Covid-19, Swellnet, and the way forward

Ben Matson picture
Ben Matson (thermalben)
Surfpolitik

To say that we’re in at time of unprecedented upheaval seems kinda irrelevant now.

I really wanted to avoid being yet another business making public statements about Covid-19. Over the last two weeks my inbox has filled with generic messages from almost every company I’ve ever transacted with, telling me to wash my hands and practise social distancing. You don’t need to hear that from me.

But my hand has been forced, because Swellnet is now in an unusual position where we’re receiving a deluge of feedback - through our website comments, email forms and social media channels - about how we should be running our business.

The problem is that everyone has a completely different view.

Some surfers have congratulated us for keeping the website live. Many people who access Swellnet don’t always have any intention of visiting the beach, but they like to stay connected to the ocean - albeit digitally - and so Swellnet is a small lifeline of sanity.

On the other hand, some surfers have pinpointed our surf reports, forecasts and surfcams as being the primary source for busy beachside carparks around the country. The odd thing about these claims are that most of the crowding issues seen in mainstream media are associated with beach-goers (not surfers) and in many cases have occurred at beaches without surf (i.e. St Kilda).

To help address the issue, we placed a notice atop our Surf Reports and Forecaster Notes. In capital letters, it states: “UNLESS YOU LIVE AT THE BEACH, PLEASE DON'T TRAVEL TO SURF”.

Included below was some reasoning: “Travelling to the surf now means you're putting an unnecessary strain on the resources of small regional communities. So, please stay home.”

We thought this was a useful surfer's translation of the government’s already-clear message, which is: “Stay At Home”.

Unfortunately, this has been misinterpreted by some as being a kind of ‘Locals Only’ enforcement. It’s nothing of the sort, it’s simply reiterating the fact that by travelling away from your home - whether that's one kilometre, ten kilometres, or one hundred kilometers - you risk unknowingly transporting Covid-19 to another suburb or region which doesn’t have the same resources as bigger cities.

The same principle applies if you were thinking about travelling inland for a spot of rock-climbing or fishing. Please stay at home. Just because you don't have symptoms, it doesn't mean you aren't infected. The government's advice is to act like you DO have Covid-19, and curtail any unnecessary activities and travel.

As for the suggestion that Swellnet should shut down its services indefinitely so as to stop surfers heading to the coast: it’s a futile strategy. Our subscriber number is very low relative to the amount of surfers around the country, and any surfer hell-bent on defying the advice and getting wet will simply look for another resource to provide the information they need.

Should we also ask the BOM to cease live weather feeds, and the various government departments to switch off wave buoys? How about other websites that provide surf and beach information? 

And more importantly, at what point are services allowed to resume? We cannot underestimate how long Covid-19 is likely to influence our lives, and lifestyle. Current governmental advice suggests six months of significant disruption, some specialists suggest much longer.  

Swellnet doesn’t have a communications department, nor do we employ PR strategists. We’re just another small family-owned business trying to plot a path forward, and hoping that we don’t have to close the doors like so many others have unfortunately been forced to do.

We’re very thankful for your ongoing support. And, we are also grateful for the opportunity to provide a platform for surfers to discuss this issue.

Comments

Detox's picture
Detox's picture
Detox Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:21am

Thank you Swellnet

Geoffw's picture
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Geoffw Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:28pm

Thank you Swellnet for a good reply under difficult circumstances. The services you provide are not only surf reports, You provide another corridor for constant communication about surfing and everything else related to it.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:20am

The advice from Scomo is that you're allowed out to a) shop; b)work and attend medical appointments; c) exercise. So surfing is exercise isn't it?

I live near the beach and have gotta say its been a bit less crowded which is always good. But people are still allowed to exercise if they stick to social distancing and exercise alone or wth family members so from this point of view, there's no reason why swellnet should tell people to stay at home if they dont live near the beach.

Saying stuff like this encourages a tribalistic attitude amongst people who live near the beach. And how close is "living near the beach"? I mean, can you only surf winki if you live in jan juc or does torquay count? Barwon Heads? Ocean Grove? Anglesea?
Or is what you're saying, "no out of area people, ie people from Melbourne?" It's stupid

On the other hand, lets just admit it - and the panic shoppers prove me right - when the shit hits the fan it's Everyman for himself. This idea that we're all in it together is a Disney movie fantasy.

geek's picture
geek's picture
geek Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:38am

“No out of area people, ie people from Melbourne?"

100% this. Don’t live in the region, gtfo. Simple

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:52pm

"there's no reason why swellnet should tell people to stay at home if they dont live near the beach."

There is a reason now, Dan Andrews has made it clear (unless Surfcoast locals have hijacked his twitter feed):

"And just so we're clear: 'getting some exercise' means going for a walk around the block or a bike ride to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

It means staying local - not driving for miles or being out all day."

See 'Covid-19, Swellnet and the way forward' thread for the screenshot in the comments, thanks LD.

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:20pm

Oh, ok. Fair enough. I don’t check Twitter

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:55am

Velocity read this - the legislation

Dan Andrews Twitter is not law

This is

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Stay%20...

stephen.allen's picture
stephen.allen's picture
stephen.allen Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:19pm

If one can walk to the beach then one lives near the beach. If one has to drive then that is travel and the beach is not near. Exercise may occur at a place that is near and does not involve travel.

Reikimyo's picture
Reikimyo's picture
Reikimyo Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 9:30am

I agree with Billy the Kid.
I surf at Torquay and the numbers of surfers has dropped.
I live in the surfcoast shire which is a large shire, 1,553 square kilometres. So if I'm considered a local, that's a lot of locals.

monkeypig's picture
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monkeypig Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:40pm

The crowds in Torquay today are insane. Winki, Bells, Torquay point etc all packed. There’s no social distancing at all. Didn’t the Vic Gov say no more than 2 people congregating at a time? Why not just have premium members getting live streaming maybe?

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:53am

Just wanted to make it clear that the legislation does not prohibit driving to the beach for a surf

Exercise is allowed and there is nothing mentioned about it being local

Dan Andrews comments on Twitter re exercising locally are not the law. They are unhelpful and irrelevant

Read the legislation yourselves at

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Stay%20...

stephen.allen's picture
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stephen.allen Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:21pm

If one is driving to the surf then that surf is not near and therefore driving is travel.

tango's picture
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tango Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:54pm

That's about as straightforward as you can get, I reckon. Driving to Bells/Winky from Juc is one thing, but driving from Geelong or Melbourne .....FFS.

inzider's picture
inzider's picture
inzider Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:23am

Its definitely not your fault people are selfish gits.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:28am

Repost from another thread :

Coast is packed cause a million odd people just lost their jobs .

Swellnet isn’t “ tempting “ people to go to the beach with a surf report.

This may sound strange in the modern age but people need to put on their big boy pants and act responsibly off their own bat. Particularly as we enter a time when the focus and effect of authorities is needed elsewhere and we really need commonsense to come to the fore if we are going to pull through this little episode OK.

We all need to take personal responsibility for our actions. Do you blame women wearing a skirt for being raped ? No , of course you don’t . So don’t go shifting blame from the fucktards that are doing the wrong thing and are going to do the wrong thing anyway.....because they’re fucktards.

It’s called having an act. Get one .

In the meantime, I find the Swellnet online community extremely helpful as my physical community gets smaller. This is a good and valuable service when we are locked down and pressure makes things weird. It’s a great line of open communication where we can help each other and keep each other informed of what’s going down.

So rather than going full retard with the burning torches and pitchforks, please consider those of us who appreciate Swellnet retaining a semblance of normalcy and a connection to each other and the passion for surfing that we all share.

Cheers

jayet-010's picture
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jayet-010 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:16pm

South Trigg webcam ... how fuckin stupid are we ...

Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:45pm

Fark!


gunther's picture
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gunther Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:14pm

Wow...looks tiny too

epictard's picture
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epictard Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:17pm

Was going to say that too. Went to watch the cam first to see if that screen grab was taken during a lull. That is an insane crowd for those conditions; is it always that packed when so small and seemingly closing out on most waves?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:31pm

Perth is a cruel joke .

Waveless and barren shithole plonked on one of the best coasts in the world. Couple of nice pubs on the beach near Cottesloe though. Beaches can be pretty, but for surfing ......vomit .

https://www.swellnet.com/forums/wax/239846

epictard's picture
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epictard Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:37pm

Nice piece of poetry that certainly reflects that vision perfectly. I should frequent the forums more often.

Totom's picture
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Totom Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:29pm

it isn't as busy, that's about 1km stretch of beach, the perspective doesn't show that. And yes it was small, but still first (small) swell in 2 weeks I recall so yes it was popular. I was in the water too (bottom left corner, not getting barreled, that's me). there actually is a descent 10 m between everyone on that picture. plus it's been proven by my thought process, that the virus dies within 10 seconds of getting in contact with salt water (otherwise we shouldn't surf, and that's not possible) .

jayet-010's picture
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jayet-010 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:36pm

I'm north of you but have being getting down south regularly, until recently.

My complaint is mainly selfish as this type o f behaviour is going to ruin it for everyone.

If we all show a little bit of restraint, maybe they won't shut the beaches and we all get to keep surfing!

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:16pm

OMG this is the stupidity that will get a blanket ban on surfing all around Australia.

Legrope's picture
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Legrope Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:49pm

Thanks Swellnet for keeping us all informed.
This is fucken bullshit. I’m not far from here but staying low at home because I’m being responsible.
Every time we see scenes like this, it adds another 3 weeks to self isolation for everyone. So now our self isolation starts again from today!
Thanks selfish cunts. Go home and stay there until this passes.
If we all follow recommendations then we could rid Australia of this in a month.
We are fighting 2 things here. Stupidity and Covid 19. Unfortunately Covid 19 is the treatable of the two.
It’s because of assholes like these is why we are going to be battling the virus all year long.

Nickerless's picture
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Nickerless Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:29pm

the government legislation is designed to make this last for as long as possible to put less stress on our health care system by "flattening the curve". this virus won't go away in a month mate..

milney's picture
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milney Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 4:06pm

It would be interesting to see a camera shot from directly in front - the angle I suspect makes people closer than they otherwise were. Disclaimer - I surfed early that morning on what was initially a quiet little peak, and left when the number of people started to impact on social distancing norm. (and yep, as a Perth surfer, with travel restrictions preventing movement outside the region you live in, we now have few other options). However, it raises some questions. If we are able to continue to surf in our local area as a form of exercise, how many of us would show up at a beachie, see good surf, but choose not to surf based on the number of other people out - especially if there were not many other alternative options? I reckon plenty of us would end up being one of the heads in the picture above, and blame everyone else for it being crowded.

john.lyons's picture
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john.lyons Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:42pm

This may be so, but what about the 2,500 sets of hands touching surfaces ????
SPREAD

yogii's picture
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yogii Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:29pm

They obviously didn't check Swellnet

shraz's picture
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shraz Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:49pm

whoa, that looks worse than snapper on a good day! barely a wave too.

pigdog's picture
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pigdog Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:50pm

Haha is this real

marcus's picture
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marcus Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:21am

for the life of me i have never understood what surfers get out of surfing in those conditions.

Dx3's picture
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Dx3 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:15am

Bloody well said. Keep the site open, whilst I've made the decision not to surf right now as I'd need to jump in the car outta Melbourne to do so, I want this site open so I can read about and talk surf at least. Anyone who thinks this site is the causing crowds like those South Trigg scenes, or the influx of holiday home owners down both Vicco coasts is kidding themselves.

Plenty of locals will be going surfing hoping for empty line-ups, not getting them, then coming on here bitching about this website encouraging surfing. If you're so concerned, don't surf either.

Part of me thinks you're more at risk of aggressive localism surfing in these current times than you are of the virus. I hate bad vibes in the surf and I reckon there will be plenty of them around right now.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:22pm

“Big boy pants”, “fucktards”

You got some weird shit going on

stephen.allen's picture
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stephen.allen Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:22pm

Sadly, people do blame women for their attire.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:30am

Just stick to ya guns fellas at Swellnet.
Don't change a thing-You do a fantastic job. Interesting and informative.
Everyone has an opinion.
Everyone will make their own decisions.
We're only human.
2020 = A crazy year.

Wacky-willy's picture
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Wacky-willy Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:30am

I'm very much in the group of people that use SwellNet most of the time to stay connected to the ocean. Watching live feeds of my favourite breaks, though sometimes can have a detrimental effect, keeps me calm and sane in these times.
By shutting down SwellNet would be comparative to closing our blinds and not talking to our neighbours.
Thanks for keeping me sane SwellNet.

Mcface's picture
Mcface's picture
Mcface Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:40am

Yep, keep the forecasts coming SN and respect your position.

Disappointing to see how many people are out there flaunting social distancing rules.

One other note. Health professionals generally are of the consensus that surfing is a low risk activity, at least from what I heard on ABC's corona-cast. Even our main man Dr Karl reckoned that "so long as you're not hi fiving in the lineup" it should be all good. Just keep your head down, get to the beach and do your business!

tango's picture
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tango Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:16pm

Hi Mcface, how does that sit with the Coastalwatch article yesterday from Nick Carroll interviewing Dr Karl....no mention of it being safe, just the key message: "We don't know"?

Mcface's picture
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Mcface Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:34pm

Hey Tango - haven't seen the CW video. I was listening to last Thursday's Triple J science hour where someone asked about it. They said while they don't know for sure, there's no evidence to suggest the virus thrives in saltwater, together with the dilution effect would therefore make it low risk - then used the quote in my above comment. Maybe he read up on it more after the episode and he changed his tune?

epictard's picture
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epictard Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:42am

If people keep complaining put the daily reports and all cameras behind the pay wall. Those of us who are already subscribers will not see a difference, and those who require them for sanity sake can 'cough up' a few bucks. Sorry for that pun, it was low hanging fruit for sure.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:24pm

Great idea. Surfers are notorious tight arses and always will be and are non stop whingers (this will stir the nests 'no we are just very careful with how we spend our money'....read live off the smell of an oily rag so they can surf more). 'Our subscriber number is very low relative to the amount of surfers around the country,' yes you could also add 'relative to those who use the site'!

Piers0's picture
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Piers0 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:29am

Here, here

nolocal's picture
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nolocal Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:22pm

*hear hear

nolocal's picture
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nolocal Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:25pm

sorry, I couldn't help myself. Spelling pedant on a surfing forum is a sad sad sight.

bazattaz's picture
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bazattaz Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 8:19am

Agree with this. I'd even be happy for the cams to get shut down for a month and I'll keep paying my subscription. We've had crowds of 60-80 on weekends here in the Illawarra (presumably folks from Sydney) and this shit is going to get us all banned from surfing.

david.longmuir's picture
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david.longmuir Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:49am

Well said mate, Your website does connect people, be it digitally to the ocean. And if you can’t surf that’s better than nothing.

seaslug's picture
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seaslug Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:56am

Thank you Swellnet, keep up the great work

Bob Sacamano's picture
Bob Sacamano's picture
Bob Sacamano Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:59am

Cheers Ben. The further we go into isolation and social distancing the more these cams, stories and forums are required. Keep the site going as it's a vital community for many. Every muppets got their two bob opinion and you'll not please everyone. Its up to the individuals on how they manage their behaviours during these times.

Common sense ain't so common anymore right?

brainiac's picture
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brainiac Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:37pm

it's now called 'rare' sense

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:46pm

Sweden isn’t doing social distancing

They’re saying bringing it on - don’t crash the economy

We should do the same

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.theaustralian.com.au/business/the-wa...

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:10am

You're only kidding yourself billy.

Have you compared the results of the two methods?

Australia had our first reported case a week before Sweden.
They have less than half of our population.
We have about the same number of positive results.
They have over 10x the raw number of deaths associated to this coronavirus.
They have over 25x the number of deaths per million; Aus 0.9 vs Swe 24

Sweden's number of cases and number of deaths per day are on the increase.
59 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Australia has not seen this pattern in either positive cases or attributed deaths.

How old are you?
How old are your parents, grandparents, their friends?
Which one would you choose to die to help the economy?

Let's do it billy! YOU CAN DO IT!!!! Who do you choose?

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:36am

Okay. I’m 50.

Let me spell it out: it’s not worth bankrupting a generation of young people in order to save some (mostly) older lives

Nearly two percent of people my age will die if they get covid- so be it. Nearly twenty percent of people over 80 will die. Less than half a percent of people younger than 30 will die.

No, it’s not right that young people with young families should sacrifice their future prosperity so that (mostly) older people get to live more. A 30 year old couple with two kids and no jobs will lose the house they bought with a 5-10% deposit and most will never recover. This isn’t right.

Would you hand over the keys to your house to keep someone you don’t know alive? Be realistic- no one would.

People are being emotional and I get that. Most of us have older people we love. But we need to think of the big picture and not rush into trashing the economy for granma and grandpa.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 11:04am

My big question is why does it have to be 'all or nothing'?

Selective isolation of the greater at-risk demographic, whist the younger continue to work with raised consciousness of social distancing and / or remove these people completely from overlapping with the older generations could be one potential method to reduce deaths.

What we are doing now is ruining the economy and as you say removing young families from the market, and doing nothing is going to cost a LOT of lives and ruin many others.

The reality is that none of us know how this is all going to pan out.
We can watch all the models and compare how we are fair against other nations, but in the end we have a fairly young population median and are quite dispersed in comparison to anywhere in Europe.

This

gives a rough and ready simulation of expected outcomes of different methods, but as stated several times in the video the reality of a virus includes many other facets that need to be taken into account.

In that video it is clear that removing those infected is the most effective way to reduce numbers of infected and deaths ... but this coronavirus is supposedly contagious well before symptoms present. It does take into account a percentage of infected not displaying any symptoms, which is pretty neat.

Further to this, people in the age range 20 - 30 have the highest infection rate of any age bracket in Australia. There is a nice logical pattern to infection rates where pre-child people are still partying and infecting everyone. The number decreases towards 40, one could assume that this is the age range where we have kids and do not go out as much or socialise as much. Then from 50 there is a steep increase in cases; possibly because children have moved out and the party is back on. 50 is the new 30.

All told, those between 35-49 are least likely to be infected or transmitters because that age group tend to isolate / social distance anyway.

Bob Sacamano's picture
Bob Sacamano's picture
Bob Sacamano Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 11:16am

Billy - do you think young people give a fuck about the economy mate? In fact this is probably going to make home ownership a lot more affordable for us. Its you and your investments that you old farts are worried about. Not sure if your moral argument quite stacks up but hey im happy to pay your ticket to Sweden and you can roll the dice, catch it and see what your odds of survival are? While your there maybe do some study on how Sweden implemented eugenics until '75 and we can figure out how to sterilise all the idiots in Aus throwing around wild opinions?

stephen.allen's picture
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stephen.allen Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:27pm

Hey, Aus practiced eugenics for over 70 years finishing in the 1970s.

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:56pm

Bob - in a word, yes.

Young people do give a fuck about the economy if they have anything like a loan for a car/house/credit card and they just lost a job. That would be hundreds of thousands of young people.

That’s because once the free money runs out and people start defaulting on their liabilities then they will have negative credit reports which means no credit for the next five years. If they need to declare bankruptcy it’s seven. So they’re not buying anything unless they’ve saved the cash. By the time they’ve saved and are able to access credit, the economy will have improved so it will be too late for them to pick up any bargains that may happen as a result of distressed sellers/ recession etc. Theyre unable to build wealth the way my generation have

In terms of young people without liabilities, providing they can get a job and save then yes, they might be able to buy a house at a discount to today’s prices - but I doubt they will

The reserve bank isn’t printing money and buying government bonds to help you, it’s doing it to help property owners like me.

Young people like you don’t matter to the government cos you have nothing or very little to lose and so your impact on the economy is negligible.

Don’t give a fuck about the economy? Maybe now you should, because you young people will be paying back the trillion in debt the governments running up....for decades

That means taxes and less government services. That means you will be poorer.

So yeah, I don’t think it’s worth it all just to save some lives. Particularly considering most of those lives are older and have had a pretty good run.

You should be thanking me for giving a fuck about your future because scomo and the government certainly don’t. They’re doubling Centrelink payments to keep you dumb and happy so you don’t realise that it’s your economic future that’s being mortgaged to protect my assets and the lives of people (mostly) my age and older.

redclement.'s picture
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redclement. Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:02pm

Well put. The relatively small number of surfers you reach are enlightened.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:07pm

Well said Ben.

