2021 has certainly been one for the record books. Covid 19 has continued its unpredictable course, wreaking periodic havoc on a wary and weary world. We have become familiar with terms such as Alpha, Delta and now Omicron. We have endured lockdowns, quarantine and testing stations. We watch the statistics with uneasy anticipation. Some have argued that Covid 19 does not exist and vaccines are either dangerous or should not be mandated. Truly the most complex circumstance I have faced in my life.
However, here in Western Australia, we have been cocooned from most of Covid 19's ravages. Our State Government Premier took the bold move to close Western Australia to the rest of the country, hopefully keeping the disease out. This tactic proved to be a resounding success and we have enjoyed considerable freedoms for the last eighteen months. The downside has been the separation of families, however the vast majority of the West has been supportive, despite the Prime Minister attempting to cause discord.
I am still ambivalent about the prospect of the State opening again on 5 February 2022. This will mean a return to mask wearing and other restrictions. Plus the inevitable outbreaks. Which means further worry about my family's health status, including my own. I hope, when re-opening occurs, that the community, health providers and government work collaboratively and proactively, minimise risk for everybody and provide supports and services, including financial, as needed.
The Covid 19 scenario mirrors the good, the bad and the ugly in every community. We have lived in Heavenly Beverley for nearly eleven years. When we arrived, at the end of the driest year on record, the town was grey and tired, the country was grey and depleted and the mood was grey and not particularly optimistic. Yet, we saw the beautiful Federation and Art Deco buildings, the potential for renewal and the promise of the community to recover, literally and figuratively. We began our own resurrection at the House that Rocks. We began watering a patch of faint green at the bottom of our back ramp, whilst planting trees and shrubs. Within three months, the dustbowl had turned to park land. We renovated our dinky little cottage. By the time we left, after six years, the gardens were lush, providing habitat for all native creatures and shady oases across half an acre.
We have met and befriended many quirky and eclectic fellow residents, most searching for that sense of community often sadly lacking in suburbia. We have watched with pride and awe the regeneration of Beverley into a town with her own identity (Be Very Beverley) and the potential to become the ultimate welcoming regional centre.
In recent times, I have been sadly disappointed in some aspects of life in Beverley. Friendships reluctantly ended. Petty robberies - clothes off our washing line, a phone stolen out of a parked car, chairs from a backyard. Less than convivial communication. Self interest rather than benefitting of the entire community. These instances rattled me and caused me to question my faith in the goodwill of our town. Had we all become so focused on ourselves due to Covid 19? Or was the pandemic just masking innate selfishness that had always existed?
Then, the magic happened. A kindly benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous has offered to fund new bras for me. My darling friend Jan turned up with three crop tops and a brightly coloured frock. Mick brought me a lavender to replace the one that turned up its toes. Jodie gave me some cheerful costume jewellery and a pear crumble. My Facebook buddies have sent messages of love. From feeling violated, I have been consumed by support and affection. How lucky am I!
These random acts of kindness are the essence of every successful community, regional or metropolitan. Warm fuzzies all round. Our primary focus should be acting in the best interests of all. To be a nurturing and inclusive community that genuinely has the needs of everybody utmost in our thinking. That relies on input from local government agencies, retail outlets, tourism and other services and residents. All working together for the benefit of Heavenly Beverley.
How about it, people?
And if you can't be kind, do not be a dick!
