“Better to be ‘stir crazy’ and safe” than pass virus to elders

Butta Windee resident Andrew Binsiar says the tanks on his barramundi farm are cleaner than ever since the WA Government restricted traffic in and out of Aboriginal communities last week. “I’m sure I’ve mowed the lawn three or four times in the last couple of days,” he said. Mr Binsiar said the 12 members of his community, 5km from Meekatharra, had accepted the COVID-19 precaution without complaint, although it had caused many inconveniences. “It’s better to be ‘stir crazy’ and safe than giving one of our old people something they don’t want,” he said. “My fish farm is going to suffer because there’s been no tourists coming, so the little business I started is going to fall flat on its face.” Mr Binsiar is also a visiting art teacher with Youth Focus at the Yalgajinna and Karralundi communities. “They made it very clear they don’t want anyone to go out there,” he said. “But we definitely won’t run out of food — what a food to get stuck with — barramundi!” On Thursday, March 19, WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt announced new “enforceable directions” to restrict access in and out of remote Aboriginal communities. Exceptions include access for medical reasons, emergencies and obtaining essential services and supplies. “The directions will apply to each remote Aboriginal community across the State,” Mr Wyatt said. His cousin, Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt, said the National Cabinet provided in-principle agreement for the Commonwealth Minister for Health to take similar action under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act. “This follows the decisions of a number of indigenous communities and the Western Australian Government ... and considerations by the Northern Territory Government to phase up their response by restricting access to remote communities,” he said. “Isolation and remoteness offer opportunities for delaying or potentially preventing an outbreak of COVID-19 in remote indigenous communities. “However, high mobility of community members and a reliance on visiting and outreach activities and services increase the risk of COVID-19 occurring in these communities.” For coronavirus updates: - The Geraldton Guardian: Local news and updates - The West Australian: Live blog and latest reports - City of Greater Geraldton: Affected city programs, shows and events - State Government: HealthyWA and Coronavirus info - Commonwealth Department of Health - National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080