CHECKING IN
Dear editor,
While out shopping, I walked past a nicely dressed young mother with two children entering Coles and saw the youngest girl point at the Covid registration card and say, “Mummy you do that with your phone.”
The mother carried on walking in and said, “Can’t be bothered.” What a sad message that sends to the children!
On the other hand isn’t it great that the children have received the message loud and clear and are prepared to keep the parents up to scratch.
Stewart Hughes,
Marcoola.
##
NEW COVID STRAIN
Dear editor,
The lesson from Europe is one anti-vaxxers need to note.
Opening our borders, with a percentage of the population refusing to be vaccinated, we need only to watch it unfold! The new South African highly transmittable omicron variant horse has bolted.
Three Covid positive Victorians have entered Queensland – why permit that risk? We’ve consistently kept zero cases and Covid in check. With imminent international and interstate travel, we cannot guarantee our safe Covid status. Even ensuring the honest certify double vaccination, the dishonest and desperate may continue to act without a conscience.
Knowing we have learnt to live with Covid, learn from the nations one winter season ahead of us. Covid is rampant and still killing the unvaccinated globally. Some nations are in their fifth wave and it has been reiterated this is: “a pandemic of the unvaccinated!” Still protesters maintain the right to refuse the jab. Commonsense is not so common.
As Tasmanian MP, Jackie Lambie determinedly emphasised to those stubbornly refusing the vaccination: “It’s called being an adult!” It’s more than just individual conscience or rights involved, it’s respect for the welfare of others, especially the vulnerable. “No man is an island.” (John Donne).
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
##
FOSSIL FUELS
Dear editor,
Australia is world renowned for its graveyard of Dinosaur fossils. The latest accolade comes from the 2021 Glasgow Climate Conference, which named Australia as the ‘Colossal Fossil’. How good’s that?
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
##
SALVO’S APPEAL
Dear editor,
Why is Christmas so important? The answer, I think, is People. Indeed, Christmas is about connection with people. It has become a resounding cliché, but after the year we have had in Australia, it seems like Christmas this year could be more important than ever for one simple reason: People. Much of the country has been isolated for most or part of the year, separated from friends, family and colleagues. Even the most introverted person could have felt the pinch of isolation and loneliness this year.
This Christmas, I’d encourage you to check in on your friends, your work colleagues and neighbours, to simply connect once again as a community. Why not invite someone to your Christmas Day lunch, someone who otherwise might not have anywhere to go or people to connect with at Christmas.
Connection is symbolic of what The Salvation Army is all about. I know that we as a movement are so excited to be re-connecting with our community again this Christmas.
Christmas is already our busiest time of year at The Salvos and this year will be immense, and yet we look forward to the opportunities to support others each and every Christmas season.
We want anyone and everyone who needs support this Christmas to reach out to us. Whether you need financial assistance, food on the table, presents under the tree for the kids at Christmas, or just a loving community to belong to, The Salvos are there for all.
The Salvation Army counts it a privilege to serve those within Australia who are doing it tough. To give a family a special Christmas hamper, or to allow parents the dignity to choose presents for their kids, is the reason why we do what we do. The Salvos have been operating in Australia for over 140 years, and we currently have over 2000 services in over 400 centres across Australia.
The Salvos will be connecting with Aussies across the country this Christmas- from Darwin to Hobart, Perth to Sydney, there is a Salvos centre near you, and we want to connect with you. If you need support this Christmas, please reach out to your local Salvos. Visit salvationarmy.org.au and allow us to journey with you this Christmas.
Major Bruce Harmer,
National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army.