Friday 13 August 2021
Message from CEO
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to all staff, participants and supporters of Mercy Connect who continue to be committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of each other during these challenging times. The effects of COVID-19 over the past 18 months are ongoing, as positive case numbers continue to rise and fluctuate across Australia and other countries.
To minimise the risk of infection, we are all required to follow federal and state based Public Health Orders, restrictions and advice:
NSW Legislation – COVID-related legislation
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
However, it is evident from recent anti-lockdown / anti-vaccination protests and social media posts that not everyone agrees with our respective governments’ handling of infection control and public health. Whilst every Australian citizen is entitled to their own opinion, it is completely unacceptable to break the law, and incredibly irresponsible to spread misinformation, including on social media. Especially when these actions put other people’s lives at risk, which often includes the elderly, health compromised and / or those living with disability.
Let me be very clear on Mercy Connect’s position regarding COVID-19 vaccination:
“Wherever possible, all Australians should be vaccinated”.
Our Executive and Management teams, alongside the Mercy Connect Board, will continue to encourage all staff to receive their COVID-19 vaccination, and actively support our Participants to receive theirs too (where informed consent has been provided).
To achieve this, all Mercy Connect staff must continue to comply by Federal and State laws, and adhere to Mercy Connect’s policies, procedures and guidelines, regardless of their personal views.
We are all expected to proudly, and respectfully, promote our Mercy legacy and through our individual actions and words. Please note that any staff conduct which does not align to Mercy Connect Values and / or brings the company’s reputation into disrepute, may lead to disciplinary action.
Please note that it is highly likely that COVID-19 vaccinations will soon become mandatory within the disability sector, as supported by the recent updated advice published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. For those who may be experiencing vaccination hesitancy, I strongly encourage you to seek out medical advice and support from a trained health or medical professional.
With cases now spreading into regional parts of NSW, I can only anticipate that we will once again be required to enact our own lockdown procedures, as the Orange team recently did. Therefore, I encourage everyone to continue working together and with Team Leaders and Managers, to ensure any changes required in response to an emergency, are enacted with minimal impact.
If any additional support is needed during this time, please contact your Team Leader / Manager, or Mercy Connect’s confidential and free counselling service – AccessEAP on 1800 81 87 28.
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer