YOU SAY: Lack of empathy for those on Jobseeker shocking

For me the response from some left me a little shocked. Shocked at the lack of empathy, shocked at the hard nosed and uninformed comments made by some.

No one wants to be unemployed, and in this time of uncertainty for everyone surely it is time people should be saying "there but for the grace of god go I."

Those that have had to try and manage on the pittance that is Jobseeker whilst trying to find work in a very hard market need our support, a thing country people have always been renowned for, not comments like those I read. I am not a bleeding heart, just someone who actually has a heart and gives a damn about those who need a hand up and not a put down.

The Stroke Foundation's annual physical activity fundraiser Stride4stroke has well and truly exceeded expectations this year.

A record 1,484 people took part in the campaign. Stroke4Stroke encouraged participants to set an activity goal for the month of November, get moving to reduce their own stroke risk and raise funds.

I have been astounded by the extraordinary passion, dedication and generosity people have displayed especially as we navigate life during a pandemic. This year has been a challenge for all of us, and it has been wonderful to see people connect virtually and creatively throughout this campaign.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Stroke Foundation had hoped to raise $180,000 through Stride4Stroke, but that target has been broken. Our inspiring community of supporters raised an amazing $420,000. This was an incredible effort and one we are truly grateful for.

More than 27,400 people have experienced a stroke for the first time in their lives in 2020, while more than 445,000 survivors are living in the community. I am grateful we have so many people looking out for the survivors of stroke in our community and doing all they can to ensure they are supported to live well.

The third anniversary of the enactment of marriage equality legislation in Australia tracks heroic efforts in the face of opposition and inertia to overcome real threats to our community.

The pandemic of prejudice that impacts upon the welfare and life outcomes of minorities continues to be addressed by minorities in Australia, the aged, disabled, women, Indigenous people as well as LGBTIQ Australians. Like a vaccine, the road to a remedy is hard fought, but fighting the discrimination of centuries and the opposition of our own honoured institutions is a heart-breaking social history.

The tragedy of the Spanish flu in 1919 has been often cited as the COVID 19 pandemic has loomed across the world. The Australian Marriage equality legislation was both an answer to prayer from the majority of Australian Christians and testimony to the courage and tenacity of advocates working within the framework of a contemporary western democracy, and its story is a source of hope in the face of the current global battles.