I was forced to isolate myself at home lastweek after my wife and son contracted a well-known and highly contagious virus.

The virus was confirmed by our doctorduring a home visit and I immediately sent a telegram to my list of buyers totell them my open homes were cancelled for the coming Saturday.

I had four listings to get ready to beadvertised the following week so I typed up the write-ups and sent them intothe office by carrier pigeon. Not all of them arrived.

Since I was in isolation I was unable to doany real estate work so I filled the backyard incinerator with rubbish I’d beenmeaning to burn off, grabbed the wireless and a long-neck and listened to theTop 40 while I watched the smoke disappear over my neighbours’ properties.

All of the above is absolutely untrueexcept for the part about me having to isolate because my wife and son gotCOVID-19. But it is the way it could well have played out in the past.

The way the world has changed meant thatdespite me being in isolation my business was able to continue as close aspossible to normal, with listings being advertised, private inspections takingplace, open houses going ahead as planned and properties selling.

Some of the changes that allowed this weretechnological … I was able to work remotely with my laptop connected to theGardian server so I could do write-ups, select photos for properties to beadvertised, answer email inquiries from buyers, make and receive calls on mymobile.

But there are other equally importantchanges, relating to how the best real estate agencies now operate, thatallowed me to continue to provide the service that buyers and sellers need.

At Gardian we operate in teams, orfamilies, that work together and support each other. I’ve got a little workfamily of three with me and two sales associates; Skye who is a buyers agentand Sandy who largely looks after contracts, listing documents and generaladmin.

During my week of isolation, Skye did a lotof private inspections and was in constant phone contact with me with updates.Sandy looked after listing documents, advertising uploads and theadministration work that is required to keep things ticking over. Skye andSandy did the open homes together on the Saturday, and they did six of them,and made sure we didn’t miss a beat for our clients.

The family system works extremely well whenlife runs as planned, and I’ll discuss that in a future column, but a big partof it is that when something goes wrong it allows us to continue to provide thebest service. Change is good and has definitely improved things, although Imiss the incinerator and Casey Kasem. (Google it kids.)

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One of Mackay’s emerging interior designers has taken out a coveted customer service award in design, based on satisfaction and reviews.

Deborah Muscat of Sabih Interiors won a ‘Best of Houzz’ award for Customer Service, on Houzz®, a leading nationwide online platform for home renovation and design.

The dynamic new Mackay design firm, which is only three years young, was chosen by the plethora of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.7 million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals in Australia.

Ms Muscat won her award during the 10-year anniversary of the Best of Houzz awards program and says that it’s people who lead the way when it comes to design choice.

“The essence of interior design will always be about people,” Ms Muscat said.

She has been creating beautiful interiors for more than 25 years and believes as a designer it is not always about following cutting-edge trends and styles or replicating what is already safe and done.

“It’s about creating the uniqueness of each and every one of my clients,” she said.

Ms Muscat is honored to receive such an award and says, “The Houzz community is made up of millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals Australia wide, and I am very thankful for the recognition within the Houzz community.”

Sabih Interiors offers a full personalised service, from consultancy to design and decoration, through to specially sourced furnishings and fabrics.

“We draw on extensive experience in both residential and commercial interior design and decoration.

“We specialise in custom designed furniture and can help and guide you every step of the way through your project.”

Sabih Interiors have its own approach to the progressive outcome and prides itself on making design available to everyone, no matter what budget or need.

“It is a unique touch of sophistication, where your personal style is predominant throughout the whole design process,” Ms Muscat said.

“We also help with project management during construction of the project if needed.”

Whether it is an interior for a new home or home renovation or your commercial office, Sabig Interiors can help you through as little or as much of the design stages as you want.

Creating a functional and intelligible space is key to a successful project.

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If you’re a parent with little primary school aged kids or high school kids around Mackay, Monday is going to be huge because most kids are heading back to school after being delayed due to COVID-19.

Sure, there have been many kids already back at school over the last few weeks because their parents are essential workers or even kids who’ve had no-one to look after them because both parents work.

This Monday I reckon will come as a bit of a shock to lots of kids. The alarm will be going off before midday. There won’t be a fridge to go and open every 5 minutes to see what food there is to dream about.

There won’t be a TV remote to hold to flick over every 5 seconds. There also won’t be a bed to lay down on when you get tired because you’ve just used more energy walking down the hallway, than you would have used over the last two months.

