Celebs Ray Hadley, Nat Barr, Sam Mac back Sydney Strong campaign
Sydney’s celebrities including Nat Barr, Ray Hadley and Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich share the advice, mottos and coping strategies helping them through Sydney’s lockdown.
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When times get tough, Kate Ritchie likes to remind herself of a mantra.
“I feel it’s a time to gently remind ourselves daily that ‘this too shall pass,” the co-host of Nova’s Kate, Tim and Joel show said.
“It can be tough to find the light sometimes but one day this will be a chapter we merely reflect on. Hopefully that day comes soon.”
Ritchie, who went to high school in Campbelltown, is one of a host of celebrities who have joined The Daily Telegraph’s Sydney Strong campaign, which aims to bring some optimism and inspiration to a city in lockdown.
While Ritchie’s main advice for residents is to “be kind to one another,” her Nova co-host Tim Blackwell has another suggestion.
“Many of us also find ourselves as teachers, carers and full-time chefs feeding around-the-clock hungry kids. It’s important through all this to still take some time for ourselves and breath,” he said. “If that fails, pour a cocktail into your keep cup, and ring the bell early. I promise I won’t tell the principal!”
See what other Sydney’s high profile celebrities had to say about the current crisis engulfing our beautiful city and its amazing inhabitants.
Melissa Doyle, smoothfm announcer
“Sending lots of love, in particular to those who live alone. And thinking of all the Year 12 kids … go easy on yourselves. I know it feels tough right now, but the most important thing is just getting through it, happy and healthy.”
Natalie Barr, Sunrise co-host
“I have friends with businesses who are barely holding on. I’ve just had my second AstraZeneca jab and like a lot of people I know, think this is our only way out. Let’s get those vax rates up!”
Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich
“It’s hard to hard to know what to say when this pandemic effects all of us in so many different ways, but for us we try and focus on the things that are in our control, focus on the moment at hand and limit stressing about the future unknowns – we focus on the things that we can do to keep us healthy and happy, and give gratitude to what we have.
We are so grateful for those frontline workers helping support our community and every person forgoing their normal freedoms to get us all through this as safely as possible.”
Sam Mac, Sunrise weatherman
“Control what you can control.
That’s the motto that’s helping me through this challenging time, or “situation” as I like to call it.
It’s completely natural to focus energy on all of the things we’re missing out on, the things that have been taken away from us through no fault of our own.
But if we work on our mindset, and begin to appreciate the things we can control, it’s a much more productive approach.
We can control our daily workouts, cooking new meals, touching base with friends and family on Zoom, learning new skills etc.
There are thousands of things we still have control over if we really put our mind to it.
And if you’re looking for a true lesson in perspective, read “The Happiest Man on Earth” by Eddie Jaku.
Or my new book “Accidental Weatherman” which I’m not above shamelessly promoting here.
Stay safe friends. It’s not forever.”
Ray Hadley – 2GB mornings presenter
“Lockdown isn’t easy.
“Especially for those of us who love spending every spare second with our families.
“I miss my children and grandchildren like crazy, but if we knuckle-down and get through this, we’ll come out the other side stronger than ever before.
“And that’ll happen even sooner if we get vaccinated. AstraZeneca or Pfizer … whatever you can get your hands on. Book yourself in for a jab and let’s get back to normal as soon as possible!”
Reuben Styles, Peking Duk muso
“There’s clearly a divide right now between many people’s beliefs on what’s right or what’s wrong. Misinformation conspiracies are just sadly making waves. Any person not working nor seeing loved ones are going to be feeling low. It’s more important than ever right now not to forget to love and support each other as these times are straight up shit for everyone!”
Kent Small – host of Nova’s Smallzy’s Surgery
“Sydneysiders have been through some stuff in their time. This is just one of our challenges. Stay home. Mask up. Roll up your sleeve and this summer we will be having BBQs and laying on our beaches if we do the hard work now. Let’s do this.”
Michelle Bridges, personal trainer
“My thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to everyone who is currently still under lockdown. Being kind to yourself right now is a gift. Taking the time to move your body and clear your mind, through exercise, in any form, is exactly that gift.”
Michael Wipfli, Nova 96.9’s Fitzy and Wippa
“When times are challenging we have to find the positives. From remembering how lucky we are to live in NSW, to feeling loved by friends and family. Oh, and the footy is on each weekend. We’ve got this.”
Samantha Harris, model
“As hard as it is for everyone right now, we must remain positive and appreciate the little things in life. Luke and I are so lucky to have a new dog in our lives. We look forward to our daily walks, his enthusiasm and love of life puts a big smile on our faces. Sending love and support to everyone in greater Sydney.”
Angie Asimus, 7NEWS weather presenter
“Having just spent 14 days in home isolation as a close contact of a COVID-19 case, what stands out to me is the joy that comes from the smallest gestures.
A friend dropping some baked treats on the doorstep made my day!
Messages from my Seven colleagues to ask if I was ok.
Video calls with my family.
We all need a tribe right now – especially people who live alone.
Let’s help each other and be kind.”
David Koch, Sunrise host
“What I love about being Australian is the way we help each other when times are tough.
This pandemic is a beast, it’s hard to control and none of us saw it coming.
It is putting everyone under stress … emotionally, financially and our health.
We all need to watch out for each other … family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
It’s a time to care, to pull together, get vaccinated and build a path back to some sort of normal.”
Cameron Daddo, smoothfm evening announcer
“No doubt these past months have been tough, and in so many varied ways. The one thing we all share, we are ALL affected. No-one has escaped.
“So what now? Knowing that we’re all impacted- be kind, check in with friends and family and listen to what they say. Sometimes, just having someone listen without offering “a fix” is the best medicine. Wishing you and yours patience, persistence and kindness … this too shall pass.”
Angela Cox, 7NEWS presenter
“Lockdown is tough. But the end is in sight if we just get vaccinated. I got double vaxxed as soon as I could. My mum is very ill and I wanted to protect her and the other people in our community who are most at risk.
“I also see friends who own businesses that are struggling, and I just miss being able to travel freely.
“The vaccines might not be perfect but they are better than the alternative – a life in and out of lockdowns! I encourage everyone to do it as soon as they can. If you’re worried – talk to your GP. Get the Vax Facts! Stay strong Sydney. We got this. #sydneystrong”
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