By the time you read this it will be only 51 weeks until 2023.
Wow, where has the time gone?
What have I learned in 2021 and what have I failed to understand?
I recently walked along the new walkway between Alex and Mooloolaba and while it isn’t finished, it looks to me like the council is doing a pretty good job giving access to the masses.
So, I have learnt that sometimes naysayers can be wrong.
A lot of folk were bleating ‘disaster’ when this was first tossed up, but it looks to me like they may have been wrong, depending of course on perspective.
Mine is, it will allow a lot more people access – including people with disabilities – whereas others may just want to leave things as they were, catering for the few, which I am happy is a thing of the past.
I have learned in 2021 that some Australians have decided all menial tasks should be done by international tourists on work visas and if they aren’t available, well that work simply doesn’t get done.
How un-Australian is that?
I have been reminded that people stress out at this time of year, trying to buy presents that will impress and also trying to make the best of their vacation by arguing continually about what and how much fun they are trying to have.
I have failed to understand the COVID rules.
This rotten thing is not going away any time soon.
I understand that, but the minefield of different rules is totally confusing and has certainly made working in hospitality a challenge.
Sure, 40 years ago I wanted to be a police officer, but luckily for all concerned, I failed the medical.
But four decades on, politicians want me to do the coppers’ job for them.
In fact, I don’t even believe it’s the job of police; they have far too much other stuff to do.
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Politicians could maybe give a hand, rather than just get on TV and say the police will handle it.
Maybe they could set up information tents in front of licensed premises explaining the rules.
Hopefully one day, COVID will be remembered as a shot over the bow reminding us how precious life is, and how picking fruit or washing dishes is just as important as any other job.
Let’s hope at the very least for a happy new year for 2023.
Ashley Robinson is a columnist with Sunshine Coast News and My Weekly Preview. His views are his own.