Kids are in for a shock. Some will have to wear face masks. Some will have to wash their hands more. Yes, wash them for longer than 10 seconds. Some kids will have to keep their distance from their mates. Maybe no hugs. Perhaps no shaking of hands. It’s going to be different.

But you know what? Being at school and around their mates has to be better than in front of a screen in your PJ’s right? I hope so.

Remember if your kids aren’t that happy about getting their uniforms ready to head off to North High, or Sarina, or MCC, or St Pat’s, or West Mackay Primary, it could be worse.

When I went to primary school in Sydney in 1976 I had to have everything ironed. I had to wear a jacket, a boater hat (look it up) and shoes that were polished the night before. If that wasn’t done, you’d get the cane. I kid you not. If you’re little ones still aren’t happy, remind them of how we used to ride our bikes to school.

Life was a little different back then.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK!

Rob growing up in Sydney with older sister Alison before the family moved to Mackay

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Blessed in July, with the first students arriving in November for orientation, Mackay’s newest Catholic College, Catherine McAuley College is set to open in less than a week’s time.

Built around the old Sugar Research Institute, the new college went through a blessed construction period where it ran ahead of schedule and will welcome its historic first four classrooms of Year 7 students through the Institute’s historic doors on February 7.

“The College looks amazing with a blend of refurbished old and stylish new,” Catherine McAuley College Principal, Mr Jim Ford said.

“The Institute’s main building has been transformed into a versatile, highly functional educational facility with fully equipped, attractive, air-conditioned rooms.”

The Sugar Research Institute was one of the most iconic landmarks in the Australian sugar industry, and now transformed, reinvigorated, and renovated, but retaining its spirit is part of the $20m dollar project.

The original building has remained, with architects managing to meld the old with the new, providing other buildings on the campus with fresh looks.

“An eighteen-month construction period had much to achieve in both restoration and new structures with contemporary architecture making best use of the site,” Mr Ford said.

“Ample car parking, play spaces and student lunch facilities are some of the welcome finishing touches. As the landscapers finish their plantings the site is finally dedicated to quality education.”

Year 7s will be the first cohort arriving at the school, with further years joining until the college reaches its full capacity of 1200 students.

Mr Ford said staff are ready to go and somewhat impatient to make a start on another kind of building program.

“That involves building the traditions and effective practices that offer the families and students who seek our values a place in an excellent school. I’m sure the whole of Mackay wishes us all the best,” he said.

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After a public allegation claiming newborn babies were being ‘taken’ from COVID-positive mothers at Mackay Base Hospital, the health service issued a statement refuting the claim and to make their birthing policy clear surrounding the pandemic.

“Our policy has always been that new mothers and their babies are able to room together in the COVID-19 ward at Mackay Base Hospital if both are well,” the statement read.

“If the baby needs to go to the Special Care Nursery they will be cared for there while their mother remains in the COVID-19 ward or in the Intensive Care Unit.

“It is important that premature and other unwell newborn babies in the Special Care Nursery are not exposed to a visitor who is COVID-19 positive.”

Mackay HHS has undertaken planning to care for women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The hospital said these plans will continue to be updated in line with the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer.

“Our hospitals are well prepared to respond to COVID-19 to ensure they are a safe place for you and your baby.

“Staff are vigilant with cleaning, handwashing and using protective equipment to keep you and your baby safe.”

Women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are able to birth at Mackay Base Hospital in dedicated rooms in Labour Ward.

“This is the case as long as there are no other factors that would normally result in transfer to a tertiary hospital. Staff will use COVID-19 precautions until results are returned.

“After birthing you will be cared for in a dedicated COVID-19 ward at Mackay Base Hospital. If babies are well and not requiring care in the Special Care Nursery they will remain with their mothers,” the policy reads.

“Your mode of birth will not be influenced by COVID-19 unless urgent delivery is indicated. Your choice of feeding is supported and breastfeeding is still recommended even if you have COVID-19.”

The hospital also said that unvaccinated partners were able to be support people.

“While we can allow an unvaccinated partner to attend (provided they follow all staff instructions regarding Personal Protective Equipment), we do require that any secondary support person be vaccinated, to limit risk to our staff.”

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Providing care for Mackay’s young patients and their families is a life-long passion for paediatric staff specialist Dr Clara Menezes, who said Mackay gave her the opportunity to treat her patients holistically.

