Maggi Barnard

Emma Brown

I’ve been grieving for our broken world. I’m sad for the freedoms we’re rapidly losing, and sad for all the people who are losing livelihood. I’m overwhelmed with feelings of unpreparedness and not-good-enough- ness at the imminent reality of school at home when mere weeks ago I laughed at the idea of home schooling. I feel overwhelming grief for my beautiful and very dear Grandad, who is alone. Safe but alone. So close to us yet unreachable.

But then I wash my tear-stained face, have a cup of tea and think about 2040. What will the world look like for my 25 and 23-year-old grown children?

I wonder if the protocols and safety measures being implemented now mean we are raising a generation who will have a better understanding of wellness and proper isolation during illness. Maybe we’re raising a generation of surgeons! If you can learn to scrub in for surgery at age three, you’re on the fast track, right?

I wonder will this be the beginning of the end of communicable respiratory diseases like influenza, which so many of my generation ignore the symptoms of and just ‘soldier on’?

I wonder if we’ll see a revolution in social togetherness when we come out the other side. Texting and social media will become passé. Getting together in person will be where it’s at!

Scott Salter, one of Currajong’s most experienced support workers, with Karen Willis and Jay Crouch reinforcing proper hygiene.

COVID-19 may have changed how we do things but it hasn’t changed the quality service and care offered at Currajong Disability Services (CDS).

“With disruptions to everyday life show- ing no signs of abating anytime soon, Currajong will continue to offer top quality care for all of our participants and ensuring all precautions and duty of care are taken to protect the rights, health and safety of our participants, staff and families,” said Dane Millerd of CDS.

He said steps had already been taken to adhere to government requests including a greater emphasis on hygiene, social distancing via smaller groups and minimising activities, education of staff to fast track their COVID-19 knowledge base as well as having staff available to answer any questions about Currajong and its new processes.

“Vigilance and strict application of the recommended precautions are our only weapons against this virus and while it appears we are in an area that is currently virus free, we cannot afford to slacken off if we hope to come through this period of upheaval with minimal disruption,” said Currajong Disability Services CEO Jeff Evans.

“My priorities continue to remain the health and well-being of our participants, our employees and our families.

“I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the way that staff have responded to the significant disruption to our normal routine. I would also like to commend everyone on how they have embraced the more rigorous hygiene, cleaning requirements and social distancing particularly in light of the high risk and vulnerable individuals we support in the community,” said Jeff.

“At the moment, I believe we are well placed if we remain vigilant and continue implementing the recommendations as we currently are,” said Jeff.

“Again, thank you for your efforts and commitment.”

Agricultural ministers around the country discussed a range of issues facing the sector during this COVID-19 crisis last week.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The Federal Government sought agreement from the states to adopt the strict protocols for infection of staff found to have COVID-19 and for food processing under the standards set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ.”

“State ministers were asked to agree to the livestock saleyards and wool auctions protocols so that they can continue. This is an important link in the supply chain and the confirmation will reduce anxiety among the sector and producers. The saleyards and auctions standards are both practical in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and allowing those who need to attend to do so. The standards include limiting attendance to essential saleyard staff, accredited livestock agents and genuine buyers.”