As the time approaches for our Annual Show (which has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns), it is again becoming apparent why we needed to be so cautious. This virus has reared its ugly head in Victoria in a way unimagined, and still denied, by many. It has shown its face in other states and our own with some increase again in restrictions at the time of writing. More evidence is appearing about the devastating after-effects that this virus can have and, while it is particularly vicious for frail elderly people, the ranks are swelling of younger people killed or left with life long health conditions. When a virus crosses from animals to humans our makeup has little resistance. AIDS has demonstrated this to us; a virus for which we still do not have a cure even after so many years since its appearance though, thankfully, treatment has become much more effective. With this background it is up to all of us to ‘keep on keeping on’, but with caution. So it is with the Show Society and many other groups and services in the community, particularly those first line responders for whom we must all be grateful, many of whom have become ill and even died.
I don’t want to minimise the heroic efforts of those in the health and aged care sectors who are facing unprecedented challenges. Good and bad are evident in all communities, though, and this becomes prominent in times of crisis. During bush fires and floods we have those who bravely face the dangers and then those who ignore or even exploit the suffering. This pandemic is no different. Humanity survives due to core values of caring and generosity embraced by the vast majority of people of all cultures and spiritual leanings. Fundamental to this are a plethora of community events that bind us and give us a focus for constructive, sharing activities. Our Show is only one of many events that provide an opportunity for communities to plan and rebuild after crises. From the smallest to the largest, these are all important for they give us the one thing we must never lose, hope.
I started writing this to say that the progress in our infrastructure developments, largely thanks to a major Federal Government Grant, have been proceeding smoothly. I thought that I might acknowledge those who are taking the most active role in the process but realised this was likely to embarrass them and I might leave someone very important out. So, I have decided not to submit what I’ve written to the Yankalilla Regional News, but have written a short poem devoted to all of the quiet achievers out there. Many of us know who they are within our own circles of experience and these people definitely know who they are but probably minimise their contribution. I thank them all and, if you don’t know who they are, when you next attend a public event that you enjoy, spend a moment wondering about this, even enquiring about this, and show that you appreciate these efforts in any way you can.
Quiet Heroes
There are those around
Who in the background work
Embarrassed by acknowledgement
Saying what they do is not unusual.
And this is indeed true
For these folk are rife
Diligent in their roles
Not expecting extra recompense.
But largely faceless they are
Others expecting the things at which they toil
For it has always been so
Damming the water that flows.
Building, creating, repairing, challenging
Focussing on outcomes
Rarely complaining about difficulties
Concentration on the task.
Unsung heroes they are
Providing events we enjoy
Services that we require
Their joy in the doing, regardless of cost.
Brian Matthews
12/8/2020
Brian’s Reflections 