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12 Feel-Good Aussie Stories In The Time Of Coronavirus
It’s been a tough few weeks. There isn’t a person anywhere in the world who hasn’t been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. But as always, Aussies are pulling through with the fighting and generous spirit we’re known for. Here are 12 heart-warming and funny local stories that will make you bloody proud of this country…
It’s been a tough few weeks. There isn’t a person anywhere in the world who hasn’t been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
But as always, Aussies are pulling through with the fighting and generous spirit we’re known for. Here are 12 heart-warming and funny local stories that will make you bloody proud of this country and put a smile on your face.
1.
People are dressing up to take their bins to the kerb.
Maddy Schneider / Via facebook.com, Michelle Trebilco / Via Facebook: 306002627033697, Lisa Mcdonald Hooper / Via facebook.com
Facebook group, Bin Isolation Outing, isn’t going to let the coronavirus get in the way of a good outfit opportunity. People are getting dressed up in the most outrageous, most formal or just downright hilarious outfits to take their bins to the kerb — and posting photos and videos to the other 900,000 members of the group!
2.
A small cinema owner continued to pay his casual staff their wages for six weeks — despite not being able to screen films, as per social distancing restrictions.
@hornsbyodeon / Via Facebook: hornsbyodeon
David Stone, like other small business owners, is entitled to an emergency financial relief package, in order to help pay rent, electricity and other business expenses, which are now near impossible to cover due to the economic fallout from this pandemic. Rather than do this, he has chosen to spend the full amount on giving his casual staff their usual wages for the next six weeks, despite the cinema not being able to screen movies to create revenue.
3.
A local Facebook group, Adopt A Healthcare Worker NSW Regional, aims to give healthcare workers the mental and practical support that will be necessary to get through these times.
Kim Simpson / Via facebook.com
Started by a fellow healthcare worker, this Facebook group aims to pair volunteers with those on the frontline of this pandemic. Volunteers then do what they can to alleviate everyday pressures — whether it be delivering meals, sewing scrubs, or even just calling once in a while to check on their mental health.
4.
Likewise, Adopt A Nan or Pop pairs seniors with volunteers who deliver basic food and toiletry items to them.
Jenny Evans / Getty Images
This beautiful initiative was started to give the elderly of our community the care and support necessary in a time when simply venturing out into public puts their lives at risk. Over 1,300 volunteers are being allocated different areas, in the hopes that none of the most vulnerable in our community go without their basic needs being met.
5.
Through their #TogetherInArt initiative, the Art Gallery of NSW is bringing short art classes to everyone at home, led by the most renowned of Aussie artists.
View this photo on Instagram
@artgalleryofnsw / Via instagram.com
Many industries are suffering as a result of this pandemic, and the arts is certainly one of them, with galleries and venues closed to enforce social distancing. Despite this, the Art Gallery of NSW is making sure its patrons have access to art, even in these times — with famous Aussie artists, such as renowned painters Del Kathryn Barton and Ben Quilty, filming short tutorials for people to follow along at home.
If you would like to donate to the Art Gallery of NSW, you can do so here.
6.
Likewise, The Australian Ballet have released a digital season of their most beloved and uplifting productions — completely free.
View this photo on Instagram
@ausballet / Via instagram.com
An evening watching one of the company’s breathtaking productions is often the highlight of many Aussies’ year. Despite planned seasons no longer going ahead, The Australian Ballet has still made it possible to spend the night ‘at the ballet’ — you can currently stream the decadent and romantic The Sleeping Beauty and enjoy Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet in weeks to come.
If you would like to donate to the Australian Ballet, you can do so here.
7.
Aussie toilet brand, Quilton, donated one million rolls to those who need it most.
@QuiltonLovesYourBum / Via Facebook: QuiltonLovesYourBum
Like elsewhere in the world, Australian supermarkets have consistently been cleared of toilet paper. It has meant that often, the most vulnerable have gone without and Quilton wanted to do something about it. From March 24, the company worked with registered charities to ensure rolls went to the elderly, the ill and disadvantaged.
8.
People have been filling windows with stuffed animals, for kids to find on their daily walks — inspired by beloved childhood book, “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt”.
Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed
Children who might’ve once got their exercise from ballet or soccer are now depending on daily walks to get their exercise. In an attempt to make it a more whimsical activity for the kids, this Facebook group suggests neighbourhoods work together to infuse some joy into this daily routine — already over 20,000 people have joined.
9.
Hobbyists are banding together to make the scrubs that medical staff so urgently need.
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Kiana-Jye Hill / Via facebook.com, Clare Laurie / Via facebook.com
As a result of the pandemic, shipping times for online purchases have been affected — including those for medical scrubs. This Facebook group connects hobbyists and small businesses with medical professionals looking for bright and joyful scrubs to wear in what is a very physically and emotionally demanding time.
10.
Facebook group, Drawings For Oldies, aims to connect the art of young volunteers to Aged Care facilities, bringing joy to local seniors who are being distanced from outside visitors.
Anmol Malhotra / Via facebook.com, Georgia Louise / Via facebook.com, Alice Tanoemarga / Via facebook.com
Members of the Facebook group are uploading photos of their children’s artwork, for staff to either print or have sent for hanging in Aged Care homes, hopefully bringing joy to residents. Despite being less than a month old, there are already close to 1,000 members.
11.
Not-for-profit, Alex Makes Meals, has delivered over 2,000 meals, feeding over 600 healthcare workers for free.
View this photo on Instagram
@alexmakesmeals / Via instagram.com
Over 100 volunteers have banded together to alleviate some of the pressure that our first-responders are feeling at this time. Founded by uni student, Alex Dekker, Alex Makes Meals is cooking and delivering food for our local healthcare heroes, who are often neglecting their own basic needs to take care of our community.
If you would like to donate to Alex Makes Meals, you can do so here. They also have a Facebook page, through which people can volunteer.
12.
And last, but not least, people from this apartment block, led by professional opera singers, sang this heart-warming rendition of “I Still Call Australia Home”.
View this video on YouTube
Ed Hayes / Haysey Productions / Via youtube.com
Tomas Dalton and Tom Hamilton performed this goosebump-inducing rendition of Australia’s low-key preferred anthem, at their Waterloo apartment for their neighbours. Just watch and try not to be moved to tears.
Have a local feel-good story? Share in the comments below.
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