often take the dogs and I have found so many places I didn't know existed.

"It gets me out and gets me moving."

If you are lucky enough to find one of Sue's painted rocks it is either yours to keep or share.

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