“Prior to working at Mackay Base Hospital, I worked mainly in tertiary centres for twenty years, where I would ‘treat the child for the condition they are referred for,’” she said.

“You can be a true paediatrician here. It’s not like you are just managing a few conditions for the patient, you provide care for them and their family as a whole.”

Dr Menezes first came to Mackay Base Hospital in 2011 and initially only stayed for a year but knew she wanted to come back as soon as possible. In 2015, when her son had finished his schooling, Dr Menezes packed up her life and returned to the tropics.

“When I started off at Mackay Base Hospital, my intention was to stay here forever but sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want,” she said.

“I love this place, and everyone knows it. This is like a home to me and it will remain that way.”

Dr Menezes particularly loves the family spirit at the Mackay Base Hospital, especially within the paediatric department. She credits her colleagues for helping her become the paediatrician she is today.

“We work as a team with the final goal to provide the best of care for the child and to their family.

After seven years of working in Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit, Dr Menezes has bid farewell to the place she calls home after deciding to move to New South Wales.

“I am thankful for all my support networks over the years from my nursing, allied health and child safety colleagues,” Dr Menezes said.

“Mackay is the best place and has an excellent team of professionals I learned my medicine from. We have very well-trained clinicians.”

Dr Clara Menezes. Photo supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Last Friday, All Abilities Mackay’s Summer House, the disability initiative providing a variety of program for children in the community, closed its door for one last time.

From mainstream activities for all children with their parents, smaller group programs for children with disabilities, after school programs for children with disabilities, and school holiday programs for children with disabilities, the programs of Summer House were a hit amongst the Sugar City’s parents.

Founded in 2019 by Bec Nicol, the aim was to create a place where families struggling with disability could have a safe, predictable place for kids, and then bring in neurotypical kids to socialise with them in an inclusive play setting.

Letting kids interact with other kids was the idea, but with struggles in achieving NDIS funding a constant bane for the initiative, as well as pandemic problems, Summer House closed its doors last Friday.

Ms Nicol said that she wished the circumstances were different.

“We have loved the time getting to know families and support you the best we knew how to,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we must recognise when things aren’t meant to be, and for us the time has come.”

Summer House was a “long term dream” for Ms Nicol, who said the current uncertain times forced her to be unable to continue.

“I don’t have the time, energy or tenacity left to continue,” she said.

She thanked the exceptional businesses, organisations and individuals who supported the group over the years.

I would like to shout out a special mention to Sharon and the crew at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Flagon & Dragon Mackay,” Ms Nicol said.

“Without their tens of thousands of dollars of support over the years, we couldn’t be anywhere close to where we are without them.”

The community have expressed their support for Summer House, and hope that it will continue on in some form or another, or be reborn.

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Not many people know that the op in Op Shop means opportunity, and that Mackay has a population of over 3,500 people suffering from homelessness. Many of them without opportunity, without shelter, often living within a cycle of drug abuse, or a cycle of poverty.

It is a hidden world of confrontation, and it seems that chances are hard to come by in it.

One organisation providing for Mackay’s growing population of those experiencing degrees of homelessness is Australian Street Aid Project LTD. (ASAP).

They performed a recent striking interview in a sit down with Karren in Mackay at their Chances Café in Shakespeare Street. Karren has been experiencing homelessness for six months.

“I’ve lived in abandoned houses and in the streets,” Karren said in the interview.

“I feel like I’m useless, like I’ve lost my soul, and that sometimes I don’t want to be alive. I just want to have a home and somewhere to live and be happy again. This is not happiness.

“I just hope that a lot of things change in Mackay and that the homeless situation gets help[ed] for everyone.”

Its ‘Pay Forward’ board in the Shakespeare Street cafe is a way for people to purchase a meal for those in need.

“Our Pay It Forward meal system feeds up to 60 people per week who are experiencing homelessness,” a cafe spokesperson said.

“From mothers and children to people with disabilities or those who are just down and out - homelessness does not discriminate.”

ASAP have been providing ‘op’ since their humble beginnings in 2018, and have now expanded to not only provide the tools that people need to break their cycle through employing those experiencing homelessness, but now with a new coffee shop within the Chances Op Shop in Victoria Street.

“Our cafe on Shakespeare Street is still open as per usual, but we now also have a coffee shop within our Chances Op Shop at 7 Victoria Street.

“You can grab a quick bite to eat or drink whilst checking out all the bargains, knowing that your money goes right back into the Mackay Community.”

They’re one of the many organisations championing the cause of helping those experiencing homelessness in Mackay. As a non-for-profit they are always seeking donations or volunteers on their website.

In December, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper spoke with Paul Winter, a local man on a crusade to build a homeless shelter as part of his non-for-profit 360five, another individual doing what he saw as his part. After a long bout of drug addiction himself, Paul saw the issues in the regions firsthand.

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The Sugar City may have just become a whole lot sweeter for some with the announcement of a new brothel as Mackay’s only legal sex work establishment opening in two week’s time.

Harlots Mackay is set to open its doors February 14 in the freshly renovated Club 7 premises in Paget which closed in 2015.

Sex workers in Mackay have been operating illegally and unsafely since the closing of Club 7 seven years ago, leaving the return of an established brothel a potential haven for those pursuing the profession.

Prostitution in Queensland is regulated through the compliance of both brothels and what are known as ‘sole operator sex workers’ who are government registered, yet some workers acted outside of the law finding the regulations too restricting.

Queensland’s strict Prostitution Licensing Authority law mean escorts can only operate within the premises of a brothel, in this case Harlots, and safety regulations set by police are stringent in these regards.

They will be the only legally operating brothel in the region.

Harlots has other establishments both in ACT and in the Northern Territory, and claim they are the fastest growing network of high-class brothels in Australia.

In line with safety protocols, no alcohol will be served at the site and violent or intoxicated potential patrons will be turned away.

Harlots will be open 7 days a week, running operating hours of 12pm to 5am in its Paget address from February 14.

Harlots Management have said that they will be bringing escorts from down south from their Canberra establishment up to the Sugar City.

They also said that they would be promoting through advertising, which is strictly legislated in Queensland by the same Prostitution Licensing Authority.

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A teacher of 34 years, a junior rugby league coach for 55, Douglas Knight has imparted his own brand of wisdom to generations of Mackay kids, both in sport and in life. The local legend received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to rugby league on Australia day, having done “pretty well for himself.”

‘Dougy’ has a legacy of more than five decades in the game, both as a player and a coach, although admittedly not so much of a player nowadays at 77.

His illustrious career began in Bowen, but he soon realised he wasn’t making any waves on the playing side, having a self-proclaimed penchant for food, Dougy took to the coaching, which offered far less running.

“I enjoyed playing but wasn’t much of a trainer; I could never get motivated to run around the block to come back to where you started but put me into a game situation and I always put my full effort in,” Dougy said.

When he took up coaching, much of his league time was spent with Souths Suburban – the Sharks – where he would hold the positions of junior president and senior president in his tenure, as well as coaching at every junior grade.

Dougy now hangs his hat as the Under 6’s coach at Souths, continuing his love of the game, which has given him so much over the years.

“Some people describe it as herding cats,” Dougy laughed.

“They’re definitely different from the other grades, but they’re keen and always want to have a go.

“I guess I get along with them well, because I never really grew up.”

He spoke of his first cohort of players back in 1969, and how good it was to see them grow up.

“I think the biggest thing was seeing different kids growing in confidence; seeing the confidence they get, and the friendships I made and the friendships they make.

“A lot of them are still close friends among themselves, and I still see them sometimes around town – I’m lucky like that.”

He said that being awarded the Order of Australia Medal was fantastic, not only for himself but for all volunteers throughout Mackay and the region in any sport.

In Rugby League, he was proud to have helped so many young people grow into not only great players, but great people.

“It’s confidence and being able to have a go at things, win or lose, you have a go and put in your best effort; that carries over into real life.”

Doug Knight has served rugby league in Mackay for over 50 years

“That’s what it’s all about, teaching these kids to become their best selves and build confidence”

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At just six, Janice Whelan was already an accomplished accompanist, playing the instrument that would lead her on a lifelong journey of knowledge, expertise, and modesty on the piano. Now, after years of servitude to the Mackay Choral Society and the region, Janice received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music.

If there were an epitome of what an accompanist is, a musician whose sole purpose was to allow others to be the best they can be, Ms Whelan is that epitome.

She served as accompanist for the Mackay Choral Society from 1994 to 2020 – of which she is a life member - as well as still accompanying at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in North Mackay, Holy Spirit Choir and Music Minister, as well as Emmanuel Catholic Primary.

“I accepted it on behalf of all the accompanists, because it’s not often a role that receives this kind of recognition,” Janice said.

“I would be more comfortable in the background, and I suppose that’s why I’m a good accompanist!”

