It has taken a long time but it is good that we are finally beginning to see some easing of restrictions. After all these months of cloistered living and sacrifice, normal life seems a distant memory. There have been pros and cons to the change in lifestyle – such as keeping to a small radius which forced us to support only the most local of services. Personally, I have found it has insulated my experiences and having more time to reflect has galvanised some of my perceptions of self, family, the world around me and the dynamic between them all.
The human race has been “taken to school” by Covid-19 and I doubt many of us will resume life with the same outlooks that we had before. Over the last six months, we have been reminded that we are fallible, that not everything is within our control and that we need routine and contact with our friends and loves ones to feel whole. We have seen the earth catch its breath as water and air quality has improved for a time as movement and consumerism changed shape – but we have also seen devastating effects to small businesses, families and communities. Not to mention that we are all acutely aware that the long-term effects on Australian and international economies are yet to be fully realised. These great shifts are affecting us all in ways we could not foresee nor prepare for so, even though we have learned, adjusted and overcome much, there is still a lot that is beyond the horizon.
Closer to home, perhaps more than ever, we have felt the need to make the most of the chance to engage with neighbours over the fence, spend time in the garden and walk our beautiful coastal tracks and villages. I’m sure many are eager to resume roles as active members in our local communities and get back to work looking after our foreshores, parks and clubs. Engaging with others in a common endeavour can have a powerful positive effect on our mental health. When we achieve goals together, share each other’s company, have a few laughs and enjoy the relief of a job well done, it makes us all feel better.
Now that the case numbers are down in Victoria (and happily summer will soon be upon us), it shouldn’t be too long before we will start hearing about the resumption of the familiar activities normally present on our calendars. As our gatherings and working bees resume, the individual Merricks Beach committees will be ensuring the ongoing safety of all in attendance by making sure Covid-safe protocols are followed. Regular updates are received from the Shire and requirements will evolve as 2020-21 progresses.
I’m sure everyone would agree that this year has been a difficult one to overcome but as we rekindle our friendships and begin to move around more freely, as we catch up with loved ones and look forward to Christmas, it is my hope that we will continue to celebrate the commonalities between us and share in the privilege it is to live in this wonderful part of the world.
Sharon Muhleisen
If you are in need of support or require more information on restrictions in our area, you can go to https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Community-Services/Health-Wellbeing/Community-Health-Wellbeing/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-updates-latest-news-and-information or
contact the Mornington Peninsula Shire (24 hours) on 1300 850 600.