2020 has been a difficult year.
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We are only in March, but we have already faced unprecedented fires, and now we are facing a health emergency unlike any other most of us have faced in our lifetimes.
We know that there will be serious economic impacts from this crisis, and we are all worried about the potential health impacts on ourselves, our families and our communities.
It is a stressful time.
People will all have their own ways to cope - but we all know that the correct reaction is not stripping bare the shelves at Coles or Woolies and it is not abusing customer service staff or being rude to those around you.
Earlier this year, before we'd heard of COVID-19, we saw the best of our community throughout the bushfire crisis. The best of our nation were those who have travelled across the state, giving up their summer break, to provide food and support to those working and living in fire zones. The best of our nation were all of those amongst us who have reached into their own pockets to give a little to help our fellow Australians in their times of need.
We saw the best of Australia in this compassionate, selfless and community-minded response.
During speeches I made around the electorate on Australia Day, I asked that the example of our community's collective response to the fire disaster be one we hold onto and remember throughout 2020. I did not expect that only a couple of months later we would again be facing a serious disaster, but here we are.
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We are already seeing many members of our community reach out to one another - far more in fact than we are seeing members of our community turn their backs on one another.
We have businesses offering supplies to those in need, we have colleagues and friends delivering food to those in self-isolation, we have families reaching out to each other, neighbours checking in, and all of us are supporting local businesses. If you know someone in self-isolation, give them a call. If you can donate blood, donate blood. If your neighbour needs help shopping, help them. If your friends are health workers, cook them a meal. There is much we can all do to help.
Over the next few months, as this crisis continues, we will face tough times. People will feel alone, uncertain and afraid. But these times will be easier, and they will pass sooner if we look out for each other, support those in need, and stand by all members in our community.
My office will remain available to help where we can. Even if we reach the point where our doors have to close, we will be available by phone at (03) 5338 8123 or email at Catherine.king.mp@aph.gov.au/.
The best places to find accurate information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) are: