It's time to say thanks to those who have helped keep Ballarat COVID-safe
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As each day brings lower numbers and a hope to return to life as COVID-normal, it is worth reflecting on those who have never stopped working and played their part to keep Ballarat free from the worst of the pandemic.
Friday will mark a special day to say 'thanks', and first in line deserving our praise are the healthcare workers who, in all their myriad roles, have played a key part.
The Courier and our community salute you.
Look out for the stories of Ballarat's healthcare workers at thecourier.com.au over the coming days
When his work as a motor mechanic dried up and he found out he was not entitled to any government assistance, Ali Raza was at a loss how to support himself through the pandemic.
Then he chanced on a job in security at BHS, helping escorting patients to the COVID ward.
LEAVE YOUR THANKS TO OUR COVID HEROES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE
Patients being admitted to hospital through the emergency department are treated as potentially infected with COVID-19 until they received a negative test result, and transferred to the COVID ward on level 2.
Mr Raza's job is to ensure passageways are cleared of people so no one comes into contact with the bed or patient during the transfer in case the patient tests positive.
Mr Raza said early on he was scared he might be exposed to the virus, but was confident in the procedures and protection offered.
Not only did he find a job at BHS, but a second family to support him during the difficult months.
"Being with BHS is like another family for me. I didn't qualify for job payments because I'm a permanent resident not a citizen, I couldn't go back home to my parents (in Kuwait) and my missus lives in Melbourne and I couldn't see her so it impacted me really badly."
MORE THANK YOU STORIES
- Thank you day: Roundabout to be transformed to commemorate Ballarat's COVID healthcare workers
- Thank you day: Meet the head of Ballarat's COVID contact tracing team
- Thank you day: Why Ballarat's hospital chefs cooked 50,000 extra emergency meals during the pandemic
- Thank you day: BHS security guard Ali Raza goes from mechanic to security guard
- Thank you day: occupational therapists had to jump in to deliver patient meals and help daily care during COVID
Working on the COVID frontline, and with his partner having elderly parents, they decided not to risk passing on any potential infection and have stayed apart.
As a paid cricket player for Sunshine Heights Cricket Club, Mr Raza is also keen for restrictions to take one more step and allow further travel.
"Twenty-five kilometres isn't enough for our team. A lot of boys come from all over the place, including me in Ballarat and some in Bendigo, so we have got our pre season schedule but we've got to wait until November 1 and hope we can play again," he said.
LEAVE YOUR THANKS TO OUR COVID HEROES HERE
