WE MUST LET GO OF MISTRUST AND ANGER THAT CONSUMED 2021

AS we wake to 2022, our city faces one of its toughest social challenges.

That challenge is to reunite a bitterly divided community.

Throughout last year, it seems the only topic of conversation at coffee shops, home dinner tables, on buses and trams has been: Covid.

Much of the airtime this virus has consumed has been about the choices of an individual versus the mandate of State and Federal leaders.

The events of recent days, where rules regarding quarantine, testing and isolation have been explained – and introduced – in a haphazard manner, have done little to quell the anger and frustration simmering across our city.

Let’s face facts: Covid is sweeping through the country. That’s a good thing as like other viruses of decades gone by, there will be a state of normality return to our lives once the effects of herd immunity play out.

I find it ironic that in 2019, five Queenslanders a week died from the flu – every week – with 264 deaths recorded in that year alone.

Omicron, to date, appears no more virulent than the flu with just one admission to intensive care units in our hospitals so far. Further, I believe we have lost eight people in Queensland throughout the past 22 months of Covid, with some of these people having underlying health issues.

This is where suspicion and doubt has fuelled the public’s anger. At the same time, there is little doubt that vaccinations are working.

As residents, we must put our past differences aside and unite to strengthen the great city we are. The vaccinated have made their choice … as have the unvaccinated.

Of course, opinions matter and everyone has a right to express theirs, providing their actions do not offend, put others in danger or cause civil unrest.

We cannot start this year burdened by the anger and mistrust that consumed much of the discussion on Covid in 2021.

Gold Coasters are better than that. We are a proud city with a shared vision for all.

Our multi-cultural roots and in-built passion to help out those in need has shaped our city for 70 years.

History shows our resilience is rock solid when challenged by natural events such as floods and bushfires. Equally, our city fought back from the national pilots’ strike in 1989 and dug its way out of the 2008 global financial crisis.

In recent weeks, I have witnessed incredible generosity across the Coast – from volunteers helping the homeless to charities handing out food parcels and individuals fundraising for families in need.

These are the actions we should take into our hearts and celebrate.

Let’s not allow the divisive language surrounding Covid19 to permeate through our streets in 2022.

So while we may have farewelled 2021 as a divided community, our actions today – and tomorrow – can ensure 2022 is a year to reunite, reimagine and rediscover the very best in our city and its people.

I say, welcome to the Year of Opportunity.