As a lifelong Sydney resident, I know the people of this city have what it takes to defeat Covid.

Sydneysiders are a tough people.

We pride ourselves on our individualism, but when the chips are down, we dig in and work together.

I see the Sydney spirit shining every day in my own community in the inner west.

Every morning, dozens of volunteers from all walks of life band together at the Addison Road Food Bank to pack 800 food hampers for people doing it tough.

Many of these good people are themselves out of work. This spirit of goodwill is reflected right across the state.

The quickest way out of this miserable, costly lockdown is for people to be vaccinated and for there to be purpose-built quarantine facilities.

It is true there have been frustrating shortages of vaccine.

But Sydneysiders are always optimistic and prepared to look forward.

The Sydney spirit will get us through this and secure us the freedom to once again enjoy all aspects of life in the most beautiful city in the world.


This opinion piece was first published in The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, 5 August, 2021.