A compassionate and community-minded Ballarat resident is encouraging others to share, care for each other and work together during these challenging times, as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in Victoria.
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Jade Gidley created a new Facebook group on Friday as a platform for residents to work together to make sure people are not going without essential items, as supermarket shelves are emptying.
The group is called Ballarat Swaps and Offers Pantry Products, and many members are already helping each other out with items like toilet paper and baby nappies.
Ms Gidley said she set up the group feeling confronted after being questioned about her shopping at the supermarket.
"I had to explain to them I have five children at home. Then it was the bare shelves. The kids were asking what is happening," she said.
"That was the big eye opener.
"We are teaching our kids to share and get along with others, thinking of their peers and working together with their peers - while we are causing absolute chaos."
Ms Gidley said she hoped people who may have stock or excess of an item would offer it to others who may be in need, and in turn, others would be able to help them.
"Let's start swapping, let's start working together as a community and as a team and showing our children this is what it is about," she said.
"Let's support each other and get through this hectic time. I have never seen anything like it.
"Never in my life did I think I would be going from shop to shop to find toilet paper.
"We can't teach our children one thing and then do another. Let's practice what we preach."
Panic buying and stockpiling has been widely criticised and described as unnecessary and hurting society's most vulnerable.
Limits are in place for toilet paper and some other items in supermarkets.
We have gotten mixed up in the craziness and that has stopped us thinking about our children and thinking about each other.
- Jade Gidley
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has urged people to stop stockpiling goods.
Ms Gidley said the situation was unfortunate, but it could be improved if residents and communities worked together.
"It is the unknown and I guess that is what scares everybody. But we do need to stop and go 'it is unknown, but how do we work together as a community to get through it?'," she said.
"We have gotten mixed up in the craziness and that has stopped us thinking about our children and thinking about each other."
You can join the Ballarat Swaps and Offers Pantry Products Group on Facebook to get involved in the community spirit of caring and sharing.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