Keep up the great work Swellnet team.

blackers's picture
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blackers Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:23pm

Agree with all of the above, even Blowin, which would be a first! My neck of the woods was packed out yesterday, as noted in the report forum, but it was full of families, oldies and general beach users, not just surfers. The holiday homes were occupied and people spilling out everywhere. Bet most don't read Swellnet reports. As for reports encouraging surfers, there would be few regular crew who wouldn't know the wind & swell combos required and that info is easily available and often cross checked against the report anyway. Weird days indeed. Keep up the good work Ben, Stu and the team. How's about some more long play vids to while away the idle hours?

SocialD's picture
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SocialD Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:26pm

Thanks Ben and swellnet team, keep up the good work .

H2O's picture
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H2O Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:36pm

Great website and on line community. Stay the course.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:54pm

Keep up the legendary work Swellnet. Your reports are also going to become historical data which alot of people will rely on for future forecasts, and fark, we all just like looking at the reports and cams because it keeps us feeling close to the pulse of the ocean. As for people thinking you're encouraging them to go to the beach, there in lays one of the biggest problems with our society...people can't take responsibility for their own actions, and are always looking for someone else to blame. They will do it no matter what, in all situations in life. Cheers for all you guys do. Much appreciated.

Hellmanrider's picture
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Hellmanrider Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 12:54pm

I think as there’s nothing to do and shops are closed more people are re-igniting the flame of surfing. You can tell that cause the pubs and clubs are closed more people are surfing later Friday and Saturday night

geek's picture
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geek Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:14pm

And ppl are on to it much earlier, nobody is hungover!

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:23pm

Booooooooo.
Swellnet may not have added to the crowds much but +1 is too many.
Swellnet does make a difference re crowd size otherwise they wouldn't have a business model.
It's amazing that people who do the wrong thing (travel to surf, go to a small regional town, publish surf reports etc) always have an excuse in their pockets. Those excuses typically involve pointing the finger at someone else or arguing that I'm too small to make a difference. It's that type of thinking that has created the disastrous situation of capital cities emptying to largely virus-free zones. We (regional locals) are seriously going to pay for the tourist crowds this weekend in a few weeks.
Being a web-based business, Swellnet is in a great position to adapt. It's not like you guys work in the events or hospitality industry that has almost completely died. You could have done the right thing and provided non-surf report/forecast content and kept your business going, but nooooooooo, you took these easy option.
But hey Ben, it's not you who pays the price for the insane situation of surfers travelling for waves during the c-19 crisis. That's somebody else's problem. You didn't cause all the crowds coming to the beach, but you were part of the problem. You could have been part of the solution (like north american snow reporters) and closed the forecast notes / cams and reports down, but you put the $$$ ahead of people's health.
Very poor form.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:27pm

Vic, is there an observed report on Swellnet in your area?

If not, your argument holds no weight and the people escaping the city and going there have not done so as a result of this site.

If yes, then perhaps a better idea than blaming the site would be to silence the reporter. Someone likely knows who they are; just a quiet word to play it down dramatically. "It is 1ft wind-blown dribble. Leave it for today"

If there is a camera, and the surf is actually good, then I hold no advise but to stay home and the crowds will not affect you directly.

There are both camera and reports done in my area, but crowds don't seem to be change regardless of what is reported.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:01pm

Vic Local....you were on here telling people it was racist to raise the alarm about the Chinese locusts descending on our medical supplies and supermarkets. Your attempt to silence this has helped enable the depletion of necessary medical supplies and groceries for our country. Making the discussion off limits due to accusations of racism allows the looting of Australia’s essential supplies to continue unabated. Its people like you mouthing off which is partly responsible for Doctors and nurses on the front lines being short of PPE and having their health jeopardised.

But now attributing Swellnet for every muppet who can’t make a correct decision ?

Perhaps you should have a minute to think about who does and doesn’t deserve to be blamed for inappropriate behaviour during this time.

DamonS's picture
DamonS's picture
DamonS Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:20pm

Viclocal, you always seem unnecessarily angry at something.
Swellnet, stay the course - you can’t control others actions.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:28pm

That’s just my online persona. Angry online smiley in the brine.

DamonS's picture
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DamonS Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:44pm

Fair enough. I hope for your sake you find the reason you have to do that.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:06pm

Boredom and giggles mate, but I'm very serious re racism. Since this virus broke out the amount of racist crap that has no basis in fact on the web is out of control. It's only a matter of time until a serious race crime gets committed.

DamonS's picture
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DamonS Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:08pm

Each to their own I guess.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:26pm

But are you a subscriber!

DamonS's picture
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DamonS Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:49pm

Yes

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:52pm

Sorry mate it was for Vic the Vociferous local.

DamonS's picture
DamonS's picture
DamonS Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:01pm

I thought that may be the case, but answered anyway! I recall you’re on Mornpen? Not a bad place to isolate.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:04pm

Yep one of the lucky few who can walk out the back door and head to the beach

DamonS's picture
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DamonS Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:08pm

Same. Don’t tell anyone.

Blackdog's picture
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Blackdog Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:39pm

Sorry you are wrong vic local. Keep the cams running Ben so we can check the "crowd factor" and make a decision with out physically going down for a look.
And by the way +1 is ok. +2 is a no no

hilly's picture
hilly's picture
hilly Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:18pm

If you don't live there don't surf there, it's that simple. Just surfed my local beach and 80% of the crowd were not from here, qld plates everywhere.
Nothing like social distancing to bring in the horde, its actually been more crowded than it usually is

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:58pm

Exactly Hilly, as a fella out in the surf was saying, every day is like Sunday, and that border closure obviously means squat.

kooklife's picture
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kooklife Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 6:14am

And to add to that thousands of people lost their jobs last week, many of whom are surfers who now have 2 more reasons to surf......no work and increased need to protect their mental health....I'm not saying its ok, just suggesting that beaches may in fact be more crowded than usual

Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:03pm

You were surfing with Morrissey? Must’ve ruined his hair!

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:11pm

I'm glad someone picked up on that.

Nah he was still looking like the last of the international playboys.

Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710's picture
Patrick0710 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:35pm

I imagine he surfs in a cardigan for some reason! And would be forever disappointed with the swell!

thebeard's picture
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thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:46pm

+10 that Made me chuckle :)

sunbird's picture
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sunbird Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 11:56am

Smiths references on a surf site! This is why I subscribe to swellnet and dig reading the comments. And yes, I torture myself everyday looking at the reports. But it still doesn't force me to jump in the car and drive to the surf. And for you guys down there, just keep your distance ( big as possible , not f'n 2 metres - if they can spit on you, you're too close). Don't touch anything. And and do a few lame arsed poo man stance cutbacks for me. Cos it's panic on the streets here. I wonder to myself, will life ever be sane again?

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:28pm

That's the thing about Morrissey, he wants the one he can't have and it's driving him mad - it's written all over his face.

But Keats and Yeats are on his side so that's some solace.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:57pm

Yeah, yeah....tell us the story of your life, mate.

And if you have five seconds to spare,
then I'll tell you the story of my life.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 3:35pm

That joke isn't funny anymore Stu, the pain was enough to make a shy, bald Buddhist reflect and plan a mass murder

sunbird's picture
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sunbird Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 4:19pm

Yeah Stu, keep it open man
What difference does it make?
What difference does it make?
It makes none
and now that it's done
their prejudice won't keep them warm tonight
But I'm still fond of you
Wo wooa

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:37pm

Avoid him in the surf at all costs. I hear he bears more grudges than lonely high court judges.

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:40pm

But at the same time he's now a part of my mind's landscape whether I care or do not...

When I sleep he creeps into my thoughts like a bad debt that I can't pay, so I just take the easy way and give in.

rob tas's picture
rob tas's picture
rob tas Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:26pm

I wouldn’t shut. But it’s not your role to arbitrate what people do. It’s not illegal to go for a surf and it will be important for people’s physical health and mental well being - in fact people are being encouraged to maintain this. It’s about physical distance, hygiene, sensible behaviour etc. we are in this together , don’t go setting up tribes . Thanks for listening. All the best to you and the family

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:36pm

Interesting point re people’s physical health and mental well being. The real threat to people's physical health isn't from missing a surf, it's getting this virus.
Yes people are stressed, but put yourselves in other people's shoes. There's people in regional towns with elderly parents, asthmatic kids, autistic kids, or going through chemo. Do you reckon the hordes of holiday makers descending on their town increases or decreases their already high stress levels. If you want to relieve your stress, have a wank mate, don't travel to go surfing and increase the stress levels of others.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:06pm

But apparently it’s all good to overlook bus loads of Chinese driving from Sydney and Melbourne and roaming to every regional town in order to systematically plunder their supplies.

Because it’s a micro- aggression to name and shame the criminal fucks looting and potentially spreading virus to every nook and cranny of the state.

If a surfer comes from Melbourne to Portsea to surf solo it’s Swellnet’s fault. But if busloads of fuckers truck around the nation harvesting essential items to send to their homeland it’s not acceptable to call them out on it ?

Get fucked.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:24pm

"all good to overlook bus loads of Chinese driving from Sydney and Melbourne and roaming to every regional town in order to systematically plunder their supplies."
That's complete BS blow-in.
There's absolutely no evidence that has taken place. That BS started with a Ray Hadley talking shit to Peter Dutton on 2GB. So far there's been zero photos, zero footage, and zero store owners saying Chinese people have been plundering their shops. But hey. it doesn't surprise me that you are spreading this racist misinformation. You're always banging on about shutting borders. I know your type.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:17pm

And I know your type too, A feel-good dumb cunt who sticks their head in the sand so they can claim something didn’t happen.

How about you stick your accusations in your arse ? You’ve got no clue and you’re a fucken hand brake on Australia.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/chinese-backed-company-s-mission-to-sour...

https://www.smh.com.au/national/second-developer-flies-82-tonnes-of-medi...

As for the supermarkets.....It happened in the town I’m in about three nights ago and word is that they hit most of the neighbouring towns.

They came in a couple of buses with caged box trailers in tow and were relaying shit to a mothership truck just off the highway. They turned up right on closing and went to town despite the staff telling them they were about to shut. The one security guard was afraid to manhandle them.

And strange fucks like you are the reason they can keep getting away with it. Fuck all left on the shelves here and it makes people panic. But apparently you’re not allowed to name and shame systemic and organised gangs of Chinese looters because that’s racist.....you strange fuck. You’re as bad as them because you enable them to get away clean. Media is hesitant to tell stories like that because retards like you think that if a certain culture acts badly they are immune from getting fingered because racism is the worst crime in the world.

And this is on top of them all driving hours from the nearest city to come and potentially spread the virus around the town just like you’re fucking crying about elsewhere.

Fuck you , muppet. Crew here are staring at empty shelves whilst you sit in your little inbred Victorian town and tell people it’s not happening. Fuckwit.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:09pm

Show us a link from a reputable news source exactly which supermarket and when this has happened. Meanwhile readers can check this story.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/21/are-busloads-of-shoppers-r...
"Guardian Australia spoke to management at Coles, Woolworths and Aldi who all said there had been no bus tours they were aware of. Coles and Woolies said they had contacted regional managers at many of the stores mentioned (in social media stories) and none could back up the reports."
Put up or shut up Blow in.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:22pm

Here's another one for readers.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/cameronwilson/coronavirus-racist-hoaxes-chinese...
Come on Blowin, where's your evidence of supermarkets getting cleaned out by Asian shoppers operating in teams? I'll wait.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:24pm

It’s not in the papers you strange fuck. That’s what I just said. Coles and Woolies don’t care. They just see sales and they know if they say anything that they will get pilloried by the Chinese community. The papers also know that if they finger these locust fuckwits that any king of civil unrest could break out when they start getting confronted by angry locals.

It happened in this town....how hard is that for you to understand ?

And there’s two stories about them doing it to medical equipment...how are you going to backpedal out of that ? Photos and all.

Fucking buzzfeed .....where is the evidence it isn’t happening ? Buzzfeed is as punch drunk on PC as yourself .

You know what’s especially fucked ....that there is reports from everywhere ( guardian even acknowledges this ) but because the guardian doesn’t want it to be true it just says “ Nothing to see here “ and it’s not meant to exist.

Just like the rape gangs in England didn’t exist....

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:24pm

I asked you for evidence to support your claim that supermarkets were getting cleaned out by Asian shoppers operating in groups. You can't supply it, and came up with some bizarre conspiracy that the media were suppressing the story to prevent civil unrest.
You talk racist shit mate.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:47pm

OK dickhead . This is how it works. Some fucked up culture which has gotten a foothold in a Western nation goes about its fucked up ways. The Asian grooming scandal in England is a perfect example.

Multiple people involved . Multiple instances of crime . Multiple different groups at different locations responsible.

Ugly story . The powers that be who want to push for mass immigration at any cost choose to hide the issue as it would jeopardise their plans. They then undermine any claims of bad behaviour, dispute evidence, play down the extent of the issue and then say they were doing all this with the big picture of “ preserving community harmony “ in mind.

So there’s massive, undocumented and unpunished criminal activity being undertaken by a certain cultural group and they are given a free pass. The media pretends it’s not happening and the police downplay it.

First two are wiki accounts of crimes in two different towns. Third is the usual Guardian story telling us that it’s not happening and even if it is it’s certainly not cultural......sound familiar.
Fourth is BBC saying yes , it is true , it always was and everyone lied about it for ages.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_child_sex_abuse_ring

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotherham_child_sexual_exploitation_scandal

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/11/84-per-cent-of-gro...

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-45918845

And dumb cunts like you swallow the lies like goldfish eating breadcrumbs then get lippy with your accusations and claims to know what’s what even though you’ve got no clue and you’ve got no idea what’s happening in the world beyond the humpy you share with your sister / wife in bumfuck Victoria.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:30pm

You really are an idiot. You've spread racist bullshit about Asian shoppers stripping supermarkets. You've been asked to provide evidence to support your claim but you can't so you're playing "look over there".

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:54pm

No.

You put up an evidence free article from the Guardian as proof it wasn’t happening. I demonstrated that the Guardian has form covering up for bad behaviour by certain cultures .

Explain the medical items being looted then .....go on fuckwit. Contradict the photos put on social media by the looters themselves . Essential medical supplies shipped back to China. Proven.

But you’re still trying to create doubt that they’re still doing it....why ?

Because you’re a brain dead fuck who gets told what to think by a manipulative media.

Guardian headline :

We’re told 84% of grooming gangs are Asian. But where’s the evidence?

From BBC :

If you believe a word Guardian says on race issues , including crime reportage , you are officially a freaking moron.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:59pm

So still no evidence then.
I'll wait.

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:04pm

I'm struggling to see the direct connection between abuse rings and scandals with 'bus loads of Chinese people stealing from regional stores'.

memlasurf's picture
memlasurf's picture
memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:32pm

Would be a good photo though. Chinese gangs storming the local IGA and ransacking the toilet rolls. Sounds like a movie in there somewhere by Adam Sandler.

epictard's picture
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epictard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:20pm

Here they can be seen storming a hotel in Melbourne ...

?t=166

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:22pm

Geez all over a few toilet rolls.

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:51pm

Crazy times

anthony.olsen's picture
anthony.olsen's picture
anthony.olsen Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:09pm

Happy Gilmore Adam Sandler or Uncut Gems Adam Sandler?

thebeard's picture
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thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:53pm

So buzzfeed is now a reputable news outlet?

WarriSymbol's picture
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WarriSymbol Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:11am

"There's people in regional towns with elderly parents, asthmatic kids, autistic kids, or going through chemo."
If I was a local and had one of those mentioned in my household I would not be surfing.
Too much of a risk. Even other locals could be a danger to me and by extension, my loved ones.
Also, how does one define "travelling"?
Is it walking distance? Is it within your postcode?
Is it within your council/shire/municipality boundaries?
On Phillip Island would Flynns, Right Point and Summerlands have no one out at all or can someone from Woolamai drive to those spots?
Can someone from San Remo surf Woolamai?
Should a surfer living in Cowes not be surfing at all?
Clear as mud, unless of course everyone just stays home for now.

simsurf's picture
simsurf's picture
simsurf Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 7:40am

You've already told us above your comments are serious, so you've taken that gun in your profile photo and shot yourself in the foot.

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:19pm

100% Rob, its like if you want to lose weight a realistic adjustment to diet that you can maintain for some time is much better than starving yourself for a few days.

Oh Swell's picture
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Oh Swell Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:33pm

After days of confusion the head cop in NZ has made it clear sea swimming and surfing are off limits today. Fullstop, reckon it may come your way.
I love watching the Noosa cam from over here.
Keep it up!

More tubes please's picture
More tubes please's picture
More tubes please Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:33pm

Thanks Ben, love the website and the commentary. Going to need something to keep us distracted for the next 6 months

GreenCT's picture
GreenCT's picture
GreenCT Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:41pm

Vic Local
So theres no such thing as taking personal responsibility for your actions ?
One part I dont agree with in what Ben said is about not driving to the beach as I am doing that daily to a relatively isolated beach a few kms away and walking, stretching and doing a few exercises.
Barely see anyone, if I do give them a wide birth, dont touch anything and go back home to isolate.
Its keeping me sane and to lose that because people just wont listen which I think is coming will be pretty fucked up.
I get the idea of not travelling longer distances and our regions are about to be locked down
That should have been done straight away, no more announcing something a few days out as the ones who feel self entitled will be rapidly packing their cars to get down to their south west holiday house as they think this doesnt apply to them.
It will be interesting to see what happens on the superwank if there is a total lock down
Please dont take the cams down as that could be great viewing watching that drama unfold.

Daltz007's picture
Daltz007's picture
Daltz007 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:43pm

You are doing the right thing Swellnet.
Dont feel responsible for the people not practicing the required distance laws or guidelines. Would these bozzo's not do it anyway?

For me, I get in my car, drive to a surfspot (albeit, most are quite secluded), I surf and go home (usually within a 10km area). Before I go, get a wind and swell check, from Swellnet. I am safe and so is anyone I say good morning to, wave to or the like, as everyone i see wants to stay healthy and is aware.

Conversely, the supermarket, the servo, Bunnings, pharmacy or whatever businesses left trading, are a completely different story. It's running the gauntlet as required and just a matter of time till i pick it up, like most of us.

To say Swellnet is looking at the dollars is unfair.............have you seen how much a kg of bananas is, that's profiteering.

Keep it up, you are not a contributor to the problem, but will be an even more valuable service as the noose tightens around our collective necks.

Tim Bonython's picture
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Tim Bonython Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:45pm

My life would not be the same without Swellnet. I love you.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:47pm

I echo most of the sentiments above- i like SW for the sense of community. We may not always agree but we all share a similar connection. SW is the glue that binds our little pointless fraternity.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 1:58pm

It can still do that without the reports and forecasts.

Sickaz's picture
Sickaz's picture
Sickaz Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:45pm

There are these things called synoptic charts.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:14am

Do you reckon the average 20 year old surfer can interpret those charts?

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:36pm

There's plenty of time for them to learn.

burgo's picture
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burgo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:06pm

One thing that should stop (and should never happen IMHO) is the reporting from local surf reporters who actually name breaks as the go to waves for the day (you now who you are). This just concentrates surfers looking for a wave even more. Daily reports should always be about the prevailing conditions only and surfers should work out the best location for themselves.

tango's picture
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tango Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:08pm

It would be remiss of me not to back up this comment.

+1.

Danm's picture
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Danm Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:09pm

Selfish muppets suggesting another business should close down due to people being irresponsible. If you still have a job be grateful and support those that are still open including this site thats keeping us sane.
I reckon most of the blowins here on the Sunshine Coast have never looked at swellnet -kooks and families with kids that snuck in before our borders shut. What sux is that those people make it hard to get an uncrowded surf in and they will put pressure on an already straining health system. Luckily there are spots to escape around here.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:11pm

What a load of BS. Some people just need to shut their mouths. Webcams can actually stop you going to check the surf and seeing anyone.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:14pm

The US and Canada have had a massive problem with city people descending on mountain towns to go back-country skiing. It's very similar to our situation with trailhead carparks filled with people. These towns were largely virus free until the resorts closed and people started skiing elsewhere.
While the activity of hiking up passes and skiing down is very much socially isolating, it's the surrounding activity that is causing the problem, and it's the same with surfing in Australia. City people need to be fed. They stop for coffee. They need to fuel up their cars. They hurt themselves and need medical help. They create rubbish that needs to be taken to the tips. etc etc. All of these activities help spread the virus.
The behaviour and numbers of North American skiers is very similar to the behaviour and number of surfers heading to the beaches. It's got to the stage that police are ticketing people, and snow and avalanche forecasters have stopped issuing reports. Personal responsibly isn't working. SN should stop implicitly encouraging people to travel to surf locations by issuing forecasts and broadcasting reports and web cam footage. They are behaving like tobacco companies who say it's up to people to smoke or not. Sure it may be legal, but it sure as shit isn't ethical or good for society.
Just change your content Ben FFS.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:23pm

Implicitly encouraging ?

