Now, we have to accept life as it is - as it has been imposed - we're soaking in it. Vaccination was always going to be our ticket out, but now it's just that much more urgent.
We have to find another (the only other) way.
!!GET VACCINATED!!
That this effort and sacrifice has now been so easily wiped by a new variant, combined with an old complacency and disrespect is galling for many.
To have that bridge to the other side drawn up right before our eyes is so, so frustrating today. There is no going back.
So what was all that for, Victoria? Why didn't we just let it run?
The reason is because we - you - did the right thing; by one another, by our communities, by our businesses, by our families, our friends and our fellow Australians.
We took it seriously. We took responsibility.
So when delta hit, they treated it like a sport. Dismissed its threat like a bottom of the ladder, wildcard entry they'd beaten before and could afford to pay no mind.
We looked on in horror - for them because they hadn't experienced those 112 days - and for us because we had.😱
But what did they care? - they hadn't been there. They hadn't been on the front pages. Hadn't experienced the condescension nor the desperation, isolation, and the anger at those who wanted to undermine our efforts to keep the community together and safe.
"We were there, man!"
We held onto both the joy of escape and dread of returning there. Meanwhile our economy boomed like the Big V.📈
But we warned other states. Don't f*uck around! This is bad. Don't go all cavalier because you've been lucky once or twice. For your own sake - and for ours! 🙏
'You'll never get back to zero', they said. Well, cop that - we did. And and we enjoyed those last 9 months while they lasted. We rejoined the world and held our heads high as the only jurisdiction that had beaten back such a huge COVID wave. 💪
About this time last year we were working 20 hrs a day on trying to help Victoria come up with an escape plan that would see us able to rejoin the rest of the country. I don't know about you, but for me, it was 112 days of slog and copping sh#t - personally and professionally.
So today is tough. But you did well, Victorians. You fought valiantly againt a swarm of enemies.
And in case you are reading this;
1 - You're a good person.
2 - Your future is bright
3 - The real world - with all it's joy and wonder - will be back again soon.
Striving for zero harm is unsafe, demoralising and unattainable. Instead we need to learn from harm and learn from success. @SaferCareVic@euan_wallace#GiantSteps19
#GiantSteps19 Sarah’s story is so powerful and inspirational. Reminds us that the little things matter and the value of compassion in our care can not be under estimated. So lovely to see this amazing family again.
An incredible story of survival. Thank you Sarah for sharing your journey. A great start and reminder as to THE very reason we are all here. For clients, consumers, patients. Outstanding healthcare. Always. @SaferCareVic#GiantSteps19#withconsumers