Linda and Connor Duffy found themselves at a loose end while spending more time at home due to social distancing regulations.

Instead of feeling down, they decided to reach out and thank local hospital workers on the front line in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They created a sign no-one could miss, which reads "thank you for all you do" and hung it on the Nowra Showground fence outside the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital.

The signwriters remained a mystery until a Shoalhaven Council employee, who gave permission for the sign to be put up, contacted NSW Health, who in turn contacted the South Coast Register.

Linda said they wanted to show their appreciation for hospital employees, not just for their work during the pandemic, but the day-in, day-out care for Shoalhaven residents.

15-year-old Connor said he had received plenty of positive feedback about the sign.

He encouraged anyone feeling down or helpless to think about what they can do for others.

"You can't go wrong - it feels good to make other people feel happy," he said.

"If you're having a bad day, reaching out will help."