Which bit about this is implicitly encouraging ?

UNLESS YOU LIVE AT THE BEACH, PLEASE DON'T TRAVEL TO SURF

COVID-19 is changing the way we think about surfing. Travelling to the surf now means you're putting an unnecessary strain on the resources of small regional communities. So, please stay home. If you live near the beach and want to surf, please maintain a healthy spacing in the lineup, don't hang in the carpark, and keep your surf sessions shorter to allow others the opportunity to get wet. Above all, stay happy, healthy and look out for one another.“

Swellnet is pushing the same barrow as yourself.

ojackojacko's picture
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ojackojacko Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:50pm

the “unless” bit. despite what ben says in the story, that literally means “locals only”

note i haven’t called for anyone to close their website or business. i like the cams and forecasts whether or not i can get surf in.

thebeard's picture
thebeard's picture
thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:00pm

Vic, you can always just fuck off and be right somewhere else online?

Solitude's picture
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Solitude Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:40pm

I’m still of the thought that people should take responsibility for themselves. We are not lacking in information as to what’s going.

With this serious situation on our doorstep, anyway EACH of us can help out in our work, society or otherwise has to be a good thing.

I hope Ben, Stu, Craig etc and all that read on here are well and that people can find their feet over the next .........(don’t know what timeline to insert).

Enjoy a quiet wave. Hoot someone on the peak down from you.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:19pm

Give it a rest VL. Not everyone lives in crowded Mexico.

Joshy2000's picture
Joshy2000's picture
Joshy2000 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:21pm

Comparing Swellnet to tobacco companies now? Fuck me!
Keep it up Swellnet. We’re all responsible as individuals for doing the right thing.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:34pm

Normally I'm all for individual responsibility but in this case it's simply not working. Look at the carnage caused by the Aspen skiers behaving like arseholes. That party of 10 have spread this virus all over Toorak and the MP. Every individual must be responsible for community safety with this virus. If a smoker wants to smoke himself to death, that's mainly their problem. If surfers want to travel to surf, that's everyone else's problem.
The problem is, next time Swellnet broadcasts good waves in my area, the masses will come, and people will die a month later. That's a fucking reality Ben wants to ignore but shouldn't be allowed to. Where the fuck is his personal responsibility?

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:37pm

There is a very definite correlation with the good reports and massed crowd events down this way. Usually it goes like this: a week out "6ft+, it will be clean and offshore" - everyone knows or is frothing. Then on the day, visibly increased numbers of people, influx of new VW vans, the people see it and say "Ah, that's actually pretty big, um, I'm going to a protected spot. The result: crowds of 50+ on a beach normally left to the fishermen at chest to maybe head high on the sets. This would have been the grommet option in times past, so they are in the midst of it too and logs going everywhere and maybe a SUP or two.

There is a less discernable correlation with the free cam and overcrowding with learners on one spot.

As for your suggesting personal responsibility VL, remember that perhaps up to 5% of the population are sociopaths and are incapable of feeling empathy for others.

Spuddups's picture
Spuddups's picture
Spuddups Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:27pm

Ben, you can tell your critics that there are people here in NZ who subscribe to your service. Seems odd aye, but speaking for myself I enjoy watching what’s going on at Snapper; it’s the connection with the ocean thing you were talking about.

By the way, if you want to check out a truely mesmerising surf cam you should check out the Surf2Surf Raglan cam.
It’s currently about 2-3ft there, looking pretty nice. Not one person out surfing along the 2.5km from Outsides to Manu Bay. Crazy times.
My feeling is that in Australia you’re just delaying the inevitable. Sooner or later you guys are gonna require a complete lockdown.

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:40pm

Agree, it will become the only option to slow/reverse the new cases.

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:25pm

Just turned W/NW, looking good on surfcam, off for a surf 2 guys out lol.
Thanks Ben

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 2:26pm

I’m normally an opponent of surf cams.

But now I find them meditative to watch. Classic schadenfreude checking out the shit places some crew surf also.

That Trigg one is amazing.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:41pm

I try not to look too much now I have my ticket-of-leave.

dastasha's picture
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dastasha Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:00pm

I too can also either take or leave the surf reports and cams. I'm here for the community.
If I want to know what the surf's like then I look out my window.
There was a comment before on the superbank in the event of a total lockdown.
Just closing the carparks or limiting them to one hour would have a huge reduction on numbers in the water.
I feel there were a lot of people in the water this morning who don't normally surf.
I didn't see any safety incidents but there were a few near misses.
SUPs foils and logs outta control with small kids and beginners in the path.
Something's gotta give...

mackdog's picture
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mackdog Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:15pm

“To help address the issue, we placed a notice atop our Surf Reports and Forecaster Notes. In capital letters, it states: “UNLESS YOU LIVE AT THE BEACH, PLEASE DON'T TRAVEL TO SURF”.
Unfortunately, this has been misinterpreted by some as being a kind of ‘Locals Only’ enforcement.”

You sound conflicted Ben, right now it absolutely should be locals only.
That goes for shopping, walking the dog and life in general.

Everyone should be trying their hardest to stay within their locale. Viruses can only move if people transport it.

Right now Covid19 can be seen in asympomatic carriers and shed for up to 37 days.
If everyone just stayed at home we are going to come out of the other side of this much quicker. If we continue at this rate you can guarantee a complete write off of 2020 and maybe a good chunk of next year.
I’ve subscribed since day 1 and would happily continue to do so if you even if guys say you will focus on content other than reports and forecasts .

tango's picture
tango's picture
tango Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:19pm

It's certainly going to be interesting heading into prime time down here.

There's currently no credible or confirmed advice about the safety of surfing that I can find on the web. There seems to be evidence for other coronaviruses and their survival in marine waters.

I wish someone would answer the question, but it doesn't seem possible to answer it yet.

mr mick's picture
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mr mick Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:51am

Hi Tango, ABC radio had a bacterial doctor on a few days ago & said at this stage had no confirmed evidence either way but thinks it could survive in salt water as survives on us & we are mostly made up of salt & water. Cheers & all the best, stay safe.

tango's picture
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tango Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:42am

Thanks Mick,
That's what I've read about too, and corona viruses are known to survive in seawater. They key seems to be how long that survival is. I'd also be keen to hear from a viral expert, as bacteria and viruses are different beasties, though I'm sure they have a fair idea about a lot of it.
cheers, and to you.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:39pm

And how virulent it is in surf on a decent day with the water churning, tide all over the place, wind, etc.. Nup no going to happen unless its a small super bank day with a zillion people out.

tango's picture
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tango Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 6:36pm

Maybe, Memla, maybe. I saw some references on another facey feed that showed that they can survive in seawater, but the science hasn't been done for this kind of coronavirus. If someone with it ends up putting it in the water near you through snot, spit, urine (which is now known to host a much higher viral load) I reckon you may well have chance. They don't know how UV affects this one, and it's got an outer covering of fatty compounds which might affect its breakdown. It's not technically alive so it can't die, just gets brown down. Surely someone will do the work on it sometime soon.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:50am

Yeah you probably catch a few other things if that mammal was in the water.

surfiebum's picture
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surfiebum Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:53pm

No-one is going to stop going until the government bans it and no amount of removed forecasts / webcams etc is going to step that.
This will be the point that people stop https://easyreadernews.com/manhattan-beach-surfer-issued-1000-citation-f...

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 3:54pm

(Hey I've been laid off) + (Australia is so sweet, I love the beach)*2 - (Govt says stay at home) - (actuality of global pandemic) + (if I just drive, touch nothing and go to this little secluded spot I know of that I reckon is on the lowdown and nearly nobody else knows of)^1,000,000 = clusterfuck

bongsalot's picture
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bongsalot Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:06pm

I disagree, lots of surf crew wouldnt know how to read a fucking weather map..but 1 click on swellnet and they are told what day, time, size, everything to go surfing..surfers are selfish cunts, always thinking of themselves and I can see swellnet are too..I get you dont want to lose your job but actually think of all the important people who have in these small communities and here you at swellnet are saying 'fuck you'..we wont help..its not our fault..well, guess what it fucking kinda is..and dont try an say your up there with BOM..fark sake, the arrogance..BOM is an essential service, swellnet is for the lazy, selfcentred surfers not even close mate, you realky need a reality check @swellnet ffs

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:49pm

Oooo bit grumpy today? Ease up, Ben runs a good show and these reports have been around for a long time. There were people everywhere on the weekend down the MP and it wasn't swellnets fault. Lets face it for the MP if it is N - NE, the swell is under 6 foot and it is a weekend, swellnet or no swellnet it is going to be chockers. It was like that before swellnet, nothing has changed as I have lived through it all. I am getting a gut full of everybody abusing one another without constructive criticism to back it up.... and some statistics. Anybody can slag off on this web site and are they subscribers? If you are well that is one less mark against you. I know you will rubbish me now so got for it.

Robo's picture
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Robo Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:05pm

Obviously a pot head.

Sheep go to heaven's picture
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Sheep go to heaven Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:06pm

as if Swellnet is the only way to get a forecast/report ! Theres so many weather forecasting sites out there to work out when and where to go . Not to mention every second old mate in the car park ringing their mates to give them the live surf report . Personal responsibility is sadly lacking here , Make a few decisions for yourself and your fellow man . Keep it up Swellnet , don't be bullied into something by the moral high grounders !

CRS's picture
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CRS Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:22pm

I’ll keep supporting Swellnet no matter what they do. It Has been great till now and will be in the future. Thanks Swellnet.

* and will stay at home

servant's picture
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servant Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:38pm

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:51pm

Yeah just don't get a groin massage at St Kevins or bend over in the showers at St Pats.

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servant Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:24pm

Many thanks memlasurf. My nephew goes to St.Kevins.
God Bless you and your family too.
Prayed for you.
"The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:33pm

I went there and so did my son. Was a good school back in the 70's although we knew Laidlaw was dodgy (my cousin busted him in the act) and they kept it covered up as well as that predator recently. Sorry if it offends, after going through the catholic system and dealing with the sheer amount or lies and hypocrisy I am now a complete atheist and if the bible gets you through the day, so be it.

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servant Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:18pm

No worries, no apology necessary thanks memlasurf. No offence taken nor given.
I too am a most grateful ex(escaped) Catholic. All Thanks, Praise and Glory to JESUS. True Christianity, a follower of and having a personal, direct relationship with Christ is a completely different thing from any man made organised "religion (business)". Catholicism being one of the biggest and hugely infamous. Yes, The Holy Bible = God's WORD = JESUS, certainly gets me through everyday in this life (and the next), especially in these trying times with the virus and being a cancer patient.
God Bless you and all your family, with Love, and at your service if I can be of any help to you and others, probably best apart from this Swellnet site.
"Jesus said to him, "I AM the way, the truth and the life. no one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6

PeteWebb's picture
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PeteWebb Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:48pm

For Vic Local: Here's another report from Sky news Australia re the Chinese company Greenland group (real estate) and their pillaging of medical items etc around Australia and the Chinese government doing the same in other countries.

&t=3s
One more:

Pictures of pallets ready to be flown to China are easily found. You just have to look.
So if you wondered why you can't buy hand sanitizer or masks the government tell you to use then here's at least part of where they all went.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:03pm

That's not in dispute PeteWebb. I've asked Blowin to back up his claims that gangs of Asians were emptying supermarkets. He's come up with nothing more than irrelevant links about Pakistanis in England, followed by a bizarre conspiracy theory that the media were suppressing the story to stop civil unrest.
During this crisis we need to be really careful about hate speech. I'm calling him out on his racist crap.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:11pm

And I’m telling you it happened in this town.

Do you have evidence it didn’t happen ?

No , you’re just talking shit about something of which you’ve got no idea.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:26pm

"Do you have evidence it (Asians stripping your town shops three days ago) didn’t happen ?"

You're asking for me to prove a negative. It doesn't work that way mate. Let me give you an example why.

"Blowin was seen on multiple occasions last year cross-dressing and claiming to be Bennie from ABBA's love child. Prove it's not true" Bet you can't.

When you make a claim, you need to back it up with evidence. Something you can't do ya racist flog.

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:11pm

Maybe if they if they didn't chop up bats to eat we wouldn't have a ChinaFlu.

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garyg1412 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:01pm

PeteWebb Im not going to go into the argument as to whether this pillaging is happening or not but I will tell you one thing though with regards to the toilet paper hoarding issue. Rumour has it that Sky News was the biggest perpetrator in this regard just to keep up with the smelly brown stuff that comes out of Chris Smith, Peter Credlin and Rowan Dean's jabbering little cake holes. Maybe source some more credible media outlets next time :)

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gavin007 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 4:46pm

Interesting topic this one, but please let's not get personal or sidetracked on tourist buses loaded with Chinese (or other nationalities) hoarders.
Hey all, I wouldn't mind you thoughts, please?
Like many who live an hour or so away from the coast, I've been suffering Surfing Deficiency Syndrome. I was conscious of Skomo and the Premier's plea to stay at home and the need for social distancing. I planned to get up before dawn on Saturday morning and perform a "strike mission" - drive straight to one of the many quieter surf locations I have access to, get my fix in a uncrowded surf break then come straight back home. No hanging around afterwards, worst case a drive through coffee at Maccas to help me home. I had my surf gear packed ready to go. Everyone I spoke to up my way (who don't surf) thought it would be okay as I wasn't placing anyone at risk (or myself at risk). I knew the surf was going to pump - the BOM was my source for that. Then I read Swellnet's banner which planted a seed in my brain. I didn't sleep all night as I agonised over it. I hit the radio alarm snooze as I was so dam tired and lay their a bit, still agonising. The radio's 6.00 am news on the radio started with the government advertisement "stay at home". The guilty consciousness got the better of me and I aborted my strike mission.
Your thoughts please? - Would a dawn "strike mission" to a quiet countryside beach have been okay? Like many others, I'm dealing with the fact that I may not see wave for quite some time, not just missing being out there but also losing that all important surfing fitness and skill set.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:08pm

What buses of Chinese hoarders? Back that shit up with evidence or stop making the claim.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:19pm

Where’s the evidence that blowin surfers encouraged by Swellnet were in your town today ?

Nothing in the papers and I’d know about it if there was cause I’ve been looking for the headline “ Melbourne surfers visit inbred dumb cunt’s town “.

No story.....didn’t happen.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:08pm

Still waiting on your evidence bus loads that Asians stripped your town's (and other towns') supermarkets.
Put up or shut up Blowin.

gavin007's picture
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gavin007 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:07pm

Hey all, just to be clear, I think some people are misinterpreting me when I wrote "...Hey all, I wouldn't mind your thoughts, please?.." I was referring to whether a pre-dawn dash to a quiet location for a surf and back is okay, not the Chinese hoarders on buses. I have no information on this topic, nor want to get involved in that discussion. Thanks.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:13pm

Sorry gavin007. I have a zero tolerance policy on racism. I call it out when I see it. 50 people blown away in Christchurch is just one reason why.

simba's picture
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simba Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 5:38pm

Vic local gotta say i heard hadley discussing this on his talk back program and he did have a few photos a local had posted but they must have been deleted since.
I have personally seen them in melbourne doing the baby formula raids.....mini bus and trailer...

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:11pm

Hadley never showed the alleged photos. If they proved his claim, Hadley would have published these until the cows came home. Whipping up his audience with a racist fear campaign is a ratings goldmine for shock jocks. The fact he didn't publish the alleged photos is a very strong sign he was bullshitting.

simba's picture
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simba Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:22pm

well sorry to say mate they were on his face book cause i actually had a look when i got home......obviously pulled them or told to pull them.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:50pm

simba. I will explain exactly why I believe the story is false.
Firstly, there isn't an Executive Producer or Chief of Staff of a tabloid media outlet that wouldn't give his left testicle for footage of busloads of Asians stripping shelves. That footage is a ratings gold mine and tabloid media programs would have definitely been trying to track it down.
Secondly, virtually every shopper has a smart phone. If it was happening, they'd be busting out the camera for sure.
Thirdly: Australia has more than it's fair share of racist keyboard warriors. If there was evidence of bus loads of Asians showing up to supermarkets and stripping shelves, it would be all over the net.
The complete lack of video and photography evidence of the Asian shopping gangs stripping supermarket shelves is a very good indicator that the story is complete bullshit.

simba's picture
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simba Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:59pm

couldn't care less whether you believe it or not,just relaying what i saw and heard.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:22pm

What exactly did you see? A couple of Asians pushing around a shopping trolley with toilet paper in it? That doesn't = organised busloads of Asians raiding stores, just like Hadley said was happening.
The fact is, Hadley was sent the images via text or email. He had the opportunity to get more information from the sender. If his researchers / producer didn't try and get more information, they are totally incompetent. They would have dug very hard on this, and the evidence just isn't there. It's a beat up mate.

Daltz007's picture
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Daltz007 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:10pm

It's pretty easy to see the organised element of what has been going on and continues to go on, apparently. Here's your search term....
video of chinese raiding supermarket
Even Australia's National treasure, Grant Denyer is up in arms :-)
What's the issue with acknowledging that it happens......who gives a fucknif it's Chinese, Euro or a flock of hermaphrodite's. It's not on in the CBD or country town, full stop.

MRsinglefin's picture
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MRsinglefin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:00pm

Thanks Swellnet for the update. To me your website also provides quality news items and interesting forums for everyone to contribute their point of view. However some members have "blinkers on" and only believe in their own beliefs / values and choose not to listen to logic. Keep doing what you are doing.

Timmy49's picture
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Timmy49 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:00pm

Just stay home. Pretty simple. WTF are people thinking. It's not the end of the world and I need to surf before I die. Surf will always be there but some of us might not be there when we get over this, I reiterate WE. I'm staying away from the surf, I want to surf in the future. To all those people that don't it's selfish!!!!

inzider's picture
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inzider Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:02pm

Chinese have been raiding baby formula in NZ for years. They raiding our farms our water etc etc. They will find a Rock with mussels on it and strip the fucking thing bare. My community citrus garden was raped by one lady of Asian persuasion last year, this year the cranberry trees were emptied.
They dont give a fuck about about nothing but themselves. Stop buying what they make. Support countries that have good human rights records.
China can get fucked.

GuySmiley's picture
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GuySmiley Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:18pm

G'day Ben, Thank you for your well balanced story.

As one who asked the question of SN yesterday (respectfully I hope) I was informed by (1) feedback from many mates and social media links on both the west and east coasts here in Vicco. Friday but particularly yesterday it was out of control in and out of the surf; and (2) a view that we would be in lockdown if the shit show continues as Dan Andrews has been warning all week.

I now see the last 2 days as a form of panic buying of dunny paper, everyone was getting one last surf before it's all locked down. I also see SN closing down its reports and forecasts as completely unwarranted because, as you correctly say, there are many other sources of relevant information out there. No, I think it's better for things to unfold naturally and if this behaviour continues for the lockdown to be put in place.

You mention St Kilda beach above, all beaches in the City of Port Phillip area are now closed as are all beaches in the Shire of Mornington on the MP, that's a massive stretch of coastline.

All the best.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:22pm

Yep....reading this made my day.

Come straight to our country and buy an investment property . Increasing competition for basic shelter so much that young Aussies can’t afford a roof over their heads and then start a petition to the government when the wheels on your speculation goes arse up .

Sucked in , fuvkers.

https://www.change.org/p/scott-morrison-landlord-protection/c

Read the comments below and check the names ....wonder what’s pushing up house prices all these years ?

“ I am signing this because the landlord has discriminated at treated unfairly “........too funny.

epictard's picture
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epictard Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:59pm

That whole thing has to be a complete piss take, doesn't it?!? There's no way that's real, it's too convenient.

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Fliplid Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:18pm

If Bondi and St Kilda can be shut the next thing will be all beaches and then a full lock down Australia wide because people just can't get the message into their thick heads.

It's a lack of personal responsibility not a fucken webcam that's the problem.

Frodge's picture
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Frodge Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:20pm

Keep up the good work Swellnet, so much positivity comes from your site.
If people are so concerned, maybe they should practice not surfing at all and spend their time rallying their local council and MPs to shut it all down.
Last time I checked, ‘locals’ and ‘non locals’ were at the beach surfing.
In saying that, we all had a good surf together yesterday, strangers sharing waves, hoots and keeping a good social distance.
Stay safe all, be nice to one another and lay off Swellnet.

