There is a new campaign in the Illawarra all about encouraging mate helping mate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 'Mateship is Contagious' Facebook group for people to place positive posts started when Flagstaff Fine Foods was struggling to meet a 40 per cent increase in demand for their meals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive manager Dan Burns realised addressing the supply shortage could lead to the re-employment of some staff stood-down due to the temporary closure of Wests Illawarra.
So he reached out to mate and fellow Leadership Illawarra Program (LIP) cohort member and Aster Group food beverage executive Yianni Barthelmess.
Working together they re-employed five Wests Illawarra kitchen team members who, along with the Flagstaff team, produce between 2000 and 3000 meals each night shift for Meals on Wheels and aged care providers.
Sous chef Tristan Read said it is great to get back in the kitchen and use his skills for such good. And will be able to apply what he has learned about workflow, organisation and communication back at Wests when it re-opens.
Inspiration from the act of mateship inspired LIP to launch the Mateship is Contagious social media campaign to boost the spirit of mateship in the community.
RDA Illawarra chief executive Debra Murphy said LIP involves emerging leaders who have been challenged professionally and personally during COVID-19 but have galvanised together to support each and desomstate true mateship in action.
LIP members want the community to join the Mateship is Contagious Facebook group and share stories like the one involving Mr Burns and Mr Barthelmess.
Campaign champion Julia Frith said it was a great platform to share stories of mateship and match those in need with 'mates' in the community with the right skills and connections to make a difference.
Ms Frith said with this ANZAC Day set to be like no other, the LIP cohort is calling on the community to demonstrate the spirit of mateship.
"By following the lead of our ANZACS we can show how the Illawarra pulls together in our hour of need," she said.
Read more:
- Koonawarra veteran Derek Howard was only 17 when he was sent to a 'bullshit' war
- IMB Bank celebrates 140th birthday by supporting customers and the community through COVID-19
- A Woonona business with an online infection control training module is in huge national demand
- The Illawarra community is being encouraged to wave a wand to help the KidzWish fairy help those in need
- Vietnam veteran Don Tate will start ANZAC Day quietly and then reflect on the footage he took on a movie camera he has been reunited with after 50 years
- Hell on the home front: Vietnam Veteran Don Tate's story
- Vietnam veteran Don Tate continues his fight for recognition of the 2nd D&E Platoon
- Links Seaside residents to look on from their balconies as they participate in Australia's Driveway ANZAC Tribute on Saturday
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
