Communities want support, not condescension

As the number of Covid infections grows daily, so too does community anxiety, particularly in Western and southwestern Sydney. It is clear a new approach is needed to the ongoing problems of this pandemic; to bring down infections, drive up vaccinations and calm shared anxieties. 

Organisations representing over two million people from the Catholic Church to United Workers Union and Arab Council Australia have come together to share stories, expertise and community experiences. They are calling on the Premier and the Prime Minister to take three actions. 

“The challenge confronting our community is threefold,” said Randa Kattan, CEO of Arab Council Australia. “To reduce transmission of the virus; to do so in a way that builds trust and social cohesion across the city; and to ensure the measures we take today don’t create a future disaster for families across Sydney. We cannot let this virus result in a more divided community and we cannot let the way we deal with it drive people into poverty”. 

Financial support for people who have lost income means: 

“People from low-income households who are playing their part by staying at home, getting tested and getting vaccinated should not be forced into poverty for doing the right thing,” added Maria Stornelli, Coordinator at Harris Park Vinnies Support Centre.

“Families across Western and southwest Sydney still need to pay for rent, groceries and bills, but the current support payments are confusing and inadequate. Simply we need to pay the people to stay home,” she concluded. 

Clarify and calm concerns about vaccines 

Fear of getting vaccinated is an issue for some communities because the government messaging has been so inconsistent and confused.  

From his perspective as leader of the Pacific Islander community, Reverend Alimoni Taumopeau said, “I am greatly concerned for the number of hesitancy toward vaccination from our Pacifika community. We believe hard lockdown rules and policing is contributing to the problems rather than solving it. People want to do the right, they need to be supported and encouraged by the government to do this.”

“The continued focus of our two most senior politicians on individual behaviour rather than on availability of vaccine supply and on COVID safe systems of work for essential workers distracts us from the real problems,” added Ms Kattan. 

“Anyone who has tried to book a vaccine knows there is a supply problem, and many low paid essential workers live in fear of getting the virus where they are not being provided with safe systems of work. We need to put community leaders at these critical points of communication. Blaming the community or individuals for not getting vaccinated when there is either no vaccines or people have been frightened by previous government announcements is dishonest and no solution,” she concluded.

End the divisive and patronising blame game 

”The suffering our community is experiencing is just heart breaking,” said Reverend Taumopeau. “Dealing with this virus is hard enough without adding to the burden with racism, exclusion and blame. Lockdown rules need to be equitably enforced, and enforcement efforts need to be developed in consultation with impacted communities. This lockdown calls on all of us to remain a community that cares deeply for each other and our families.” 

“We need to build trust, and trust works when everyone is treated equally. We hope that CALD communities are not singled out as people of colour. It is appalling seeing people sunbaking on the beach and yet, some of us are not allowed to leave our homes and our LGAs. If we are all together in this, the rules should apply to everyone,” Reverend Taumopeau concluded.

Find out more about our demands of the NSW and Morrison governments, and the organisations who support our calls here:  https://www.sydneyalliance.org.au/proposal-for-nsw-government-response-to-covid-19-outbreak 

Spokespeople:  

Reverend Alimoni Taumoepeau, Uniting Church 

Maria Stornelli, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW 

Randa Kattan, CEO of Arab Council Australia 

For further information and to connect with the spokespeople listed above, contact: 

David Barrow, Lead Organiser, 0416 028 001 

dbarrow@sydneyalliance.org.au 

Note: image was taken prior to the current outbreak of Covid-19 in our communities.