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:37pm

Love your work Blowin - the swearing.

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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:41pm

Where i surfed yesterday there was about 20 of us, about 10 groms under 12 with their parents on the beach taking video/photos. One was a ex pro surfer.

Gra Murdoch's picture
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Gra Murdoch Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:46pm

Go the mighty Swellnet.

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Statler Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:55pm

Gees FFS SWELLNET you have no responsibility for anyone's decisions, Keep up the good work. This site is valued by real surfers not the hordes that were on Bondi or elsewhere.

No greater surfing resource online than Swellnet.
All the weather and surf info is available in multiple sites including the BOM. I'm still old school and love looking at the synoptic maps use to be the first thing I read in the paper before i went to school.
To Blame Swellnet for Crowds is comical, Blame surf companies and the wozzle and anyone else selling the dream and making money from it.
My best pick Local today was packed, the crowds were unprecedented why??
NO SWELLNET CAMERA LOCATED
Close the NSW border.
send backpackers home.
Good Banks at the moment, Dumb Crew posting to social media(LETS BAN FACEBOOK and all over forms of social media)
Newly unemployed
Pubs closed no hangovers
NOT SWELNETS PROBLEM

WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP being peddled by some posters here, Vic local the stripping of supermarkets has been happening by groups in regional areas why is there no link as there is no local papers anymore all owned by Murdoch and it does not suit the agenda, about 2 weeks ago there was a report from Dorrigo by the owner of an IGA discussed on Abc North coast radio in the mornings As i was driving to work about it occurring.
Vic Local you ignored a previous posters links to Medical PPE being stockpiled and sent to china, it is happening across many products, including groceries when i saw those SMH articles it made sense the shortages I'm seeing in other areas in my business and clients.
You strike me as another self absorbed Boomer Vic Local correct me if im wrong

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:55pm

Nah boomers would think the opposite to him.

Jmc83's picture
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Jmc83 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 6:59pm

Swellnet is just is website. I can’t see how it has any real influence over people behaviour. Except for the lemmings who can’t think for themselves.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:16pm

All I know Jmc83 is, it's lemming central at my local break when Swellnet forecasts (and starts talking up) a swell. When Swellnet miss a swell, the crowd is substantially thinner.
It does have an effect and that's why Swellnet should pull the reporting / forecasting / cams on their fine website. There's enough surf content to keep people engaged.

Westofthelake's picture
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Westofthelake Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:14pm

"When Swellnet miss a swell, the crowd is substantially thinner."

That made me chuckle.

Got a link or 2 as proof of that statement Vicco?

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:22pm

Got a link or 2 as proof of that statement Vicco?
Sorry mate, but the size of crowds at my local break isn't exactly going to get covered in the Geelong Advertiser, Echo or Surf Coast Times.
Velocity Johnny is a regular surfer down here. He's backed up my observations further up the thread.

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N.P Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:26pm

Na mate. Evidence required otherwise it’s just shit talk apparently. Heed your own advice champion

thebeard's picture
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thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:21pm

Sharing is caring, you can always take up scrabble or join your social justice buddies at a rally.

Vunerable's picture
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Vunerable Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:20pm

Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand, and take it easy.
Eagles.
Thanks to Swellnet we can continue to get our surf fix in whatever shape or form the future holds.

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:25am

Fuck!!!

This thread has had EVERYTHING!

Just when I thought I'd seen opinions from all angles some god bothering crunt quotes the bible!

Laughing my head off!

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:45pm

TBH ringmaster, a Christian quoting the bible is the least of our worries. I have a much bigger problem with bored isolated racist cunts, down on their luck, filling their skulls with bullshit off the internet for the next few months. It's worse in the USA. They've stockpiled weapons over there.
It's a massive problem, but hey, the Muslims aren't public enemy number one anymore, so that's a positive.

thebeard's picture
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thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:25pm

I have a problem with your need of pushing your opinion on other people.

servant's picture
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servant Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:42pm

Thank you so much ringmaster. Prayed for you.
"The TRUTH will set you free", John 8:32
God Bless you and your family, with Love from a '..od bothering ..unt', - many many years before now being a cancer patient

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:47pm

Good luck servant, Having cancer is shit at the best of times. It must be much harder with C-19 floating around. I'm not religious, but believing in God brings you comfort, that's cool. Best of luck with the treatment.

servant's picture
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servant Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:58pm

God Bless you too Vic Local. Many thanks for your kind comment. Prayed also for you

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Snoz Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 7:57pm

A mate went for a look up at Noosa this arvo and said it was so crowded and that there was a gathering of at least 20 young loggers drinking together!
Noosa will be the first spot that surfing will be banned in Qld.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:10pm

That's terrible. Noosa will be a virus hotspot within weeks. When retirees on the Sunshine Coast start dying, the full horror of this weekend might dawn on the loggers.

N.P's picture
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N.P Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:27pm

Funny that most of the blow-ins/ out of towners at Noosa seem to be from “vic”.

mowgli's picture
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mowgli Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:59pm

Correct.

There's potentially already a cluster in Noosa. It was in the local rags about a mob that went to a bunch restaurants/cafes all in one day (must have money) and turns out they were all infected.

Glenfiddich's picture
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Glenfiddich Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:23pm

Vic Local, have you ever considered how insignificant you are? The gall to assume that you have some almighty claim on even a skerrick of ocean is bewildering. I hope when COVID-19 is gone, your town gets flooded with surfers and other beachgoers, ready to pump your area with much needed dollars - I'm sure many business owners in your region don't share your view.

The arrogance is mind boggling - you have no entitlement to the ocean whatsoever.

I live inner-city, if I see a good review pop up for my local coffee shop I am going to be furious, as I'll now have to wait in line longer!

Also, has it occurred to you that there is more than one forecasting site on the web?

I love surfing, but my god I despise the people that seem to make up the community. This entitlement to waves, the superiority complex - it is truly pathetic.

I rarely comment on public forums, but after reading this comment section felt obliged - although I doubt it will have any impact, as you are clearly a troll who leads an unsatisfactory life.

PS - you are also a fool if you don't think we are being pillaged by our communist trade partners to the North. It is people like you, that suppress the dialogue with accusations of racism, that allow it to continue.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:34pm

I will be welcoming tourists back with open arms. In fact, I really don't like the small town anti-tourism mentality. I don't think I'm entitled to the ocean any more than anyone else.
I cringe when people complain about tourists in normal times, but I won't cop people coming here during the c-19 crisis and putting people's lives in danger. It's a dog act. Tourists are simply not welcome at this time. When it's all said and done, I will be encouraging regional tourism big time.*
* and yes I do have a vested interest in this.
** You should read some of the comments on local social media pages. People are justifiably furious down here.

icandig's picture
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icandig Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:40pm

You have a link to any of the pages Vic? Genuinely curious.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:57pm

You'd have to join Surf Coast Community News on Facebook to see the comments. The moderators have been really busy cleaning it up. Here's a pretty standard comment.
"Do not head down the coast/ u r not welcome or wanted at this cataclysmic time.
Stay in your own back yard.
It's really that simple.
Don't make Dan Andrews job any more difficult than it is"

icandig's picture
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icandig Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:19pm

Done and doing. Have been seeing a few bits and pieces. Not willing to wade into your shit fight, but agree on some levels. I'm luckier than most and will leave it at that. P.S. just a suggestion. Tone down the vulgarity; especially the C*** word. Doesn't paint you in a good light. (Like you care anyway). **edit. 7 x C*** 1 attributed to you. I think Blowin is the winner.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:39am

Thanks for the snippet VL. I'm not on facebook and don't open it on my browser, but also know the community page is the best local 2nd hand market there is, from word of mouth of friends. Would be interesting to hear more local views if you can post them - as without the fb page I only know the local community from face to face the crew I know (and now we have locked ourselves down due to medicals).

Personally I've seen cars on Geelong Rd going back strapped 4 deep in logs this morning, some people still not getting it.

To surf or not to surf is a pretty good question, SC shire said beaches closed (yet exercise permitted... hmmm), Dan Andrews said stay home, last night Scott Morrison said stay home... so with that kind of background responsibility says stay home. It's all for nought if duncepricks keep coming on down and cause a local transmission which spreads.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:59pm

Yeah down the MP there are signs sprayed on the road...'Stay in Aspen' , yacht club similarly sprayed over and signs on the back beaches 'Go back to Melbourne'. MP has the highest rate in Victoria due to the ultra privilege class not caring about their movements. The locals are not happy when it is not their fault.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 8:51pm

OK folks, I get why people are saying I'm so angry. Yes it's true and here's why.
I'm related to a medical professional and she knows the score. Due to the c-19 crisis, patients are being turned away from rehabilitation care, and elective surgery has been cancelled leaving people in pain.
Elderly people in nursing homes are being denied family visits, and nurses are busting their arses preparing for the impending shit storm.
Oncologists would be changing, or seriously considering delaying, people's cancer treatment regimes because C-19 can be a death sentence for patients with compromised immune systems.
All leave has been cancelled for medical professionals. Does that not raise a red flag?
Medicos are now making decisions that are "least worst options" rather than "best practice options".
Meanwhile people are out having fucking holidays, bringing forward the shitstorm and making medical decisions so much harder. It's putting saints and their patients in impossible positions.
So you'll just have to forgive me for being angry. It's because I'm right, and people are being selfish, dangerous, dickheads.

Glenfiddich's picture
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Glenfiddich Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:04pm

I think you crave attention. This whole thread was not dedicated to you - in fact you've hijacked it and gone on multiple tirades.

SW made a business announcement and you have jumped from multiple topics, including: how your local spot has been destroyed, denying communist China and its lemming's actions in Australia - and now lecturing us on the impact this will have on our health system.

The vast vast vast majority are doing the right thing, and besides a select few (who couldn't give two shits about your online input) are unfortunately ruining it for the rest. Take a chill pill big fella, maybe a glass of Glenfiddich - you must've taken years off your life with these angry rants.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:21pm

...or you could say, I'm sticking up for people at risk, be they medical professionals, their patients or Australians from a Chinese heritage. I'm actually riding out this isolation thing ok. You'll have to forgive me for my sledgehammer approach to looking out for other people and not tolerating fools.

Glenfiddich's picture
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Glenfiddich Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:34pm

Maybe in your deluded mind - but keep up the good fight mate, Australia and the SW community would be lost without you.

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:05pm

Not where i live, nursing home can have 2 visitors for 30 mins, Nurse i spoke to yesterday in north coast hospital says no one has it and business as usual.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:42pm

VL this was a really good post. I also get a look in to the medical situation here, and it's serious. I really, really, really wish people would begin to understand this.

Together we can all overcome it, if we are effective in stopping transmission of the virus. If we can isolate and do this well enough, the world can return to a semblance of what we will remember as normal (not exactly the same). If we can't, it's going to be ongoing flare ups, many deaths, heavily burdened/overwhelmed medical system, and an economy that gets kicked in the balls repeatedly for as long as the virus keeps flaring up again.

Geelong cases 37
Surfcoast 5

from weeklytimes.now.com.au site as of this time

https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/victoria/your-guide-to-coronaviru...

thebeard's picture
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thebeard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:36pm

So because you’re related to a medical professional (this could be anything right?) you are right and therefor have the right to be angry... fuck me mate... now I finally get it; you’re right... man, why didn’t you say this right from the start....

Robo's picture
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Robo Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:00pm

They should now and should of before cut the M1 at Hexham Bridge, Campbelltown and Wollongong, and all flights and boats, problem solved, its mostly coming out of Sydney. Wouldn't be a problem for anywhere else in NSW.

Except for freight and emergency services.

mattlock's picture
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mattlock Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:27pm

I have read plenty of rants in the past from Vic Local railing against people visiting "his" coast.
At least now he has a legitimate reason for doing so.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:30pm

Thanks mattlock... I think!

tiger's picture
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tiger Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:30pm

If you live in an even moderately populated area, there is slim chance you can really go surfing without compromising the suggested social distancing regulations. If there is adjacent populations on top of that then even more so. Particularly given the current situation where reality hasn't sunk in, and there's an almost holiday like atmosphere. People from places like Torquay/surf coast, or the sunny coast, whinging about it are fucking kidding themselves. Sure the extra tourists are making it worse, but realistically the local surfing populations are too large to begin with. Not to mention Sydney or the Goldy, it's just not doable at the moment. I live 20 mins inland and drive to surf, but in a quiet regional zone. Solo surf's on the weekend are not uncommon, and the usual on weekdays, at the spot I mostly frequent. I'm heading down for a surf and a fish in the morning, confident that I will more than likely not encounter another person. That is doable. I stayed home and avoided the beaches over the weekend, just in case they were a little busier than usual. It's frustrating but not surprising that my ability to safely do this will be taken away because the government will have no choice but the blanket ban because the selfish morons that live in the denser populated areas can't control their FOMO knob cake lifestyles. None of this is swellnets fault, and any contribution to it would be minimal, it's just a reflection of society in general.

inzider's picture
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inzider Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:44pm

Geeze fellas lighten up on old viclocal
He makes many a valid point.
I perused the webcam of my local beach back home in nz from my isolation hotel room in adelaide.
Pumping little offshore waves and a city of 60000 people behind them.
NO ONE surfing .
People who think its ok to travel and surf are morons and will be the reason more people die and make the time between me seeing my kids again last into the months.
Wake the fuck up and get ready for lockdown

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:59pm

Vic Local stumbled when he started to get shouty at Swellnet because of all the crew on the beach.

He may as well be blaming the weatherman on TV or the hot local chicks in bikinis if he’s looking to excuse crew from being personally responsible when they flaunt virus prevention measures.

mikehunt207's picture
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mikehunt207 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:48pm

@Vic local, reports last week on ABC radio south west about Vans of "people" with trailers coming from Perth to country towns in the wheat belt and country buying up everything then could in supermarkets, cleaning them out, Bruce Rock was one from memory , manager said it was like watching the baby formula antics on the tv last year, read whatever you like into that. Sucks even more for places like that because they only get restocked one a week. It is a real thing. All good flying the flag for political correctness but once they do your town you might sing a different song. If the hat fits -wear it.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:09pm

We’ve had mass hoarding down our way too with “people” (Traditional White Aussie) trying to profiteer from the panic. The thing is, if Asian people (allegedly) do it, people focus on their ethnicity. When white folk do it, people focus on their behaviour. I can’t actually recall ray Hadley / Alan Jones racially profiling Anglo hoarders. Maybe someone could find the evidence.

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Glenfiddich Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:35pm

You’re really struggling with this aren’t you. The way you spin the narrative is an art form - you should be a politician (for all the wrong reasons).

There is a distinct difference between frightened Australians hoarding (which is inexcusable in itself) and Chinese nationals (who have no allegiance to Australia) pillaging local town stores and sending supplies overseas. The fact that this was going on prior to this crisis (baby formula etc) shows they are not to be trusted.

There is proof everywhere, multiple news sites and eye witness accounts - whether you choose to acknowledge it is your prerogative.

podrig's picture
podrig's picture
podrig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:10am

Care to post links to any of your 'proof'?

Glenfiddich's picture
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Glenfiddich Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:47am

It's been covered in detail above mate, a simple scroll would suffice - otherwise there is a search bar at the top of your web browser that generally helps as well.

mikehunt207's picture
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mikehunt207 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:55pm

Ok Vic your right , everyone else is racist mate.
I think it was Winston Churchill who said "A fanatic is a person who cant change his mind and wont change the subject" , sounds about right reading your posts.

soggydog's picture
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soggydog Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:50pm

Once again. The virus can’t travel we travel and transport it. If you don’t travel it can’t be transported it will be contained and die. #staythefuckathome.

ringmaster's picture
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ringmaster Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 9:58pm

Ive lived and surfed the Surfcoast area a lot longer than VL has been here and can categorically state that the 'local' crew around here are as big or a bigger pain in the arse to surf with than tourists.

Also, if you're basing your surfing life around Winkipop you're doing it wrong in 2020. Its a cunthole. (Sorry Icandig)

icandig's picture
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icandig Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:15pm

Lol. I'll let that one slide Ringmaster. I miss the old (as in pre-Armstrong) Winkipop. Still swing by on the odd occasion, but you're right. It's a C-Hole now.

billythekid's picture
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billythekid Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 7:40am

"Ive lived and surfed the Surfcoast area a lot longer than VL has been here and can categorically state that the 'local' crew around here are as big or a bigger pain in the arse to surf with than tourists."

100% agree ringmaster, the 'locals' at winki drop in, talk endless crap in the lineup and generally create a bad vibe. one dickhead yesterday loudly proclaiming you'll need to show a 3228 license to surf there.

mattlock's picture
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mattlock Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:02pm

Two minute "locals" are the worst.

inzider's picture
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inzider Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:10pm

Just put a 3228 sticker on ya car and whammo your dead set legend local.

mattlock's picture
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mattlock Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:12pm

Don't leave your postcode though.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:51am

Mine's a book mark but it might have to go on the car. These are desperate times.

mattlock's picture
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mattlock Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 10:06pm

Back to the forum subject.
I trust Ben and his team to do what lies best with his conscience.

adam12's picture
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adam12 Sunday, 29 Mar 2020 at 11:48pm

I agree with Icandig about using bad language like 'that' word just to get a point across but what are you going to do? Some cunts just never learn.
Like Chaucer and Shakespeare too.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:52am

cunce

Johan Wohlleben's picture
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Johan Wohlleben Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:42am

Swell net is an essential service. Don’t be a hypocrite and use the forums then blame the surf report.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:37am

Classic stuff- Keeps me laughing.
VL and bongsalot should get together and wrench a few ;-)
Anyway unless you're Jesus Christ, fair bet you've got some racism in ya.
It's throughout history, it's human nature and Im guilty too.
Go Swellnet!!!

podrig's picture
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podrig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:11am

Rip into em VicLocal!!

#staythefuckhome

#selfishcunts

podrig's picture
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podrig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:17am

Anyone else noticed that all of the 'special' tickets have disappeared off the shelf?

Despite the reports of the major chains putting on thousands of new staff in order to keep up with demand they have chosen to remove all specials in order to sell everything at full tote. Did someone say profiteering? It ain't the yellow threat that will get you in the long run..

garyg1412's picture
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garyg1412 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:27pm

Ha Ha podrig. Glad someone else noticed that. I saw the Tim Tams at the front of the aisle specials area with a ticket price of $3.65 - WTF they're normally $1.65 in that location.

With the shelves stripped bare I was hoping a diet of Tim Tams and Fanta were going to get me through this crisis, but with those prices I'm back looking for the 80c packets of pasta!!!

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:43am

Just to recap why we are all here:-

"Many phrases have been introduced to the public from "delay phase" to "social distancing."
At the top of the list is the term: "flattening the curve." What does this mean? It's a society-wide effort to slow down and spread out the incidence of COVID-19 cases.
A flatter curve will ultimately guard against overwhelming the healthcare system and the workforce.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that fewer people get sick.
It means that people don’t all get sick at the same time.
By taking proactive steps, like canceling large gatherings and restricting contact with others, we have a chance to regain control of this fast-moving disease and alleviate further damage. "
Apply common sense.
Check these sites to get a better understanding of how COVID-19 works and on who and why.
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/...
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/...
https://www.lung.org/blog/update-covid-19

Roystein's picture
Roystein's picture
Roystein Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 6:49am

I noticed that posrig. They may be trying to deter bull buying but maybe not too.
I don’t see a connection between cams reports and people’s current behaviour. It comes from the governments directions. People will find enough from their communications if it allows. It’s called confirmation bias. What we will see now following ScoMo last night is 1) less people hanging out around the place in groups (now defined a 3 or more) 2) about the same number of people in the water (maybe more) as exercise was listed as a reason to be outside.

Less blaming each other and more understanding of human behaviour is needed here.

. A proactive article from Ben shouldn’t descend into a shitfight about bulk buying. Take that somewhere else.

Roystein's picture
Roystein's picture
Roystein Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 6:50am

Ps well done Ben and swellnet on a quality website. It’s one of a small number of things worth their time on the internet

viccokook's picture
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viccokook Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:05am

Please help as i'm confused as fuck. If I want to exercise by way of surfing am i allowed to by law if I maintain social distancing?
We have Scomo saying we can exercise and buy puzzles, Dan the Man saying stay home but you can exercise outside. Surfcoast Shire says you can surf and exercise on the beach and then we have our newly formed #staythefuckhome national council voicing their opinion for anyone and everyone. So if i choose to surf which includes driving my car from where ever i live (be it 5 mins or 15 mins away), dont stop anywhere and maintain SD am i breaking the law or am i more at risk of been judged by the mob? is that any different to exercising out the front of my house, going for a run etc. I imagine the high rise apartments in Melb and maintaining SD to get outside would be far more difficult/riskier than a solo surf run. I'm desperate for some saltwater therapy before i completely lose my bundle as many of us are so a clear concise answer would be great on what the actual law is right now. Not your own personal opinion. I already know i'm a selfish fuck for even considering surfing.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 7:44am

viccokook you can go for a surf - in regional areas like this a 5 or 15 min drive is local, its a lot more spaced out

mibs-oner's picture
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mibs-oner Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:12am

Hopefully life gets back to normal so viclocal doesn’t have to sit on his computer all day.

