One year ago today, the ACT Government declared a lockdown (originally seven days, in the event, nine weeks) after one man tested positive with COVID-19. Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Community Recovery and Emergency Relief, and Mental Health, looks back on that grim time.
“Thursday 12 August 2021 is burned into my memory as one of those moments when my world changed, and I imagine that date has similar meaning for most Canberrans,” Ms Davidson said.
“Having been in New York the day their State of Emergency was declared in March 2020 and seeing how their city responded to lockdowns, I knew that there would be economic and mental health impacts as well as the health impacts of COVID itself.
“But our beautiful Canberra community responded with kindness and compassion, supporting each other with practical help like grocery deliveries, staying socially connected online and by phone, wearing masks, and joining mutual aid and food relief groups.
“I am so proud to be a Canberran, and I hope we hold onto this spirit of kindness and sharing.
Pandemic is not over: Isolation and stress are still problems
“For many in our community, such as people with disability, older people or those with chronic health issues, they have been left feeling powerless as COVID restrictions ease.
“The pandemic is still not over and as restrictions have eased, some people in our community continue to experience social isolation and poorer mental health and wellbeing.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our COVID-smart habits such as keeping vaccinations and boosters up to date, wearing facemasks indoors, and using hand-sanitiser.
“It also helps if we can maintain some flexibility in supporting work or study from home for those who need it, and COVID-safe social connection such as meeting outdoors or in smaller groups. If we all do this, everyone can participate and live well across our community safely.”
Ms Davidson also encouraged the public to keep their vaccinations up to date.
“Being vaccinated is like having superpowers, it’s a shield that helps protect yourself and the people you love from COVID. And while not all superheroes wear capes, everyone who wears a mask in crowded indoor settings is a superhero to me.”
Ministerial responsibilities
As Minister responsible for Community Recovery and Emergency Relief, Ms Davidson is focused on social recovery: strengthening community connections and resilience, and improving the wellbeing of ACT residents following an emergency, such as bushfires, storms or pandemics.
This work is funded under the ACT 2022-23 Budget, and will be co-designed with the community to ensure people’s needs are met in future crises.
“We know that many people are looking to rejoin sports and recreation groups, create art, and continue the friendships they have made with neighbours and their local community. These are all important activities for understanding our shared experience, and regenerating our community.”
As Minister for Mental Health, Ms Davidson’s priority is to ensure that people get access to quality mental health care when they need it and where they need it.
“Living with COVID across the community has impacted people’s mental health and wellbeing,” she said. “More people are starting to realise that they may not be feeling their best, which has seen a rise in demand on mental health services. There are also people in our community whose physical and mental health has been impacted by reduced access to things that maintain wellbeing or primary care, and this is being seen now in the numbers of people needing additional healthcare.”
She is particularly concerned with young people; most people experience their first mental health issue by the age of 14. That, she explains, is why in the ACT 2022-23 Budget, she focused on funding new programs that support people earlier in their mental health journey and closer to home.
For example, the Budget will expand the Childhood Early Intervention Team into Gungahlin to ensure there is a dedicated service following increased demand for youth mental health support in the region.
“I continue to work closely with the sector to ensure that emerging issues are supported and addressed so people can live well across the community, and to see additional focus on prevention and early intervention services delivered in the community in future Budgets.”
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