Reflecting on 2020
ESSSuper - 11 Feb 2021
A word of thanks
Almost exactly a year ago, vast parts of our country burned in the worst bushfires in living memory.
And we are all aware of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the globe (and sadly continues to). Here in Victoria, we’ve lived through the personal challenges of Lockdown 2.0, including border closures, quarantine, not being able to visit loved ones in aged care, and much more. We pulled together and can now enjoy the sense of achievement of 'double doughnut' days with no cases acquired locally and no lives lost.
2020 was a tough time for everyone, but our members have been the heroes on the front line. It’s important to us at ESSSuper to acknowledge and be thankful for our members' efforts over the past 12 months.
To the firefighters who faced bushfires that burned 12.6 million hectares: your selflessness and determination gave whole communities their lives and the knowledge they weren’t alone. Thank you.
To the paramedics and ambulance drivers who were stretched to the limit when calls to their services skyrocketed during the lockdowns: thank you. You showed every Victorian, not just those you assisted directly, that our health services are amongst the best in the world.
To Victorian Police, who were applying 'stay at home' restrictions, enforcing mask regulations, explaining boundaries to confused and sometimes frightened motorists, and maintaining order, calm, and respect during the protests that happened: thank you.
To the teachers (and parents who became de facto teachers) who adapted to new technologies and new ways to help students learn and grow in Stage 4 restrictions: thank you too. You’re a crucial part of a wider demonstration of how we, as a community, faced a situation none of us were prepared for, took a deep breath and just got on with it.
As Mark Puli, our Chief Executive Officer, recently said in a video message: "Thank you to all our members for what you have done to assist our community during these times. We are very proud to support those who serve our community."