Keep up the great work swellnet

icandig's picture
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icandig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:15am

Let's see what happens when the next clean NW 6 ft autumn swell hits the Surf Coast. This is likely, given the season and it won't take a Swellnet forecast for the word to get out. My guess is that not only will the Bells and Winkipop car park be full, there's the full prospect of the Channel 7 news chopper buzzing the lineup to name and shame. Perhaps; just maybe there'll be fewer commutes from a distance, but I doubt it will stop anyone within a short radius of descending on the place.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:33am

The Bells carpark is closed so surfers are now parking on the road. And here's the kicker, it's 1-2ft and hopelessly inconsistent. Saw today's photo on another site.
I've just got back from a walk along an empty stretch of beach that's only accessible at dead low tides and tiny swells. I could see multiple surfers walking down steps to access a flat ocean. You can't fix stupid.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:35am

You saw a few surfers going for a muck around on a deserted beach?

Sounds fair enough to me.

If you saw the crowds everywhere else you'd have a fucking aneurism.

Edit - or maybe lose your shit like an incontinent dog.

juegasiempre's picture
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juegasiempre Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:38am

Vic local. If you want to be stressed and pop a rage fuse, check the Greenmount cam right this second. Or South Trigg from yesterday, an ungodly amount of people spaced out 0.25m, scratching for 1ft closeouts.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:54am

Andy, I walked a stretch of beach that is in-between reef breaks and is inaccessible except when it's tiny and low tide. It's as isolating as possible. I can see steps that access a couple of reef breaks and counted half a dozen surfers in 20 odd minutes paddling out into a flat ocean and sitting next to each other. Pure madness.
We have 5 confirmed cases in my shire. That would increase naturally, but it will increase much faster now due to the influx of Melbourne tourists and travelling surfers. That's unforgivable.
juegasiempre. My tribes, surfers and skiers have really dropped the ball on this. They've behaved so selfishly.

shoredump's picture
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shoredump Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:53am

Let me get this straight VL. You haven’t been cleared of CV, and you still didn’t stay the fuck home. You went out not for medicine or food, but your angry because others go out not for medicine or food. Okay, got it. Continue....

But put that gun down man, you’re making everyone nervous

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:31pm

My daughter and I went on a walk on a deserted beach very early in the morning which was consistent with the advice at the time. I didn't drive anywhere, saw 1 other person and wished him well from afar. Not exactly travelling from a hotspot to an area with only 5 confirmed cases and hanging around in crowds.

boogiefever's picture
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boogiefever Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:40pm

You got it in one.
Theres rules for VL...... Then theres rules for the rest of us. Has mentioned previously that he rides his pushie 50+ k's but has a fucken aneurysm if anyone has to drive to the beach. What a hypocritical dumb fuck....
You cant fix stupid...

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:03pm

Whatever boogiefever. That ride was a few days ago and it was solo in the farmland. Number of people I came across who weren't passing me in vehicles at 80km/h = zero.
Big fucking difference to travelling to surf with mates, filling up with petrol, getting coffee, hanging out at the beach, and then sitting in crowded lineups. The surf coast shire has just closed all the beaches.

boogiefever's picture
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boogiefever Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:16pm

Hahaha... You selfish hypocrite.
"travelling to surf with mates, filling up with petrol, getting coffee, hanging out at the beach, and then sitting in crowded lineups."

What a retarded argument. Most surfers have more sense than that..... You've proven that you dont.
This whole isolation thing is for you and your fellow boomers safety.... And you cant even be fucked sacrificing for your own health. Cunts fucked..... Give up the crack pipe.... Youre already cooked.

Clam's picture
Clam's picture
Clam Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:36am

Geez lockdown has been productive for commenters

King Kong's picture
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King Kong Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:52am

Hey Swellnet. Thanks for the awesome service you provide. It’s not just people living remotely from the beach that you help keep sane. I’m only 5 mins from my local break, but the pace of life means I don’t get to surf every day. On the days I can’t, I can often be found in boring meetings, sneaking a quick look at the forecast or the cams, and drifting away to the next quality sesh with the boys. Best mental health strategy. Ever. Keep up the great work!

spelled3's picture
spelled3's picture
spelled3 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:00am

Doing well Swellnet. I think you've struck the right balance. Good luck!

san Guine's picture
san Guine's picture
san Guine Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:14am

Thanks SN, I really appreciate the service you provide. Have had many laughs reading the forums and enjoy the banter between commenters and personally take most of the surf reports with a grain of salt (our coast is all about the banks).
Different points of view are important...if we were all the same life would be pretty dull!

Just a little aside re COVID for those younger males who are still in denial re the risks of the virus :
The cell receptors where the Corona virus attaches is called ACE-2 (certain anti-hypertensives are in this category) which are obviously in the lungs, hence the respiratory symptoms. These ACE-2 receptors are also in the Leydig cells of the testes which are integral in the production sperm.

Impotency anyone???? Be aware and be safe.

san Guine's picture
san Guine's picture
san Guine Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:15am

...of sperm

Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:00pm

San, I read somewhere ACE-2 inhibitors in blood pressure meds can be affected by the virus as in it can make it worse. Know anything about that? I couldn’t understand all the medical talk and as a young bloke who’s on them it’s concerning

san Guine's picture
san Guine's picture
san Guine Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:38pm

Hey OG,
Sorry don't know enough about it, its not my area of expertise, but yes I have read that ACE-2 inhibitors are affected.
Try this website: HealthUnlocked.com (my wife has cardiac issues and has found this site very helpful and supportive).
The main problem is this is virus is new for all of us and I think even those of us in the health care profession are floundering around with so many unknowns.
Take care of yourself, stay away from people, we will get through this if we all act responsibly

Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:57pm

Thanks mate. I will check it out

san Guine's picture
san Guine's picture
san Guine Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:57pm

... and I should also should have said, that you should get some medical advice from your trusted GP. There are a myriad of other classes of anti-hypertensives( eg. ca channel blockers, beta blockers etc.) readily available.

Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg's picture
Old Gregg Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:58pm

Will do

_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_ Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:41am
Joshy2000's picture
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Joshy2000 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:01pm

Looks like the 50 year storms hitting Sunday Bodhi. Do you expect Utah to stay home? He knows you won’t miss this one.

Frodge's picture
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Frodge Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:50am

Is a line up at a beach a public gathering? If so family sessions and solo sessions only (Gov. media statement from yesterday & Dan announced it this morning Stage 3 restrictions):

Indoor and Outdoor Public gatherings
"National Cabinet agreed to limit both indoor and outdoor gatherings to two persons only.
Exceptions to this limit include:
People of the same household going out together;"

Exercise is still be allowed, but no more than 2 out?????

epictard's picture
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epictard Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:04am

I have never really look at cameras outside of my area / places I surf regardless.
Yesterday someone noted the chaos at South Trigg that made me look around a bit.
Today jueg mentioned Greenmount ... Jebus!!!

It is mesmerising. The number of drop-ins, ankle high barrel attempts, and general insanity of a crowd in surf that is not really breaking could keep me watching all day if I did not have to log on for work. It's like my brain could not work out what it was seeing so just switched off. ... and I will froth over any conditions but not with those numbers per possible wave.

frog's picture
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frog Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:56pm

The weird thing about the Triggs session is that if people really thought about it they might realise that what they are doing is not fun. It is habit or FOMO or something to Instagram or ??????

Once you realise that some surfs are about as pleasurable as putting out the garbage or jumping off the seawall onto soft sand over and over you can free yourself from pointlessly chasing crappy surf lured by a mirage or a memory and actually enjoy life more.

Bnkref's picture
Bnkref's picture
Bnkref Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:07am

Dan Andrews has just announced a stage 3 lockdown for Victoria. No leaving the house unless it's for exercise or getting food / medicine. No travelling for exercise. That's seems very clear to me that no one should be getting in a car to go surfing.

If you can walk to a beach. Good luck to you. I can't...

Frodge's picture
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Frodge Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:22am

Bnkref
I'm not trying to debate travelling to the surf, so please don't take it that way, but I can't see any mention in the Vic Gov. announcement about travelling for exercise.

My main takeaway from the Stage 3 was no more than 2 people - for the majority of Victoria's surfing population (especially MP & SC), that's not achievable.
Looks like there is swell on the way, lets see (from the comfort of our homes) how this plays out.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:29am

The official media release didn't go into that level of detail but his announcement on twitter specifically mentioned that (about not getting in a car for exercise).

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lostdoggy Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:54am

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Frodge Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:59am

thanks lostdoggy.

Clear as day.

lets see if the "no more than 2" is enforced

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:06pm

that makes it very clear.

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:29pm

I think the weight lifting gym type that don't have their own equipment will take this harder than the surfers tbh :)

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steverubysdad Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:10am

Long time reader, first time poster. For what it is worth, I have finally subscribed to SN, a tiny gesture of support for a small business providing a service I value. Ben, I hope you continue to provide the reports, links and cameras that make my day a little bit better.

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zenagain Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:55pm

Money well spent, even if it's just for the laughs and the extended forecasts.

Btw, how's Steve these days?

brownie48's picture
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brownie48 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:54am

Been an interesting read so far!

At least Ben and the team at Swellnet are being responsible by asking people not to travel. It doesnt matter what SN do not everyone will agree with their approach.

The clowns at Coastalwatch last week openly encouraged people living in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney to go for a drive and get out of town to go surfing as the beaches were closed there!

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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:05pm

Good on you Steve, I'll be resubscribing if I'm still here in one piece. My only request for Swellnet is do a history series on the epic swells, maybe do this in favour of the reports.

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tango Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:20pm

In Vic the advice seems to be that you can go surfing for exercise as long as you maintain distance/go with household family members. This is going to be a good test for the surfing population in Vic not just for this week but for the next month or three.

As I've said before, I can't quantify the correlation between forecasts and crowds, but I've got no doubt it exists, especially when things get talked up a long way out and people can organise their time well in advance. This is supported by pretty much everyone I know who is in the water on the good days which weren't talked up and the almost assured difference in crowds ie less people. Its only anecdotal, but it's getting witnessed more and more often. And there's noticeable talk in the carparks when the different forecasts make those calls - there's no way that many people are the full bottle on BoM and other sources of info to call it themselves. Of course, every time Ben comes down he manages to jag somewhere uncrowded and good and then tells me to get back in my box.

Of course SN isn't the only source of forecasting info, and whether publishing surf reports at the moment is irresponsible, I'm not so sure. I tend to agree that it lets people stay in touch, and I think that the discouragement at the start of the reports re travelling is the right call. Maybe there's room for forecasting in a low-key way and avoiding headlines which get people talking, especially on Insta etc.

For now, the Vic govt has said that its OK to get out and exercise, but make it snappy and it's not OK to drive far for it. I think any rational interpretation of that means that you can go for a quick paddle as long as you're maintaining distance and you're from the local area. I can't imagine people being supportive of anyone wanting to go to from the coast to the city just to "exercise". I guess that's going to be the cream (finally) for those of use who pay exorbitant rates to live on the coast. The challenge is whether everyone is going to fuck this up and crowd out the name breaks and force the authorities' hands to ban surfing. After seeing footage of cops chasing and apparently shooting at surfers in south america on the weekend, as the mate who sent me the insta (surfline, i think) story said: "shit just got real."

I'm also a supporter of SN's role in providing forums like this, where every muppet gets a voice and in longhand, mind you. I dunno of any other site/space where this happens. We're all going to need it.

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Spinafex1 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 12:46pm

A "crowd" is now three people. I think this pretty much rules out surfing anywhere but the most remote and unpopulated places.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:01pm

Three's a crowd.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:18pm

Unless you're Gary G, in which case it's heaven.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:21pm

Hope Gary's mental health stays good in these days of isolation and denial of access to busy gyms...

Stimpie's picture
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Stimpie Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 1:56pm

Its really quite simple.....don't go surfing until this is all over!

I'm reading a lot of people justifying why they should still be able to surf...I live locally, it's for my health, I need my daily/weekly surf to keep my sanity etc. me, me, me.

The sooner we all make the tough call, put our boards and wetties away and wait this thing out, the sooner we can all surf again. A very small consolation is that for the 1st time in 30 years I've stopped obsessing over wind, tides & swell!

Hang in there everyone.

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jayet-010 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:12pm

Yeah bro, I'm with you.

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Elliedog Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 2:32pm

Good work Ben and SN. What a tough call. Personally i believe a forecast will determine weather someone might head to the beach for a surf or not...to a degree. Everyone needs to make some hard calls regarding isolating and distancing. I'm not finding it too difficult as i'm not real social anyway and don't mind my own company along with my partner and kids and i'm getting a quick surf in at some shitty places all within 5km's of my home...no problem keeping distance from others at these spots thats for sure...i'm lucky i guess. What happens when the first legit forecast for the east coast goes live on line?. What about the first report that says its pumping!!!!. the best board for today is.... Not just at SN mind you but plenty of other forecast tools out there. Humans are interesting thats for sure. Keep the interesting online content coming guys your certainly the best at it.

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frog Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:58am

The debate will be over soon enough. Bans on the way.

I am afraid I would categorise surfing a tight take off spot like Snapper or a swamped beach break like Triggs as a moderately risky activity to catch Covid 19 due to water flushing up everyone's nose endlessly when surfing. . Polluted water with effluent outfalls would add to risks even if surfing solo. Later that night some water is still up most surfer's noses after a few decent wipeouts. Viral load would be small but enough to create doubt.

The medical authorities will see the photos and make a call and ban surfing or set tight limits as for weddings - which will be flouted at first which will then lead to total bans.

So locals don't get too smug as you may be worse off than those who are more landlocked as you suffer the excruciating pain of being in sight of unsurfed perfection or copping fines or a week in hospital for a few empty waves.

Another thing is that Covid 19 seems to get nasty if it enters the lungs (often it sits higher in throat and nose where it can be more mild). So if you copy a mouthful of saltwater laced with a bit of covid and it gets down your windpipe a bit as can often occur, you might get the bad version - pneumonia.

The possible situations, reactions of people, uncertainty and even the debates in this thread are all so far from carefree surfing that it is not that hard to just forget it for a while.

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freeride76 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 4:32pm

The other thing to take into consideration is infection is related to the quantity of viral material transmitted.
that is almost always higher indoors, particular in air conditioned environments: the reason so many cruise ship passengers are infected.

high viral loads at infection make for worse disease outcomes.

even though it's theoretically possible the virus could survive in sea water the dispersal and dilution effect of the ocean, particularly a dynamic surf zone means it's highly unlikely you would be infected with a high viral load, if you received any viral material whatsoever.

seems pretty easy to modify habits and surf away from people, especially when there are stretches of open beach, even in urban environments.

but you're probably right, it might be banned.

hope not.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:59pm

Every time I hear the term “ viral load “ I think of Paris Hilton.

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truebluebasher Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 3:05pm

[ < 1.5m > ]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Non Static Chatroom]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

xX[ Qld Border ]Xx

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[0][0][0][ DUTTO ] Gold Dobber Medal*

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[ Homeland Security ] [ Spot X Contract.........................X ]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Crimewave of the day ~~~~^~~~~/`~~~~/(`~~~~/(C...../(C`..[swellnet)

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PeteWebb Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 4:08pm

Dear Swellnet...I am a paid subscriber...can you send me a new mouse please? I've worn this one out by having to scroll way too far in this comments section.


Video from a Dr in New york in a zoom call to family and threads with useful info on how to stay safe during this outbreak.
Also an article about Covid-19 and water from Surfrider.org
https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/covid-19-and-beach-water-qu...

Craig's picture
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Craig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 4:41pm

There's a little turquoise button that we've had for a while now that does all the scrolling for you.

"New Comments" and then "Next".

blackers's picture
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blackers Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:07pm

So thats what that does..................

Westofthelake's picture
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Westofthelake Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:08pm

Best invention ever!

Craig's picture
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Craig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:10pm

You guys weren't aware! Wow ha.

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maddogmorley Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:14pm

What little button? Only on mobile? I just use Ctrl-End.

Craig's picture
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Craig Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:15pm

These..

maddogmorley's picture
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maddogmorley Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:16pm

Ohhh....I got so used to Ctrl-End i never noticed those before.

Haha cheers Craig!

Westofthelake's picture
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Westofthelake Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 5:33pm

Haha I was aware since the first day they were introduced. Loove that little button. NEXT!

mikehunt207's picture
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mikehunt207 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:16pm

Thanks Craig, hadnt noticed that either, going to save me some time from the back scroll trying to find latest comment thats for sure- good idea!

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Walk around G Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 6:19pm

I'm pretty hesitant too actually comment on a SW thread atm, you know, with all the covid-19, keyboard warrior, full-on attack syndrome which is coming from bloody both sides of the coin etc.
But I have been thinking about this f%@€ing virus, does anyone know if it's possible to contract the virus via Mosquitoes or Marchflies and the like?? When you think of how Dengue Fever and Malaria are a scourge on certain communities, could this be another form of transmission we should be thinking about??

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glennod Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:44pm

To quote Norman Swan (Dr and ABC journalist)..... No, Mosquitos carry parasitic organisms such as you listed ,not coronaviruses.
You can however contract coronavirus from touching the bowser at the petrol station when you fill up your car for that surf which was non essential , even if you didn't catch it you could shed some virus at the petrol station which could spread the virus. You could be asymptomatic at that point. Even if hundreds of people touched that handle over the next few days and only one other contracted it but they didn't socially distance and spread it to 10 people who spread it to many more. You could be responsible for an outbreak within your community.
Thats why you need to stay at home.
This is hard. I love surfing. I'm also a registered nurse in an Emergency Dept of a country hospital. I don't want to start a community outbreak..... for as much as I love surfing, I love my family and friends my work colleagues...my community more
. We don't know the extent of community spread because we haven't been testing for it yet. We will have a better idea in the weeks to come It will be a reflection of what we did or didn't do yesterday, today or in the next week.
So...I won't be surfing even though I could easily find a wave well away from others and meet the governments criteria for social distancing. Eventually I'll need more fuel and thats another touchpoint for potential spread. If all the surfers in my area decide to keep surfing thats hundreds of touchpoints for increased spread even if they strictly socially distance when they get there
Instead I'll get some exercise on the TRX, skateboard on the driveway, play guitar meditate..... then go to work
At work I'll try to get used to the new and increasing tension between colleagues, looks of fear in patients eyes, the absurd amount of times I'm washing my hands... Its like we've all been taken from a fun surf at a beachie and forced to paddle out at mavericks on 5'10"s and the first set is on the horizon.
Please think about COVID19.....but don't worry about mozzies
Please wash your hands and don't touch your face
Please stay at home unless its essential, surfing isn't ......at least until this thing flattens out. What you do now matters a lot and could influence how long it is till your friends get back to work, when surfing is freed up again etc..
Thanks

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:47pm

Thank you Glennod. Be safe, we appreciate what you do, I will try not to look too afraid next time I have to go in. Cheers J

simba's picture
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simba Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:33pm

Vic local turn on a current affair now 7.20 mate then you can a apologise you arrogant fuck stain...its all about the chinese raiders .......you remember dont you ..twit

Robo's picture
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Robo Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:37pm

Haha just saw that, viclocals chonka mates well and truly busted.

ringmaster's picture
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ringmaster Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:56pm

Yeah.....I watched it too. Makes me fucken angry. Our country bends over for that nation for one reason only. The fact that they are the biggest market place on the planet as there's about 1.2 billion of em.

They already own or have long term leases on substantial chunks of Australia and it beggars belief how this situation is allowed to continue. Not that you'd want to, but they don't allow us the same concessions there.

How the fuck are they allowed to pillage our supplies of essential resources and ship them back to China???

As a generalisation they're a nation of cruel, self absorbed, greedy environmental rapists.

There......I said it. Yes, I'm a racist in this instance.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:49pm

The lease at Darwin port... wtf were our guys thinking??

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Eugene Green Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:54am

All good mate Chinese is not a race anyway it’s a nationality.

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saltyheaven Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:44pm

I didn't read all the comments, sorry team.

Ben, would you consider putting a banner on the forecast/report page for any beach that is officially closed making this clear?
Two beaches near me (Roaring and Eaglehawk) are both officially closed to access entirely as part of the complete closure of all National Parks and reserves in Tas. It would be worthwhile if even a few people saw that the beach was closed before driving a long way to get here.
Cheers.

Current Affair's picture
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Current Affair Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:47pm

A Current Affair - The last bastion of truth. I don't know what your argument is but anyone using a Current Affair as evidence is bringing a very small knife to a gunfight.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:20pm

haha. Nailed it.

ringmaster's picture
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ringmaster Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:41pm

Yeah, I half watched that story as it came on after the sport/ weather while I was dishwashing of all things. As usual they were just reporting on something that has already been documented elsewhere.

What's your opinion of the Chinese/ Aus relationship'A Current Affair'?

Im genuinely interested.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:51am

Ha Ha. I just watched that story (I should say two stories rolled into one) on ACA. What a complete joke. You blokes will fall for anything.
Intro: Tracy sounding all serious. Cue the scene-setting evil music they have on file.
Reporter: Standing next to empty toilet paper shelves, then going into a tiny Chinese owned, lowly stocked convenience store saying shit like Australians can't find these essential products (It was about 10 bottles of Toilet King dunny cleaner). Faaaaaark How guilty is that shop assistant selling bowl cleaner!!!
The bulk of footage was entirely about mum/dad chinese daigou shoppers buying powdered milk, and taking it to a collection point for export. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH C-19, and ACA have been running that exact same story on high rotation for a few years.
It's a staple, including the poor hard-done by Aussie banger who is guaranteed to say the right things. "They shouldn't be allowed to do it" "It's our country" "Aussies are going without" etc etc
ACA really didn't have enough content, and the Chinese daigou beat up was so flimsy, they padded it out with a months old story about Chinese Property Developer buying up medical supplies to ship to China. Two totally unrelated stories except for the ethnicity of the subjects.
Remember folks, the shipment of medical goods happened when Wuhan was in full crisis mode, and medical experts where saying act hard and act fast. And who sold the property developer the medical equipment? That's right, good old Aussie companies and stores. But don't expect ACA to have a go at them. Ethnic moral panics simply rate better. It's why ACA go after the Chinese daigou shoppers purchasing tins of powdered milk rather than Aussie dairy farmers and Canadian Dairy multinationals who ship exactly the same product to China by the ship load not the can load.
And finally, do you blokes seriously think the purchasing/shipping of medical supplies to C-19 hotspots only works in one direction? Do you blokes seriously believe the good old Aussie government and good old Aussie companies aren't scouring China's warehouses and factories for the same medical equipment? Maybe a little less ACA is needed. If you want a fascinating read about China, try The New Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. You'll discover exactly where this nationalist bullshit in previous super powers is going. I will give you a hint. China is very much taking advantage of Trump's "America first" agenda. On some occasions this has been beneficial to other countries, on other occasions, China has saddled nations with a huge amount of debt. Given the current crisis, those debt levels are hurting both lender and borrower.
Give ACA a rest, you'll only learn bitterness there.

simba's picture
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simba Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 7:59pm

well its a bigger one than vic dickheads

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:01pm

ABC 7pm news bulletin had mayors for both Bass Coast and Surf Coast shires looking very upset and dumbfounded over what happened this weekend.
People still flocking to holiday destinations because the messaging around isolation hasn't been clear.
Next thing G.O.R and the bridge to Phillip Island to close for locals only.

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WarriSymbol Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:15pm

So San Remo locals get Powlett all to themselves?

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:25pm

It's not about the surf... It's about the virus and stopping it's spread. If surfers spread the virus, then they will be stopped. Just like beach goers.

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Onetreehill Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:21pm

Sounds fair.

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bluediamond Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 8:50pm

I'm an original Vic Local, but not the type you'd wear as a badge of pride. Grew up in Melbourne's SE suburbs, Dandenong South of all fucken places, in the 80's,...rough joint mate, rough as guts and poor. We had Vietnamese, Albanians, Russians, Somalians..fuck the Somalians were scary back then... As a white Aussie i was targeted alot, being in the minority in my area, probably only 5percent of us were Australians. Would get called Skippy, had alot of fights in school because i was different (White Australian). Strange way to grow up in 'your own' country, but there were way more upsides to it, cultural awareness....but an understanding of tolerance and what it feels like to be an outsider and invaluable life lessons. I understand people call out racism cos i hate judging someone on their skin colour or country of origin too, but i also believe that racism can be a convenient word, in place of culture clash and ignorance and there's layers in everything. If we all just actually tried to fucken talk to each other, with an open heart and a smile on your face, you'll quickly see there are no races, only people. Also, and this goes to all the Chinese haters.. i also have Chinese friends. Very good Chinese friends. They're nice people, i see their flaws, no different to mine, i see their strengths, and i'm generally, not envious but...can't think of the word, but somewhere between envy and awe. I'm not sure i'd rush to judge the actions of the Chinese population based on the actions of the CCP. There is a vast difference. People overseas may judge us on the actions of Scum mo, Howard and Abbot. So yeah, i dunno, i just think people need to recognise that all other people are just that, people, and don't get carried away in the generalisations of a 'race' that's different to your 'race'. Be the love, share the love.

NDC's picture
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NDC Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:08pm

+ 1

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mikehunt207 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:29pm

The race that made the world sick and then wait for it went on a buying binge and bought the fuck out of everything in Australia (like they have been with first baby formula,then farmland, half of Tassie, best real estate in Sydney, houses everywhere , then medicines/protective equipment, asthma inhalers , now food from country towns) and next will be the bargain basement real estate sell off in 6 months when we are on our knees in a recession/ depression after this virus cuts though our country. Mapping submarine routes of the north west coast only weeks ago (just out of Aussie waters) is even more sinister but hey stick you head in the sand and keep on sticking up for them. Chinese people may be great, the Chinese Government is going to fuck the world up.

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bluediamond Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:28pm

"thie race that made the world sick...blah.."...next minute "Chinese people may be great, but the Chinese Government is going to fuck the world up"....which is exactly what i was kinda getting at. So i don't get your point, except for wanting to bleat like a sheep.

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mikehunt207 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:18am

Rainbows and Unicorns Skip.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:39am

Can't back up your statement? ? Come on. You wanna throw poison...back it up.

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mikehunt207 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:54am

Opposite skip, I dont mind Asians, spent a lot of time there,over the years. I just dont trust China one little bit ,if they hadnt bullshitted the world so much we wouldnt be in the shit situation we are in, no matter what you or Vic local (or are you vic local using a second monkier -quite probably) have to say in its defense.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:02am

haha. Oh dear. Maybe get a translater to re read my original post, my second post and my third post,....And who the fuck is Vic Local??

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bluediamond Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:04am

*translator. Fuck i hate grammatical errors

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bluediamond Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:15am

*spelling! Ferk!!

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Jessiadams Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:17am

I bet you were one of those who back in December when shit hit the fan in China, lock down was inforced and doctors pleaded for the world to take notice, sat on your arse and said it's another media beat up.

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bluediamond Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:01am

Sorry, What would you have liked me to do in December exactly?? . I think it goes alot deeper than a media beat up, but for now i'll do the right thing, sit on my arse and stay away from people. Not really sure what your point is either.

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Jessiadams Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:24am

Sorry bro wasn't replying to you.
Mikehunt and his conspiracy and lack of trust.
It's strange living in a world with uncertainty huh Mikey. Just sit back, relax and count your blessings mate.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 6:31pm

Ahh shit. Apologies. I actually thought that afterwards. Cheers and well said.

mikehunt207's picture
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mikehunt207 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:40pm

No Jess, Ive been a believer that this virus was serious since day one. Been onto it since China got serious with their action, since that doctor/ whistleblower who died was silenced. You could prob track back comments to prove this if you can be bothered. Ready as I can be too. I have to admit I didnt see the toilet paper thing coming but I had bought food, fishing gear and sorted my work/ finances long before many. Sorry if that disappoints you . I may have serious doubts about China and its motives toward us now and in the future but I,m not a hypocrite. How about you? Mondays experts abound.

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Jessiadams Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:13pm

No dramas Mikey. Some folk like blame everything else for the problems of the world. Or in particular a select group of people: Chinese, Jewish, Muslim.
In your case China.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:27pm

And some people choose to overlook the bad actions of a nation because they don’t want to appear racist.

Makes you wonder how the world would have fared in 1939 if that thinking had been prevalent.

“ You just don’t like Hitler because he’s German ! “

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:33pm

Blowie that's not what I'm saying mate. Senselessly blaming and scapegoating a select group of people can lead down a shady paths much like the one you allude to with Hitler. Pretty loopy and shortsighted.

Of course don't overlook the actions of a nation. We have conventions, international law and agreements for that.

However, comments that directly linking the outcomes of global pandemic to the Chinese govt, based on very little evidence, is a conspiracy and don't add any value to the discussion on this thread.

wally's picture
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wally Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:32pm

The Betoota Advocate reckons that the situation is so uncertain that some people are looking at postponing their Christmas in July parties until later in the year, probably to some time in late December.

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mikehunt207 Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 9:30pm

and being able to say " I told you so" wont be worth jack shit when we are watching the results..

Coaster's picture
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Coaster Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:06pm

Your banner note indicates that surfers shouldn’t travel to the surf by car. Then it suggests that surfers shouldn’t hang around the car park. Why would a surfer hang around the car park if they walked to the surf from their home?

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:53pm

Paging Gary G...

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:24am

It doesn't indicate that you shouldn't drive cars, if you live near the beach traveling by car is the safest way you can travel in regard to the virus.

My local is 10-15 minutes walk, 5 minutes bike ride or 2 minutes in the car, doesn't mean i can't drive.

As the government has said you shouldn't be traveling out of the area you live because we don't want the virus spreading.

So how far should you or should you not travel for a surf?

Well that is up for debate but IMHO you shouldn't be traveling further than you would for other reasons like getting fuel or going to the supermarket, because that is obviously in the area you live your life.

BTW at lots of place's the carpark overlooks the waves and are often the spot you check the surf from and in normal times becomes a social place, hence the recommendation on not hanging in carparks.

Coaster's picture
Coaster's picture
Coaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:24pm

If you have to drive a car to the beach you don’t live near the beach. It sounds like you live in the next suburb, and you’ve tried hard to come up with some reasons that allow you to fit within the criteria.

Driving a car isn’t the safest way to travel, walking is; the road toll statistics say so.

Surfers who drive to the surf hang around the car park for obvious reasons; the ones that walk to the surf don’t need to go there.

The message, while trying to be different to the numerous other messages about Covid-19, contains a hint of localism.

And now the rules have changed again, so you’ll have to walk there if you want to surf, or run the risk.

mattlock's picture
mattlock's picture
mattlock Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:07pm

Cannot trust the CCP. They drove tanks over their own people.

Current Affair's picture
Current Affair's picture
Current Affair Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 10:24pm

Cheers Ringmaster - I think the relationship has much bigger problems than showing (I'm assuming) Daigiou stores selling milk formula. Other than that I am with Blue Diamond, people are people. The more exposure you have to whichever group of people, the more you understand this. Friends from Echuca have told me that there were bus loads of tourists going there to go shopping. Trust me they would have pointed out an Asian if there was one amongst the group. This virus is horrible and it is going to get much worse. I can walk to the beach but I will not surf. I appreciate Glennod's post as I think this is what we really need right now. Stay safe everyone.

Horas's picture
Horas's picture
Horas Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:03am

Australia,March 30, 2020
Active cases- 3983
Mild condition-3955. =99%
Serious or critical-28 = 1%
Deaths -18 ,work the % out yourself.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:00am

What were the figures 30 days ago? And what do you think they will be a month from now? I will give you a hint. Look to Italy and Spain for guidance.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:38am

This was discussed in another thread.

We are not on a trajectory anything similar to Italy or Spain, and to suggest that we may be shows a gross misunderstanding of the populations that you are attempting to compare.

Our first cases appeared several days before Italy. Suggesting we look to it as an example of what will happen here is incredibly misleading and plain wrong.

Blackdog's picture
Blackdog's picture
Blackdog Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:33am

Your formula doesn't not work out. Look at how many cases have actually be transmitted on Australian soil. Not too many! Most cases of infection in Australia is from the FUCK WITS who were still overseas when a global pandemic is going on and then decide to come home with some extra baggage to share around! And then we give them a pat on the back and send them to a flash hotel for there efforts! yet we are still letting them in....These are the people that we should be most pissed with.
Its gunna make scomo's figures look real good!

Horas's picture
Horas's picture
Horas Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 11:56pm

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom.It is the argument of tyrants ;it is the creed of slaves."

William Pitt the Younger
Speech in the House of Commons
18 November,1783

Current Affair's picture
Current Affair's picture
Current Affair Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:30am

Horas - Billy Pitt the Younger exploited and repressed India, Haiti and so on to the nth degree in the name of British rule and then basically drank himself to death.
Look at the posts from the health workers. Are their freedoms not being impinged upon? Italy overnight 101,739 +4,050 11,591 +812 new deaths including health professionals.

wambam's picture
wambam's picture
wambam Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:34am

Thanks swellnet.
FROM A SURGICAL ENROLLED NURSE ACUTE CARE South Oz.
I'll continue my subscription for as long as I can. Keep the cams going. They'll be a welcome distraction and morale boost.
I'll be going to and from work ONLY other than for essential supplies.
MY ROUTINE WHEN ROSTERED:
Leave home in clean scrubs. Drive to work. NO STOPS. Park car and change into work shoes. Gel hands. Enter hospital start shift. Strict hand hygiene, infection control and PPE compliance all shift. Mindful not to touch face even when hands are percived to be clean. Trust me they are probably not. Finish shift with thorough wash of entire arms using soap and water. Wipe shoes with disinfectant wipes wearing gloves. Remove gloves. Gel hands. Walk back to car. Remove shoes and place in plastic box. Gel hands. Put driving shoes on. Gel hands. Drive home. NO STOPS. Enter home from side gate rear of house and strip to undies at laundry door. Wash cloths on highest temp immediately. Wipe controls of washing machine with disinfectant. Gel hands. Shower immediately. Eat, sleep, repeat. This is my new life. Days off are spent in self isolation at home with my wife, adopted nephew and son practicing social distancing even within our own home. My wife is also a nurse but in aged care. DOUBLE TROUBLE!! We are thinking of setting up our camper in the front yard so that we don't have to enter the house. We are aiming to shower and change before we come home. It's all about breaking the chain of infection. Still no guarantee that I won't bring the bug home and infect the family but I have to try. Make no mistake about it. This Covid 19 is a deadly killer much like the Spanish flu that killed more people than all deaths from WW1, WW2 and all wars that have followed combined. What the general public does not see is the invite only nursing groups that have recently popped up from around the globe. Dont panic! PLEASE JUST STAY HOME AND FOLLOW GOVERNMENT ADVISE. IT WILL SAVE LIVES. I am grateful to still have a job to go to but I'm terrified to still have a job to go to.
Cheers

jelli's picture
jelli's picture
jelli Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 6:11am

Brave souls you lot. Thank you.

Rick Snowden's picture
Rick Snowden's picture
Rick Snowden Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:50am

Cheers, Ben!

savanova's picture
savanova's picture
savanova Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:50am

I would never put myself in the same league as those on the front line fighting this virus. There's also another layer of essential services out there, Utilities, Dept of Human Services, transport drivers supermarket attendants. The school's are being kept open so we can still provide for you lot and all the resources are going to the home schooled kids but my kids are still going to school with 6 other kids and aren't learning anything due to social distancing rules. If this goes on for 6months my kids will have to repeat through no fault of their own. STAY HOME YOU SELFISH CUNTS.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:10am

Just got back from my daily exercise routine (a walk from home) that is consistent with government guidelines and physical isolation principles. Beach carparks are packed and so are the lineups. What a fucking joke. The "don't travel to exercise" message is clearly being ignored.
There's a large number of Covid 19 cases that are directly linked to US and European ski resorts and the selfing behaviour of skiers. Surfers are no better.
Enjoy your surf arseholes, you won't be feeling so happy about it at Nanna's funeral.
Here's a little sobering reading for surfers who still think it's OK to travel to the beach for a wave.
https://snowbrains.com/idaho-ski-county-most-cases-outside-new-york-city...

Bnkref's picture
Bnkref's picture
Bnkref Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:33am

If you were to hazard a guess, what proportion would be from Torquay or the surrounding areas?

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:47am

Hard to tell from just the cars. Saw a few JJ / Torquay board riders club stickers and a few Melbourne car dealer stickers. Most of the surfers I saw I didn't recognise. Here are the crowd numbers. Main peak JJ 30, Bird Rock 10 and it was poo. Sparrows/Caulders 30+. Carpark overflowing out into the street. Steps busy but I was too far away to count.
I have no doubt Boobs / Winki / Bells etc would have been even busier. Embarrassing.

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:12pm

My car has a Melbourne car dealership logo on it's number plates. No other stickers etc. on it. I live 150 metres from the Jan Juc cliffs.

Don't 'assume' too much....

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:00pm

Can I assume you're not a lazy bastard and don't drive to the surf?

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:06pm

I'm currently not driving anywhere unless it's 'essential' as per Dan's instructions.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:08pm

Well played. You're part of the solution ringmaster, not part of the problem.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:49am

Nice try, going for a surf is a bit different than staying in a ski resort lol.

Bnkref's picture
Bnkref's picture
Bnkref Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:09am

Thanks VL.

Disappointing to hear there's so many still hitting it (regardless of where they travelled from).

soggydog's picture
soggydog's picture
soggydog Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:11am

Hey Robo, if you don’t move the virus doesn’t move. Stay the fuck at home. For health workers sake.
If you can’t play golf with more than one other person what makes it ok to surf with 10+ people. Stay the fuck at home.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:16am

I surfed on my own lol, and golf is just BS anyway.

Blackdog's picture
Blackdog's picture
Blackdog Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:42am

Good on you vl! Go for a walk to somewhere you know is going to be over subscribed!
Keep up the good work by doing your bit and being the +1!

GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley's picture
GuySmiley Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:32am

This morning the swell is up on the MP so I checked what's open and what's not. The Shire of Mornington (SoM) does not have control over the ocean side but all other beaches controlled by the SoM, including all beaches in Westernport Bay, are now under Stage 3 lockdown and are closed to swimmers, walkers and surfers (as advised this morning by SoM).

A big shout out to all the knuckleheads (surfers and non-surfers) that flooded the MP last weekend and fucked it up for everyone. Youse will have to just social gather at Dan's from now on

https://www.theage.com.au/national/liquor-stores-impose-booze-limit-from... ...... only in Australia

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:45am

The fact is if you drive a few minutes to the beach, park, lock your car, get in the water and surf without touching anyone or being less that 1.5m then there’s no issue. Stop virtue signalling vic local - you said before that you go for bike rides it’s no different .

stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:59am

Not aware of the limit of 3 for gatherings? It's very different. Have a look at the Lorne Point cam right now.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:15am

Bike rides no different? That’s bs and you know it. I rode 50km Through farmland the other day and the only thing I touched from the moment I left my place to the moment I got back was handlebars. Surfers down here aren’t just going for a surf. They are travelling together, buying coffees, sitting in lineups, filling up petrol tanks, grabbing hand rails, grabbing straps to tie down boards, sharing wax and sunscreen etc. bike riding is like going for a walk around the block but even more remote.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:47pm

Vic local I went for a surf this morning and I didn’t touch anything except my car, my board, the water, and myself - but not in that way you dirty bastard! Nothing wrong with that . It’s exactly the same as your bike ride where you didn’t touch anything. Oh, and I was the only person in the water

Just had lunch and I’m going back for another one

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:22pm

That's all well and good, but what happens if you're from out of town and you need to have a crap? Don't know of anyone who can aim well enough to shit over a stall door. (Maybe Gary G, but I'm tipping that's beyond everyone else.)
The reality is, the further a surfer travels, the more likely they are going to touch things. And if you're coming from a hotspot, the more likely you are to transport the virus. Travelling surfers are also going to need more resources, (petrol food coffee wax etc) and create more rubbish (which needs disposing of). All this mean other people need to make journeys to service someone else's surfing habits. It just all adds up.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:47am

Definitely more surfers around in Coffs now, Not hard to paddle down the beach and get a bank to yourself though.

