The past few weeks have certainly presented further challenges with the COVID pandemic. I extend my thoughts, in particular, to FRSA friends and colleagues in Victoria, for whom it must feel like Groundhog Day as the state experiences its fifth lockdown. Sydney, also in lockdown, is facing a difficult and uncertain time and we know that our Sydney-based members will be doing all they can to stay connected with their local families and communities as well as manage the personal ramifications of lockdown. SA is about to enter a seven-day period of lockdown. QLD has some restrictions in place and is carefully monitoring the situation in that state – as no doubt WA, ACT, NT and Tasmania are.
I have reflected on numerous occasions since the Pandemic began on the capability and tenacity with which Member organisations (and the sector more broadly) have so swiftly and aptly responded to the needs of the children, men, women and communities they work with given the challenges of the Pandemic. Yes, this is what they had to do and continue to do but this has not necessarily been the driver – the motivations of these organisations, and the people working and volunteering within them, are much deeper, ingrained in their being. This fortitude will inevitably continue even in the face of ongoing challenges in the current climate, and I am so very grateful to each and every person and organisation for the role they fulfil in supporting children, men, women and our communities during this time.
Last week the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Anne Ruston, convened a meeting of community sector representatives to engage directly with the Coordinator General, National COVID Vaccine Taskforce, Lieutenant General John Frewen, to discuss how community sector leaders can support the vaccine rollout. This conversation is in its early stages, however the Federal Government clearly acknowledges the trust and connection these service organisations have with people in the community, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalised. As such, the Coordinator General was keen for this meeting to take place to consider how collectively the social services sector can assist with efficient and effective roll out of the vaccine.
The hour-long meeting was focused on engaging with the sector with much work still to be done on what role the sector and various organisations within the sector can play. FRSA is a member of ACOSS and has been contributing towards their initiative to develop high level principles intended to progress conversations with the Coordinator General and the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce further.
On a different topic, the first week of July (4-11 July) was the ever-important NAIDOC week – a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme was ‘Heal Country’ and I encourage all to read the powerful statement that accompanied this theme.
Unfortunately, in some places NAIDOC week events could not go ahead due to various pandemic restrictions, but we are delighted to provide a snapshot below of just some of the events that were able to be held by FRSA members.
“Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time.” (‘Heal Country’ statement).
By Jackie Brady