A calling that spanned so long and so many events has touched so many lives, with mentors and mentoring, where she said she passed on the lessons of her storied musical career.

“I want to thank those mentors that I had over my years, because I had many, each of them different and varied in good ways,” she said.

“There are too many to mention and I don’t want to miss naming them!”

Working at the Eisteddfod each year, Janice said that it gave her opportunities to forge friendships and bonds with many young artists, especially with her role as an accompanist.

She worked with one student in particular for twenty years, following her all the way to the Sydney Eisteddfod, and enabling her to become the musician and singer she is today.

Janice said that, for her, one of the most significant and beautiful moments of her career was when a girl from Emmanuel College in grade three gave her a letter which said: The way I see you is not as an old lady, I see you as a shining rainbow.

“I showed my entire family the letter at Christmas and they were all crying,” Janice said.

Of her three children and three grandchildren, she’s passed on her love and passion for music, especially to her son, who works as an instrumental teacher and trombonist.

The Mackay Choral Society said that they “cannot think of anyone more worthy of this prestigious award.”

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Ensuring a more reliable water network in the CBD is the focus of a new Mackay Regional Council project, which will take approximately seven weeks to complete.

Construction started this week on a new water main being installed along the eastern side of Brisbane Street, between Victoria and Gordon streets.

Works started at the Victoria Street end of Brisbane Street and will progress towards Gordon Street.

To minimise traffic disruption in the afternoons, work will be undertaken Monday to Friday from 6am to 4pm and on weekends when required.

A partial road closure of the southbound lane will be required to allow machinery to manoeuvre safely. However, the road will reopen to normal traffic flow each afternoon at 4pm.

Pedestrian access will be available during the works and motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow all signage on display at the site.  

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience. Once complete, the work will improve the reliability of the local water network.

More than 870,000 Queensland students will return to school this Monday, with new measures put in place by the State Government in an effort to keep students, teachers and staff safe from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that masks will be required for all staff and high school students – and highly encouraged for most primary school students – when classes resume.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will also be available to students and staff who develop symptoms while at school, while those who develop symptoms at home will have priority access to RATs at Queensland Health clinics.

Premier Palaszczuk said the resumption of school will be safer thanks to the delayed start of term, which has also allowed time for more students to get vaccinated.

“As always, we have acted on the health advice and had a cautious and measured approach through the pandemic,” the Premier said.

“As always, that advice has kept Queenslanders safe.”

Key features of the Back-to-School plan include:

• Mask wearing for all high school students and staff in line with the existing mandate

• Masks available and strongly encouraged for students in Years 3 to 6

• A range of ventilation measures including air purifiers as required

Temporary measures for the first four weeks of term include:

• RATs available in school for students and staff who develop symptoms while on site

• Priority access to RATs for students and staff at Queensland Health clinics

• RATs provided to staff entering remote communities

• Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings

• Limiting of visitors on school sites, with exceptions for parents and carers of students experiencing vulnerability, and all students attending Early Childhood Development Programs, Kindergarten, Prep or Year 1

• Staggered drop off times and special drop off zones

Education Minister Grace Grace said as well as delaying the start of term by two weeks, there are a number of measures already in place to keep students and staff safe.

“These include mandatory vaccination for staff and volunteers, and the expert advice from our ventilation working group.

“Our $477 million Cleaner Cooler Schools Program is almost complete, meaning nearly all schools across the state have air conditioning which helps with ventilation.

“However, we are introducing these additional measures to help minimise the impact of Omicron in our schools.”

Minister Grace said, consistent with health advice, regular surveillance rapid antigen testing will not be required in schools.

“There is no health advice to indicate this is needed in Queensland. Instead, all students and staff will have priority access to RATs from local testing clinics if they develop symptoms.

“Of course, anyone who has symptoms should absolutely not come into school. But if staff or students develop symptoms while at school, they will be provided with a RAT to take home.  

“If there are outbreaks of COVID-19 in our schools, Queensland Health will deploy additional RATs to clinics near those locations to meet the need.”

Further information and FAQs are available online: https://qed.qld.gov.au/covid19/back-to-school

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Clermont local Alister Lawrence, who was a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, accepted the Citizen of the Year Award from Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker at a ceremony in Clermont.

Four-time PBR champion Clermont cowboy Aaron Kleier was named Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year went to organisers of the Twin Hills Race Club Race Weekend.