Frodge's picture
Frodge's picture
Frodge Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:52am

Rules are, gatherings of no more than two - it's simple.
So yes if you want to justify how close you are to the beach etc etc, go for it - but i'm sure we can all count. 1 + 1 =?????
Looking at Lorne on the cam now - pretty sure i count more than 2,

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:59pm

A gathering is an organised congregation; if people are randomly in a place together it’s not a gathering. As long as they stay at least 1.5m apart then it’s fine.

At my local beach today there are probably 100 people walking on the beach. But they’re spread out and apart and they’re not a group - all duos or mums with a kid or two- so it’s not a gathering

Surfers in the lineup haven’t organised amongst themselves to be there and meet- they’re individuals who happen to be in a location . That’s fine as long as they stay apart.

Let’s not overthink it- just stay away from people, don’t touch stuff, follow the guidelines and it’s all good. We can’t have rules for every little circumstance. I mean, if I wanted to live in the UK I would

Frodge's picture
Frodge's picture
Frodge Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:14pm

Bondi last week was random people, why was that frowned on?
What about Addis on Saturday, also randos, which also was frowned on. Many more examples that you don't need to look hard to find.......
I think your trying to find a way, like many to justify the ability to continue to surf.
I feel for you, the idea of being months out of the water kills me, but it has to be done.
You only had to look at the camera, as per my post to see 1.5M was clearly not being applied at Lorne this morning. No doubt a lot of places around Torquay and on the SC today were just the same.
Before stage 3, i was happy to continue surfing (social distancing adopted) - but now, just suck it up and stay home (unless your lucky enough to live next to a beach / break that you can score to yourself.)
Finally 100s on the beach this morning - if we keep this up, stage 4 will come even quicker and we'll be more restricted than now.

maka2000's picture
maka2000's picture
maka2000 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:58am

Shut the BOM and rest of meteorology and seismic services, let's the planet flow into unknown , if tsunami happens then fuck it, We are all not gonna die eventually but not from covid19 .

old-dog's picture
old-dog's picture
old-dog Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:00am

I just got sent home from work because we have been notified that some prick with covid 19 came into our showroom last week. I came past the mid coast on the way home and every break is packed and I couldn't even get a park. With all the hipsters out of work ever day is like a Sunday. Man buns, twin fins, logs and dual cabs, plus young blondes posing everywhere. Cheers.

stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:03am

$1600 fine if you are caught going out if you don't need to.

loungelizard's picture
loungelizard's picture
loungelizard Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:05am

the narrative that isolated and pristine coastal towns are under threat from easter tourists is misleading and a little dangerous. SA's own victor harbor aka god's waiting room is begging people not to come, probably right but for the wrong reasons. it is already a proven corona hot-spot. where do you think all those retirees holiday? full-marks for cruise-ships, pass for Bali. don't let your guard down , you don't want people coming for easter? "stay the fuck inside' the major threat is from within "been on a cruise recently?"

and as for tourists (let alone van loads of marauding Chinese) stripping regional supermarkets , too late, the locals have stripped them already, byo toilet paper.

cactus as refuge? too late, full of grey nomads , barely room to throw a swag . as well as a biblical fly plague (worst in memory) you'd be safer and a whole lot more comfortable almost anywhere

and to swell net team, keep up good work

and vic local, I don't see "smiley-in-the-brine", you seem a very angry person

juegasiempre's picture
juegasiempre's picture
juegasiempre Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:46am

Good points but why do grey nomads go to Cactus? I'm planning on doing the big lap next year, with Cactus as a stop solely because I surf. I wouldn't have imagined that anyone would go there except surfers.

loungelizard's picture
loungelizard's picture
loungelizard Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:59am

most just doing the loop around oz and not too many other camping options around I think, bit of fishing for mulloway . it surprises me too, without surf I wouldn't go there for quids. most of the semipermanent leaseholders seem to be in situ at the moment so theres still plenty of company in the surf...

jayet-010's picture
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jayet-010 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:08am

#staythefuckathome#

jayet-010's picture
jayet-010's picture
jayet-010 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:10am

And Swellnet ... stop encouraging people ... take down the forecasts, keep the cams and put up more content for us to read and watch while at home ... simple

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:24am

Updated: 2020-03-31 08:28:00
Surf: clean 2-3ft E
Winds: Light WNW
Weather: fine and sunny
Rating: 5/10
Looking really fun on the coast for the size of the swell. 2-3ft with peaks all over from the east so spread out across the open beaches.

Spread out, good advice :)

stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:29am

Yep another for taking the forecasts down. Happy to still pay my subscription. Happy to pay 2 years in advance if that helps. Vicco looks like we are going to be in for a big swell event soon. Forecast will tempt people to surf when we have been told to stay at home unless essential.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:33am

Think global not local!
In the finest of Aussie traditions shouldn't there be a bit of light hearted wagering over the final numbers?
The Italians and Spanish have come out hard early.
But the French don't like to be outdone.
The Germans are holding back for a late rally.
The Americans want to win everything.
The Indians could be a dark horse.

Anyone else? ...

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:29pm

The race is rigged.

No way will we ever get true numbers from either the 3rd world or major Communists. India would have to be a front runner if real numbers came out, but they will never know so how will we.

Stick to the 1st world countries. With Italy having the 2nd oldest population, with Japan the oldest. Japan also has a population density >1.5 times that of Italy. For those looking at median rather than mean, Germany sneaks up between Italy and Japan into 2nd here.

Spain has a lower average age, and much lower population density; they'll run out of potential deaths before Italy or Japan even get warmed up, so they're out.

The US has a considerably younger demographic, and the population is also more dispersed. If we are comparing percentages then I think that USA are out of the race, if we are comparing raw numbers then they have a chance.

Is the bet on hard numbers, or overall percentage of the population?

At the moment I am going for Italy on percentage, because Japan seem to have it under control or are not publishing. On sheer quantity, and removing the 3rd world and communist countries, I am not sure how well USA will manage the situation ... could still be Italy. Either way Italy is fucked; already very close to 0.02% of the entire population is dead attributed to coronavirus in the last month. I do not for one second envy anyone in Europe at the moment. Hopefully this has not dulled the light-hearted nature of your post.

What odds are you taking on Italy?

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:37pm

Spain is having a horrible time of this. I do not understand why; Spain has a younger population, with better air quality than Italy. They have a slightly higher smoking rate. Could it be something as obvious?! I don't think so, but then again I have no idea but the numbers presented hold no indication.

1 in 5 tested in Italy is positive, 1 in 3 in Spain ... I don't see how Spain is having such a horrible reaction.

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:23pm

Yep.

The Chinese are the course stewards. They will be waiting at the finishing post with a massive screen and and high powered rifle to put all the race entrants out of their misery.

China wins by 1.2 billion heads!

kooklife's picture
kooklife's picture
kooklife Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:32am

I know you guys are trying to keep it light but you are joking about peoples lives......have some compassion and show some decorum....this is not a horse race!!!

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:42am

If you can't find some way to make a critical situation light-hearted then you may as well give up now Kook. It's how humans have coped with crisis since the beginning of time to stave off the reality and inevitable mental anguish.

justinrizzari's picture
justinrizzari's picture
justinrizzari Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 11:47am

Surfing is no different than going outside for 'exercise' or walking the dog. Even going out to get essentials (i.e. food) puts someone at more risk than going down to the local (either walking or in their car alone) and having a short surf session. This morning was fairly crowded (as per normal for a day like today) but even without COVID-19 surfers are generally 1.5m away from each other. All this talk about surfing being different than any other form of exercise is just a farse. Everyone has their vices when it comes to what keeps them physically fit. If you say surfing is not allowed as a form of exercise you have to ban everything else too. Reckon people should just quit whinging, take responsibility for their own actions and smile and say hello (from a distance). Peace.

jayet-010's picture
jayet-010's picture
jayet-010 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:51pm

I doubt the 1.5m applies in water ... could be more, could be less. Either way you shouldn't be surfing with a crowd ... if only for the perception and increasing the likelihood of beaches being shut.

This has been posted before: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.surfline.com/surf-news/surfing-coronavi...

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:12pm

Hey Ben thanks for the site and all the work you and crew put in.

This thread alone is brilliant and represents how unique your site is,
It's so rare in these days of confected service oriented niceties as we become Americanised bit by bit great to see a ding dong discussion warts and all.

As for the cams and forecasts carry on and tell naysayers to just fu(k off everyone one has to pay the rent and in these days that's getting harder or impossible.
We need places like this to come to so whatever its takes to stay open then that's OK.
You are very much an essential service.

As for all the points raised pretty much all are valid or have a touch of truth to some degree all be it conflicting.

Vic Local dont always agree but so glad you turn up and thanks for holding the line on racism.

Right now there is far more at stake than surfing hope everyone and their love ones stays safe remember the virus kills all ages albeit in lower percentages just dont think it won't be you a large chunk of middle age end up in hospital / ICU although you may not pass many emerge with fu(ked lungs / heart......we don't want that.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:26pm

Thanks I focus.
I'm the Adam Goodes of this site. Some people don't like my posts because they shine a light on their selfish, irresponsible, and racist behaviour.
I've always encouraged people to stick to, or go beyond government restrictions. If that's over-reacting, people miss a bit of surfing. Hardly a massive loss in the grand scheme of life. If the "she'll be right mate, I'm going surfing" crowd are wrong, people die.
When this is all said and done, I know which side I'd prefer be on. I don't want to be thinking about those few surf trips I made in March that may have resulted in a big old C19 hotspot on the coast in April. Stay safe peeps. Stay the fuck at home.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:04pm

what a drama queen

ojackojacko's picture
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ojackojacko Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:20pm

"Vic Local dont always agree but so glad you turn up and thanks for holding the line on racism."

hear hear

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:40pm

The donkey wasn’t “ holding the line on racism “ he was trying to deny the truth that organised Chinese gangs were plundering supermarkets for profiteering/ supplying the motherland.

The clown can assert what he likes . . Doesn’t alter the fact that it happened* . I went to the local supermarket , the fella checking my groceries told me about it and the girl on the next register over chimed in about it. They fucking hated it. A small town , hours from a major city with infrequent resupplying.

Actually, he can’t assert what he likes because to parrot the innocent Chinese Nationals line is playing Australia for fools.

Racism my arse. Fucking foreign nationals raping our supplies.

Wasn’t going to return to the shit fight with this clown till I saw your post. The #IamAdamGoodes line was chuckle worthy. Can just imagine him unloading into a sock whilst thinking of himself .

*Surely they can’t cruise around in packed coaster buses after the 2 people rule has come into affect ?

Blue Blue Room's picture
Blue Blue Room's picture
Blue Blue Room Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 12:38pm

Well said "Stimpie"
To see surfers take a real stand & all just stay at home would build a great foundation for the future. When the next swell hits that is the test. At your local breaks you're going to know who the people are that you can count on during this crisis, they're the ones that stayed home. The ones that surfed, well that's epic hope you had a great surf!
We will be ultimately be judged by the next generation!
The decisions we make now will define us. Hearing what "WamBam" has to go through in her normal day, wow & wow thank you soooo much!

jbshack's picture
jbshack's picture
jbshack Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:03pm

I say keep up the good work. Seeing reports daily is comforting still and its nice to know whats happening. My local has skyrocketed and the crowd factor is out of control. Im told the next phase of this lock down is you must stay in your Shire. Good bring that on i say..I've not surfed since the lock downs, simply because of the crowd factor and didn't want to have it on my conscious when it gets locked down. Let's hope common sense prevails and people start showing some constraint.

Pops's picture
Pops's picture
Pops Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:17pm

"The NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement Order 2020) makes it unlawful to leave your place of residence except "to obtain food or other goods and services", work and education that cannot be done from home, exercise, medical or caring reasons, and a limited number of other reasons."

Is your average grumpy cop going to accept surfing as a form of exercise? Going to be interesting to see whether anyone gets stung in the next few days. Could be the end of surfing in more populated areas in NSW for some time (I hope not!)

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/six-months-in-jail-11-000-fine-for-l...

https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2...

dawnperiscope's picture
dawnperiscope's picture
dawnperiscope Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 1:43pm

Just went to the supermarket.. I think we're gonna need some government intervention on avocado selection.
Would be interesting to test all the unselected avo's at the end of a day's trading.

Vijay's picture
Vijay's picture
Vijay Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:36pm

Yep, time to accept if we aren’t lucky enough to walk to a break from our house, we shouldn’t be surfing.

If we all take one for the team and abide by the restrictions the sooner we can all safely share the surf once more.
Best to respect the coastal communities and stay at home.

Even if you are being as safe as possible you just don’t know.
I went down the surfcoast on Friday and it was packed ! Tried to stick to myself and find a quiet peak. Even then it just didn’t feel right being there.

If we cannot surf for a couple months big deal. It’s better than the virus spreading through smaller communities for an unknown amount of time.
Best to stay positive and do the right thing....At least we can still go outside, walk around our local area, buy food etc etc.
We are lucky to live in a country like Aus and need to remember that.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:40pm

I will just leave this link here for those blokes who still think busloads of Chinese gangs were raiding regional supermarkets (despite zero evidence). Good for a LOL.

https://theshovel.com.au/2020/03/31/busloads-of-tourists-are-travelling-...

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 2:49pm
Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:05pm

Oh FFS AndyM. Your links are meaningless. When exactly did I say the sending of medical supplies to china in February didn't happen? You won't be able to find 1 example anywhere on this thread. I even admitted it happened further up the thread. Do try and keep up.
I've always said that claims of Chinese gangs stripping regional supermarkets were complete BS. All those blokes who claim it happened haven't supplied 1 tiny bit of evidence. And your links certainly don't prove chinese gangs raided supermarkets at all. Put up some relevant evidence next time. I will wait.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:55pm

Not arguing about the supermarkets, personally I've seen no evidence but after the medical supply pillaging I'm keeping an open mind.

But I'm glad that you acknowledge that organised Chinese groups sent scores of tonnes of medical supplies back to China and that pointing this out is not racist.

By the way, I went for a solo surf today and it was just lovely!

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:01pm

Great theory , Mate.

Except it happened here and I talked to the people who witnessed it.

I think it’s time you pulled your head in , mate. You are now calling me a straight out liar. I think a little get fucked might be in order in that instance.

Get fucked.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:18pm

So you didn't witness it then. You just heard about an alleged incident of Chinese stockpilers through a mate. And there's no evidence anywhere that this has happened other than a couple of photos that Ray Hadley has, but isn't showing anyone.
So let me get this straight. Busloads of Chinese people have been going into supermarkets all over the place, stripping shelves in gangs, and nobody has got out a phone to video it yet. The only evidence is the photos Ray's not showing, and a bloke called Blowin (who is always banging on about closing the borders) on Swellnet, who says he talked to a mate and he said it was true.
Bwaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaa.

Craig's picture
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Craig Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:07pm

Also confirmed reports of it happening in Moonta, South Australia.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:41pm

There’s plenty of reports.

It was just shown on TV the stockpiles of plundered goods and the treasonous fuck who is deporting it freely admitted that it was headed for China. Old mate Donkey thinks it’s enough to scoff and dismiss the source and that somehow the whole thing never happened. He saw it with his own eyes but would still have you believe it didn’t happen. That’s the sort of denialist fuckstik the CCP is counting on to allow them to continue their plunder unopposed.

But the MSM won’t confirm it cause they know that once the cat is out of the bag that there’s Chinese profiteers / fifth columnists getting around the nation- forgetting for a moment that this has already been confirmed by the medical supplies raping - then civil society will fray at the edges just that little bit more.

But fucktard here thinks that editorial omission somehow counts as proof that something isn’t occurring. No really , that’s his big argument.

He’s aiding and abetting the CCP which makes him just as bad in my opinion.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:50pm

Got a link Craig? I've had a quick search of Moonta and come up blank. Just like to know how it's "confirmed". Blowin keeps pointing to irrelevant footage of powdered milk exports and medical exports that were never in dispute.
I've seen so much deeply racist accusation about stores being ransacked by Chinese hordes in buses on Facebook, I just want to see the actual evidence.

Craig's picture
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Craig Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:56pm

Got relatives that live there. Not sure when (late last week or the weekend) but everything was stripped bare and they couldn't buy anything.

Not being racist just adding to the conversation.

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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:10pm

Don’t pander to the misdirection and straw man arguments of fuckbags like old mate Donkey , Craig.

It’s not racist to want to stop our limited supplies being plundered by organised members of a foreign service. The whole concept is used to quell discussion. The fuckstik in Victoria is just another nodding dog until he goes to the local shops and there’s nothing there. That’s when he’ll suddenly have a blinding revelation.....It must have been White Supremacists !

Cause dickheads like that view everything through a prism of stupidity and naivety.

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ringmaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:06pm

Do you think it's OK that organised Chinese nationals in Australia were actively shipping large amounts of OUR vital medical equipment back to China with the FULL knowledge that this virus was fast becoming a pandemic and that we would need it here very soon? Please don't respond by saying they didn't know that.

What about the Chinese government kicking and screaming (and issuing subtle trade threats) several weeks ago when Australia had the audacity to announce that they would need to temporarily halt the influx of Chinese students and other nationals due to this virus potentially spreading here. This.....with the full knowledge of what they had in their country and how lethal it was/is?

What an awesome 'ally' eh???

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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:27pm

Works both ways ringmaster. You need a buyer (in this case a chinese property developer) and a seller of that medical equipment (an Australian company or multiple Australian companies).
You do realise we import most of our medical supplies from overseas. Much of it from India and China. Those shipments of medical supplies to China were very much against the grain. By your rational we shouldn't order any extra medication to deal with this crisis (that's what the chinese did). Good luck with that argument.
I will let you in a little secret. Australian governments and companies are scrambling for meds and equipment from overseas suppliers. I'd suggest a bigger problem is the stockpile of masks in people's homes going unused. When it comes to procuring medical supplies during this crisis, there's very little difference between us and the Chinese. Let's not forget that they sell to us a shit load more than we sell to them.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:42pm

Fuck that’s some twisted shit.

Might be the worst false equivalence I’ve read for quite some time.

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ringmaster Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:45pm

There's importing..........and then there's importing.

Bit of a difference between a recognized medical product registered company doing it as opposed to Chinese national companies set up here with no link to the medical industry covertly combining their resources to quietly empty our supplies and no doubt bypassing the need to 'register' what they're doing with the relevant authorities.

As for my second point.............'crickets chirping'

I focus's picture
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I focus Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:24pm

OK so Asians are hoarding................what separates them from the big problem the rest of Australia hoarding?

Oh thats right its those outsiders let's blame them and total fu(ken ignore all the other (vast majority) FFS get a gip you lot.

This is the slippery slope.

As for the Chinese back company's shipping stuff out, yes it's an issue and needs a sledge hammer fix..............but why the fuck weren't we prepared with our own manufacturing?

Because you pack of jackals, looking at you Blowin, like to buy cheap goods.

My area the shelves are empty not an Asian in sight........FFS x 2

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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:39pm

I Focus ...I don’t think you grasp the issue. This is people who represent a foreign nation living in Australia and actively reducing Australia’s essential supplies exactly when we need them most desperately. They are agents of the Chinese government working systematically to ensure that China benefits at Australia’s expense.

This has got nothing to do with crew in Australia buying food for their homes whether they’re Asian , African , Eskimo or fucken Martian .

Does my head in how stupid you people are and to be honest I wouldn’t give a fuck if you just lead your stupid lives quietly in the background but no, you’ve got to spread your incorrect opinions all over the place like a mad woman’s shit and create all these detrimental distractions, dead ends and plain bullshit obfuscation just when our nation needs to have clarity.

Youre a pest. Fuck off with your shit.

PS ....Your shelves are empty ? So are the shelves everywhere. That is why it’s imperative to prevent the limited supplies we have from being sent to China ....get it ?

I swear there’s a couple of lorikeets outside my window which are quicker on the uptake than these retards.

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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:11pm

"PS ....Your shelves are empty ? So are the shelves everywhere. That is why it’s imperative to prevent the limited supplies we have from being sent to China ....get it ?"
Wow blowin. We've just witnessed a massive hoarding event, where Australians en-mass emptied the shelves of supermarkets, and filled up their closets, pantries and cupboards. AND YOU THINK THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS TO STOP PEOPLE SHIPPING STUFF FROM WOOLIES AND COLES TO CHINA.
Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:45pm

So...Australians have food in their cupboards. They eat this food and go to buy more ....and there’s no food left.

Because foreign agents have plundered it and sent it to their homeland.

And you see nothing wrong with this.

You have a business which at least partly relies on Chinese business don’t you Vic Local ?

mowgli's picture
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mowgli Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:13pm

Ditto Blowin's facts, probably not the abuse...

