From a safe social distance at Albury's Noreuil Park, Australia's most decorated basketballer is here to meet film-maker Helen Newman to share her story for the 2020 Virtual Winter Solstice.

"We're okay, we're good," says Jackson in response to enquiries about how she's coping with coronavirus restrictions.

"Every day's a play date with my beautiful boys (sons Harry, 3, and Lenny, 1) and they have a lot of love around them."

Jackson is referring to the fact her Albury base is located next door to her parents where the boys bound between the close-knit family circle.

It's clear she's relaxed - delighted even - about the decision to bunker down on the Border during the COVID-19 crisis.

"I feel a bit guilty about how okay I am with it - we are so lucky to be in this community and to be in Australia at this time," admits the four-time Olympic medallist.

"Normally I work from an apartment in Melbourne three days a week (as the head of women's basketball for Basketball Australia), the boys go to childcare there, and we travel back and forth."

Instead she's relishing the opportunity to tend to her garden and do more cooking while working from home.

"I love cooking and I'm a good cook," she declares.

"I do a great pork belly on the barbecue at least once a week, I love pastas and using herbs from my beautiful little garden (she's particularly fond of chilli).

"I'm enjoying my life at the moment and being with my kids during the day.

"Although, the boys still like a bit of structure and routine - they are their mother's children after all."

Jackson says she's in a good space at the moment.

She's started "trying to train again" at home in the garage with weights and on the treadmill but confesses her knees "are shocking".

The career-ending injuries have been well-documented over the years; less so her battle with anxiety and depression at the peak of her playing glory.

The 1.96-metre athlete towered over opponents and was a force to be reckoned with on the court thanks to her skill and aggression.

The accolades that accompany this hallowed name in basketball are staggering, even to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the sport.

Jackson, a three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player award winner, has been named among the world's top 20 most dominant athletes of the 21st century.

Our Lauren - the girl Albury proudly claims as its own with a basketball stadium named in her honour.

Off the court, at times, it's been a very different story.

The formidable sportswoman was fighting an invisible but no-less powerful opponent.

"When I was playing in Russia, South Korea, China ... I was alone and I struggled desperately with anxiety and depression," she says.

The endless overseas flights, freezing winters, and isolation from her family saw Jackson "come crashing down" in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics.

"I lost myself," she says.

It's the journey back to mental health Jackson will share as part of this year's special online delivery of the Albury-Wodonga Winter Solstice.

The event, now in its eighth year, sees the community gather at Albury's QEII Square on June 21 to shine a light on suicide and mental health.

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, organisers have announced a virtual solstice will be delivered on Facebook from 6pm that night.

Jackson invites the community to join her; to gather in spirit at this critical time.

"The Winter Solstice is about connecting with people," she says.

"It's about trying to wrap everyone up, to talk and communicate and just basically touch base.

"Particularly in the time that is COVID-19 and we're all in isolation and away from each other, it's a perfect time to listen to one another's stories...

"(The winter solstice) is an important one to be a part of - this year's virtual format presents a good opportunity to reach a broader audience across Australia and possibly the world."

Connection is critical.

"Connecting with family and friends - those I felt safe with - and prioritising myself is how I got back," she adds.

Jackson believes the current climate presents an opportunity for people to take stock of what life will look like "coming out of this".

That's particularly pertinent to our professional athletes, including the women's basketball codes she manages, treading water in the wake of cancelled seasons.

A lot of Jackson's current work schedule is being taken up with contingency meetings and planning to ensure both the players and administration teams are ready to compete "when everything does open up again".

As a former elite athlete, Jackson knows all too well the physical and mental pitfalls of time on the sidelines.

"It can be hard to stay motivated and it's very hard to improvise on the training," she admits.

"Everyone is struggling but how you perceive this time will impact how you get out of it."

Jackson says too often athletes "get stuck in a cycle" and don't take breaks from their sport when they need it.

Use this time to up-skill, further your education or re-connect with family and friends, she urges.

Jackson herself went "back to school" in 2010 to study gender and diversity at the University of Canberra before completing a post-graduate in education.

"Do something that is good for your soul," she advises.

And that goes for everyone.

"You will never get this time back," Jackson warns.

"It would be nice to think when we come out of this, we'll be better versions of ourselves."

Jackson smiles and turns to best friend Katrina Hibbert (former Commonwealth Games team-mate and godmother to Harry) who joined the family for lockdown.

Hibbert was visiting Albury when coronavirus restrictions began in March and decided to stay put.

She tactfully refrains from commenting on whether charity begins at home, save only to remark it's her turn to cook tonight.

"It's the longest time we've ever spent together - it might be the last," Jackson laughs.

Domestic duties aside, Albury's own shining star hopes sharing some of her journey will ignite a light for others struggling in the darkness.

"My message is my story," Jackson says.

"My message is one of hope, connection, love and the people you hold close."