I’d welcome feedback and may even publish worthwhile debates. You can always stay in touch with me more regularly via my Website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. I also have an Instagram account but you won’t find much politics on there! 

COVID -19 - more than just a virus

We are living in unprecedented times. Only a few months ago I was with my Community Fire Unit (CFU) geared up for the onslaught of the Blue Mountains bush fires. Just as quickly from bush fire recovery we have turned 180 degrees to isolation and virtual lock down as we fight this pandemic in our communities.

There’s plenty of health and social messaging about - some key parts of which I will relay in this newsletter. And no doubt you’ve been bombarded by the media and other sources around social distancing and staying home.

I wanted to relay another important message. As we enter the traditional Easter holiday period it’s going to be even harder for us as a community who celebrate and connect at this time - whether through religion, our family or our community like the rural folk and the cancelled Easter show.

We should each take time out each day especially over Easter to reach out and contact family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours or even a stranger and check in on how they are travelling. A phone call means so much more than a text, email or Facebook message. Why not stick a home made sign up in your window or at your front gate saying ‘happy easter’? The locals and the kids will love seeing them. (I recall how much the ‘thank you firies’ signs were appreciated in the bush fires!).

Let’s not pull the shutters down and lose touch of who we are as a community. There is a light at the end of this tunnel that we are starting to see. I hope that the society that emerges from these difficult days will be one that is a little less self centred and material focused and more aware and appreciative of the many things around us that we have taken for granted.

Such as the value of our older citizens and their life experiences or simply the pleasure to greet a friend on the street with a hug, or share a beer with a neighbour in the back garden. The simple pleasures of life that have been taken away by this pandemic.

So whilst attending to the critical health messages coming from government authorities, make sure you take time every day to attend to your mental health well being and those around you. Please click here to watch a quick video on how to take care of your mental health during this challenging time. It includes numbers for support services if you are struggling. 

To this end I was pleased to see TAFE offering free short on line courses to keep our skills brushed up. Details are below. I raised this idea with the Premier and was pleased it was already being worked on.

Until next Adjournment Notes keep yourself and your family safe.

COVID-19 Symptoms and feeling unwell

Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how it's spread and what to do if you're feeling unwell.

Feeling unwell?

If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel, seek medical attention.

• Call Healthdirect 1800 022 222 (24-hour help line)
• Call your GP
• Visit the emergency department

You can't have visitors when you self-isolate

You must not have any people visit you when you are self-isolating unless they:

• usually live at that premises
• are also self-isolating
• enter the premises for medical purposes
• enter the premises because of an emergency.

COVID-19 is a notifiable condition

Infection with COVID-19 is a notifiable condition under the NSW Public Health Act 2010. This means doctors and pathology laboratories are required to notify NSW Health of all people suspected or confirmed to have the infection.

For further information please visit the NSW Health website. 

• $58 million for health worker accommodation 
• $25 million for medical research and vaccine trials
• $11 million for commercialisation of research products 
• $10 million Funding to partner with industry to boost domestic supply chains.

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 21 short courses include:
- eMarketing for Small Business;
- Engaging Customers Using Social Media;
- Writing and Presentation Skills;
- Computing Skills;
- Team Leader Skill Set; and
- Administration Skills for Team Leaders.

More information, including a full list of courses, is available at
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/
or by calling 131 601.