Corporate Community Contribution of the Year winner was Clermont4Doctors, a powerhouse community initiative between Glencore Coal and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to attract and retain doctors to Clermont.

The Spirit of Isaac Award winner was Dr Sunday Adebiyi, who has served the community of Dysart diligently for over 18 years, and still maintains such a high level of dedication to his patients and their families.

Mayor Baker said all award winners played an integral part in the community and created a positive difference to the lives of those around them.

“We are a region rich in resources, but we are also blessed with the greatest resource of all - our people, especially through 2021 – another tough year with COVID but we’re making it through together,” she said.

Mayor Baker said rural firefighters were among the heart of our Isaac’s identity.

“Citizen of the Year Alister Lawrence was among those men and women who put themselves in the line of fire,” she said.

“As a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, he battled blazes for the sheer love of his local Clermont and Isaac region communities.”

Mayor Baker said regional communities truly come alive when the rodeo comes to town.

“Having our very own champion cowboy who is a role model to many adds to the vibrancy of our region,” Mayor Baker said.

“Clermont local and professional bull rider Aaron Kleier has made history with four back-to-back Australian PBR Champion titles – 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Aaron’s a worthy Young Citizen of the Year.

“We heard about resilient and hardworking people that personify the spirit of Isaac through their passion and work and so many more.

“It is people like these who make me proud to be in Isaac. Congratulations to each of our nominees and winners - your hard work and passion is truly inspiring.”

Glenden’s Australia Day awards ceremony will be held at a later date and will be announced soon.

1 Citizen of the Year winner Alister Lawrence of Clermont. Images supplied: Isaac Regional Council

2 Young Citizen of the Year winner Aaron Kleier of Clermont

3 Corporate Community Contribution of the Year Clermont4Doctors

4 Event of the Year Twin Hills Race Club Race Weekend

5 Spirit of Isaac winner Dr Sunday Adebiyi of Dysart with Isaac Regional Councillor Sandy Moffat

6 Achievement Medallion, Senior Constable Andrew Perrett, Nebo. Pictured: Andrew Perrett, Anita Lusk, Ellie and Evie Lusk-Perrett

7 Mayor’s Award and Culture and Arts Medallion to Ilbilbie Craft Group

8 Mayor’s Award and Sports Medallion to Dysart Junior Rugby League, Bulls & Barrels Bash

9 Individual Medallion for Achievement Michael Kai-Lok Chan

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A new campaign is feeding our frontline health heroes, offering a way for the community to bolster our local health response to COVID-19.

Mater Foundation is driving a call to arms for the community to show their support for frontline health workers who are working tirelessly during the nation’s Omicron surge.

Back up the Frontline is a campaign aimed at easing the load for healthcare heroes by providing ready-made, healthy meals to more than 6000 frontline workers across Queensland.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said every $50 donation to Back up the Frontline would be doubled to provide a $100 Youfoodz voucher.

“Right now, frontline health workers are physically and emotionally exhausted; they need all the love, energy and support we can muster,” he said.

“The current Omicron surge is seeing a significant increase in hospitalisations and frontline health workers are caring for the community in difficult and demanding conditions.

“Providing a healthy, cooked meal at the end of a gruelling, extended shift in full PPE may not make their work any easier at the moment, but it will lighten the load for them when they finally make it home.”

Mater Public Hospital Emergency Department nurse Lisa Lawrence said it’s a daunting time to be a frontline health worker.

“It’s a rollercoaster,” she said.

“They’re long days and very busy.

“You get very run down. You see a lot of things. It’s not an easy job.

“The big thing with nurses is we help other people, but we forget to help ourselves. We get burnt out – and that’s even without a pandemic.

“Having ready-made meals will make life just that little bit easier for frontline workers like me and those with families at home – little kids, teenagers and husbands.

“It’s a little peace of mind after a long day. It takes a little bit of the home pressure off.”

Clinical nurse Chantel loves her job but said the pandemic has tested everyone in Emergency.

“We’re not drinking enough water and when you get home your lips are dry and you feel exhausted from wearing the PPE all day," Chantel said.

“But my colleagues make it easier, particularly on the hard days.”

Donate to Back up the Frontline at www.backupthefrontline.com.au.

Clinical nurse Chantel said the pandemic has tested everyone working in Emergency. Images supplied: Mater Hospital

Support a frontline health hero by donating to the Mater Foundation’s Back up the Frontline food campaign

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