People are so blind to just how different Chinese culture can be on certain topics, and coupled with the underlying strategy of the authoritarian CCP (i.e. replace the US as the global legal, economic and military hegemony), it's a recipe for things like this.

For an example, people may want to give even just a cursory glance to the implications of China's National Intelligence Law (2017). Companies such as Greenland Developments are doing exactly what this law intended (among other things). It's the sole reason why many intelligence agencies around the world (and I presume this is what Blowin meant) have begun classing any Chinese citizen working for a Chinese business with legal structure ties (e.g. it's a subsidiary) as potential agents of the Chinese state. And that's no small matter....

Another non-trivial matter...the CCP does and always has been of the opinion that any and all "members of the Chinese race" (regardless of whether they hold Chinese citizenship or not) should be first and foremost loyal to China....

I wish people would wake up.

I focus's picture
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I focus Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:36pm

"PS ....Your shelves are empty ? So are the shelves everywhere. That is why it’s imperative to prevent the limited supplies we have from being sent to China ....get it ?"

So instead of going direct to wholesalers like Chinese normally do Chinese agents are secretly stripping the food from shopping centres in plain sight.......correct?

Australia produces 4 X our requirements?

Do you think those agents could do something about all the WA crayfish that cannot be exported to China currently?

The current problems are logistics in the main there is plenty of supply.

Stop drinking and posting, we have discussed this before eh.

tango's picture
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tango Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:29pm

Lots of people in the water today making what seemed to be their maiden trip to a well-known spot in the middle of town down here.....strongly indicative of people still travelling to surf. Not uncommon to see a few you don't recognise, but at least half or more of the 25 out both I and another regular didn't know from a bar of soap. All ages. Looks like the message isn't quite cutting through.

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mr mick Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 3:48pm

ACA had a story last night on the warehouse full of stuff getting boxed up ready for shipment o/s, not that ACA doesn’t like to sensationalize stories, but the packers weren’t happy to see the cameras. On another note fella arrived back from Europe, had a week in isolation but decided that was enough, surf looks great, I’m out there. Another fella caught out doing same & fined in Far Nth NSW area, also heard 10 people were fined for not keeping distance while surfing here yesterday, police using drones. It was a great day by the way!

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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:03pm

mr mick, have a look at the footage from that warehouse. It's 99% milk powder and that's been going on for years. It's got nothing to do with c-19 and it's been going on for years. ACA were just desperate to tie the milk powder story to the current epidemic because that was what the rest of the show was about. It was a very shabby beat up, even by their low standards.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:48pm

99 percent milk powder ?

How do you know this ?

Are you aware that you are making shit up to justify your opinion ? There’s pallets of unidentifiable boxes everywhere and yet you see no problem lying and saying that it’s all milk.

What I think fucktards like yourself don’t understand is that despite the gentle messaging from the government, supplies of all things are not guaranteed. With China slowed down and a lot of the world going into at least semi-lockdown, the growing, processing, manufacturing and packaging of many items is definitely not assured.

Global supply has become a zero sum game. If nation X gets more this means that nation Y gets less.

And you’re probably surprised that our government hasn’t told you this .

http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/australia-wwii/home-wii/food-...

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mr mick Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:44pm

Couldn’t say if 99% milk powder as I can’t see through cardboard boxes, I know ACA beat up stories as I said, but also my stepson just had his 2nd baby in 12 months ( silly prick) but always having trouble buying formula

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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:51pm

So the ACA cameras walk into a warehouse stockpiled with goods being redirected to China after being plundered from Australia.

The Chinese person in the warehouse admits this and it’s not meant to have happened because you say it’s a beat up ?

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mr mick Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:04pm

No I didn’t say IT was a beat up, but referring to ACA generally beat up, sensationalize stories. Also I’m guessing there’s more than 99% milk powder as I said before a bit hard to see through cardboard, maybe Vic local has Superman eyes & ‘sees’ more than us.

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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:07pm

The fact that virtually the only products you saw in the footage was milk powder, and the boxes were all uniform in size was a bit of a dead giveaway the products were all the same. Box heights correspond with height of milk powder tins too.
If there were other products being shipped on a large scale the boxes would never be so uniform. Logistics 101.

mr mick's picture
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mr mick Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:48pm

Just revisited the ACA story & the list is as follows: medication, long life milk,food, baby formula, bathroom supplies. So maybe saying 99% formula a bit over top, plenty of different size boxes there. Just saying.

Blackdog's picture
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Blackdog Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 1:35am

Yes the Chinese have been pilfering our food stocks for years. Baby formula included. milk powder, Beef, wine, crayfish, fish. The list goes on. Look at all the Australian dairy farms brought up when the dairy farmers started doing it tough. Not to mention large cattle stations and winery's brought up by the Chinese. This all has to add to the covid shortage.
Just for the record, at one of scomos early press conferences on "the virus" he said he has put on a task force to combat privateers profiteering from selling goods brought from the supermarkets and face masks and shipping them overseas. I must admit he didn't mention china or any other country but it just goes to show it has been happening.

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Blackdog Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:07am

The problem runs much deeper than just the temporary covid-19 shortage.

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:03pm

Much, much deeper...

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Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:06pm

If that was true it would be all over the media?

mowgli's picture
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mowgli Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:04pm

A mate heard from a birdy on the inside that some beaches up this way are about to be closed.

That'll be interesting to see how that pans out. Some beaches (Noosa Main, Alex, etc) are chockas with people. But I normally surf the opens with said the misso and/or said mate. The distances people have been doing out in the water the past fortnight are probably several meters at a minimum. It seems like rather than randos paddling into a bunch of other randos, people are paddling out in small groups of mates etc and there seems to be some kind of unspoken non-mingling overlapping going on. Probably helps we've had a run of mixed-peaky swell and the banks are shaped all over the shop.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:16pm

Personally, I hope all the young cool crew around here who are still hugging and shaking hands and hanging out in the carparks cop big fines.

I know they're all dirty on the state of the world and the only thing they have left is being cool and indifferent but they need to get over themselves.

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mikehunt207 Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 4:31pm

Same here Andy M, ok surf but big crew of the "local latinos" and their amigos that are here for the fruit picking or whatever clustered into a big group on the lawn at the point, not a mtr between any of them, guess the rules dont apply? Going to be some pissed off people if the place gets shut down cause blow ins dont give a fuck.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:21pm

The shut down's gotta happen at some stage doesn't it?
Then it's a matter of, yeah the beaches and foreshores are closed but can we still surf?

As an aside, recreational boating is no longer permitted in Queensland.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:31pm

"Australians in their 20s have more confirmed cases of coronavirus than any other age group"

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/australians-in-their-20s-h...

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:05pm

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/26/coronavirus-m...

It’s racialist to stop China from using sleeper agents to covertly plunder our limited food stocks !

What Australia REALLY needs is a fucktard who thinks he’s Adam Goodes of the Internet , to try and stop discussion about the Chinese gangs pilfering our nation’s food and medical supplies through straw man accusations of racism......said no one ever.

Vic Local probably thinks that having a defence force is racialist.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:04pm

Amazing. I'd love to hear your theories on the moon landing.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:06pm

And I’d love to hear you shutting your lips.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:08pm

You're the reason we need strong gun laws in this country.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:10pm

You’re the reason that treason is punishable by death.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:12pm

Wow that escalated quickly. Blowin wants violence. Do I get a trial first or just a short trip in a white van?

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:13pm

And when again did we bring back the death penalty?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:18pm

I didn’t write the treason act.

It’s written by our democratically elected representatives in order to protect our country from the insidious actions of those who would undermine the safety of our people and open us to the threat posed by nefarious foreign powers.

It won’t be me who’ll be hanging the CCP apologists if push comes to shove. I really wouldn’t like to be involved to be honest.

It’s a necessary measure though.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:22pm

OMG. I think you really need to loosen the strap for your tin foil hat. Treason Act?

Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Maybe ASIO needs to get in on this thread and find out your identity. They've been arresting a fair few right wing nutters lately. Are you close to posting a manifesto yet?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:08pm

Now you’re claiming that it’s a conspiracy theory .....FFS.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/coronavirus-doctors-issue-...

Even your shitful Guardian is in on the conspiracy !

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:10pm

Are you for real? I admitted there's been shipments of medical equipment to China on multiple occasions. Do try and keep up.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:12pm

So you agree that foreign agents operating within Australia at the behest CCP is a reality ....but only if they’re taking medical supplies.

Because food supplies is too outlandish and must be a conspiracy theory ?

Fuck sake.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:17pm

I'm interested to hear about your theories re these Chinese agents and our food supplies. Presumably the shipping companies are in on this as well. Maybe it's those blokes in the bunker in Tel Aviv who are masterminding the scheme.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:26pm

Angry online , smiley in the brine , dumb as dogshit the whole time

Robo's picture
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Robo Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:38pm

It's all over fo the next week anyway, 1-2ft Nth NSW. See what happens next swell lol.

Bob Sacamano's picture
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Bob Sacamano Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 5:46pm

Imagine what these threads will be like in 3 months when beaches are forcibly closed and we're all losing our minds. haha. Fucking brilliant. I love the internet, I need to stock up on popcorn.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 6:01pm

Classic Bob. At least I'm entertaining someone.

Bob Sacamano's picture
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Bob Sacamano Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 7:36pm

“This Is Not ‘Nam. This Is Bowling. There Are Rules.”

Patrick0710's picture
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Patrick0710 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 4:01pm

Couple of dudes going over the line here.

GreenCT's picture
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GreenCT Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 6:26pm

Ok I am going to stick my head above the rampart here.
So we have two Chinese national companies who sourced bulk medical supplies at the calling of their govt.
They should be sanctioned and at least be forced to source same quantity now from China and bring it here as an act of goodwill. Otherwise enact a law to penalise them through their property holdings.

Baby formula been stripped from the shelves and sent back has been going on for a number of years and should have been nipped in the bud a long time ago.

The one I am struggling with is the bus loads of gangs stripping shelves generally.
In these days of ctv footage, smart phones the fact that nothing has emerged to back up these claims makes me think this part is racist bullshit and just covers up a whole lot of totally fucked up behaviour by a bunch of self centred c...ts both local and visitors and their skin colour is irrelevent

I focus's picture
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I focus Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:15pm

Careful Green asking for evidence from enraged I hope temporary racist (who I actually quite like) who lacks self awareness during the biggest meltdown in Australia's history with none of us knowing where this will go or end (god help us if its war) wants to fly off the handle labeling a minority who he has never met.

Now Blowin knows history but is failing at the basics (yes Blowin you idiot)

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:48am

Yeah read that, the government was contacting them and expects them to do it for the motherland....or is it fatherland? You don't survive in Chinese business unless you are right up the clacker of the government.

uncle_leroy's picture
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uncle_leroy Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 6:27pm

Locals only in WA - Walpole BP owner Jason Calleja said the town’s IGA supermarket would only serve locals and could request identification. Holidaymakers and other visitors would not be served
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-27/coronavirus-city-slickers-flee-to...

I focus's picture
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I focus Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 8:15pm

UL unfortunately the East Coast still runs on the Rum Corps principles.

Certainly no common sense around Blowins neck of the woods.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 7:57pm

+1 for Rum Corps
Sourcing internationally and selling it in Australia at Ridiculous Markup since the 1790s...

blackers's picture
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blackers Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:57am

Social distancing? 7 people in a glorified tinny.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-31/seven-people-forced-to-jump-to-sa...

Age's picture
Age's picture
Age Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 7:29pm

Keep up the great work Ben and the Swellnet team. I can't get to the surf at the moment due to chaos at work (and super grateful that I am still able to work) but the first thing I do every single morning is check the surf report. I also devour the forecast notes every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday as I'm always interested in the ocean, weather and what the surf is doing.

To blame the Swellnet forecasts and reports for crowded line ups when people are not taking on board Government advice is just ludicrous. It's school holidays, many people just lost their jobs and so many people in general are just plain selfish. That's why the line ups are crowded.

hairmick's picture
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hairmick Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:13pm

Shit this thread has turned into a dumping ground for absolute trash. The racist attitudes and insecurities are frightening and highlight some serious concerns. Ive been following comments here for days with a reluctance to engage in the dribble. Im starting to think that swellnet may need to shut the thread down with all of the racism and hate that has emerged here. I think I'm pretty moderate and balanced but this thread is getting concerning. I feel like I'm one of the few that agrees generally with vic local. Far more surfers and others should be taking this situation a lot more seriously. Stick within your suburbs or post codes or be responsible for greater and frightening consequences. More remotely there are some incredibly stresses and vulnerable communities and we/ they need you to stay away for their health and safety. Vic seems to acknowledge and understand some of the challenges faced by the incredibly limmitted medical services available especially the further you travel from capital cities and the largest regional centres.
I am also revulted by the growing number of blatantly racist attitudes , finger pointing and blaming taking place. This crisis will bring out the best and worst of people. I just remain optimistic that the best of human nature will shine above the racism and lack of responsibility taken by individuals and groups. Take care of yourself and those around you. Be kind. I think I will stay away from swellnet for a while to reset.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:45am

For sure if someone or group is ransacking the shelves let them know they are arseholes and have it out with them no matter what race or creed. An arsehole is and arsehole.....or something like that.

GreenCT's picture
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GreenCT Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:24pm

Sorry Ben that this thread seems to be hijacked but with talk of our shelves been plundered by apparently bus loads of chinese lets just contemplate this.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/turnbull-government-called-on-to...

We have passed Qatar as the largest LPG producer in the world.

Now when this shitfight is finished we will need to be repaying our debt but instead of reaping the benefits of this it's going to large multi nationals and I dont think you can call Chevron etc Chinese.

Now this is stripping our "shelves" on a scale never before seen but is it ok because they are "white" overseas companies.

Maybe in this once in a lifetime event it's time to reset things like this to repay the money we will need to get through this.

This is our gas which is a finite resource been sold

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:42am

Will need the money that is for sure. 20 years it will take to repay government debt which makes me 80yo.

Jessiadams's picture
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Jessiadams Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:46pm

Maybe the govt will get some spine and start taxing the mining companies that funnel billions - or something to that tune -out of our country relatively tax free.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 12:48pm

I think a pig just flew past.

ojackojacko's picture
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ojackojacko Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 1:23pm

and tax the businesses owned by the religions - now we've got a sky full of pigs

you're a handsome looking bloke for 60 memla - nice hair and strong white teeth

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 2:11pm

Good breeding and an excellent dentist.

mr mick's picture
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mr mick Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 2:12pm

My exact thoughts too, i sometimes click on to memla just to view his profile....gggrrrrr!

inzider's picture
inzider's picture
inzider Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 9:28pm

Fuck the chinese govt
Fuck the traveling surfers
Does that make me racist two times??

GreenCT's picture
GreenCT's picture
GreenCT Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:34pm

Inzider it makes you something but I think it is best described as fed up.

Fuck greedy self centred people full stop !
Surfing is just a reflection of humans in general, when was the last time anyone here noticed someone of lesser ability local or not and made sure they got a wave and enjoyed the stoke of making someones day which one wave can do ?

icandig's picture
icandig's picture
icandig Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:36pm

I'll just leave this here. We are making 'mainstream' news now.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-31/is-surfing-allowed-under-coronavi...

NDC's picture
NDC's picture
NDC Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 at 10:56pm

Hey Ben

Love the site, your approach etc
Since subscribing I’ve enjoyed being a part of the conversation as well - a lot

I’ll be keeping up my subscription regardless and have no doubt you and the SN team are doing what you think is best in difficult circumstances - none of the choices are easy for anyone

I think you should stop the forecasts, forecaster notes and cams, they do make surfing more accessible IMHO and will boost crowds when the surf is good

Also, the fact that other people will provide the service if you don’t doesn’t pass muster, if you can I would remove that kind of thinking when you balance the various risks of various options - especially at times like this, if we can all try and rise above and be exemplars I think the high tide lifts all ships and you can sleep with a clear conscience

Shame people misinterpreted the good intentions of your banner warning - maybe the wording could have been better but ...sometimes your dammed if you do dammed if you don’t - there’s a lot of faux outrage and virtue signalling

I’m surfing a lot less, almost not at all, it just doesn’t feel right to me at the moment... having read wambam’s post im thinking if it’s sensible for us to be reigning things in further - see how it all goes hey

Anyway
Thanks for providing this platform

Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 1:14pm

I agree with this, please stop forecasts and cams. I'll keep my subscription.

podrig's picture
podrig's picture
podrig Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:47am

Hmm .. same (only) story you have linked to multiple times before and still no real evidence of any busloads.

Council elections all over qld this weekend past and I've seen multiple news outlets broadcasting the same 11 seconds of footage of a pretty innocuous scuffle in Ipswich labelled a 'fight'.

Strange how this epidemic you have spent so long yelling about hasn't been captured by anyone anywhere in this big brown country, given that every racist and his dog has a video camera in their pocket.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 6:05am

Ben please remove the banner ad

The law says nothing of the sort and you are encouraging hysteria and a lot of aggro around the beaches where i live

Read the directions

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Stay%20...

Paddy O&#039;Brien's picture
Paddy O&#039;Brien's picture
Paddy O'Brien Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 7:56am

Keep up the good work swellnet, you're doing more good than bad

MPGardens's picture
MPGardens's picture
MPGardens Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:02am

Thanks so much for staying open Swellnet!
I rely on your photos to keep my sanity in these times.
The live video feeds make me ‘mind surf’ when I can’t surf the ocean.
So thanks again-

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:07am
Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:10am

As far as the banner and travelling to surf, most surfers here live 5-10min drive, not exactly travelling.

If you remove the webcams, don't care about the report it's wrong mostly anyway and seems done from a a bedroom window, i want a refund on my yearly sub.

mikefree's picture
mikefree's picture
mikefree Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:07am

Ben can you please 'moderate' the swearing in these forums - it is completely unnecessary

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:38am

Have you got a spare fucking week Ben to do this fucking crucial moderating during the shitshow crisis?

jason387's picture
jason387's picture
jason387 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:43am

There seems to be a misconception that the people filling surf breaks are from the city or the suburbs. I think it's wonderful that people view their own break as a pristine wilderness that they, and no-one else discovered, but that is far from accurate. My family has been on the Surf Coast for 40-years and I can guarantee you numbers were different then, although we still felt the break was crowded.

Council greed allowed Torquay, Juc and other coastal towns to swell beyond capacity. Torquay is basically a suburb of Geelong these days... These 'swarms' or 'masses' people complain about are the new 'locals' and not necessarily people flooding in from the city. The same has occurred on the East Coast and the Island where massive suburban developments have occurred, and thousands of new 'locals' have appeared.

People need to accept this is the new norm, Covid-19 or not, otherwise move to a remote town in Gippsland where things are still like the 70's. Look around you, it's suburban sprawl, full of people like you who moved here to be near the ocean! If people complain to their local member that will force the Govt to close the beaches for EVERYONE, locals included. It's a time for compassion and patience not for localism.

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:24am

Totally wrong re: 'council greed'. It's the fucking state government and the blame for Nth Torquay and Armstrong Swamp lies with that idiot Justin Madden and the corporate greed poster boy, Mathew Guy. (Both when planning ministers)

When council objects to further development via VCAT, big developers in shady backroom partnerships with big wig pollies will take it straight to supreme court in the knowledge council doesn't have the financial resources to contest at that level.

In reality, the Surfcoast Shire has about as much clout as a wet lettuce leaf.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:00am

Jason 100% agree.

Sick of loudmouth "local" bogans who think they are more "local" than everyone else and have some sort of special rights. They don't.

Anyway, we should hurry up and catch it already like Sweden is. Not worth trashing the economy, making a whole lotta people unemployed and eventually lose their house, a lifetime of near poverty and struggle for many is ahead...its just not worth it

dastasha's picture
dastasha's picture
dastasha Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:18am

I think this thread has localism confused with rascism.
They are different animals

djizzah's picture
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djizzah Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:47am

50 crew in the water where I live last night..I recognized almost none of them so theyve driven here..if the surf is crowded dont paddle out..I paddled out in the dark this morning with 2 locals and paddled in after 3 or 4 waves..that will do

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:49am

Ben, you need to ban Vic local, out of control.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:12am

I know, how dare I point to the racist BS that is flowing thick and fast on this site and call it out for what it is.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:21am

It's your foul mouthed comments, you wouldn't get away with it on any other forum. Pull your head in.

The truth is not racist give it a rest.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:54am

Are you saying you actually believe blowin's mad conspiracy theories, including the one I should be executed for treason? Wow, his mad posts (that are laced with bad language) are OK, but mine require a ban. Good luck sustaining that argument Robo.

adam12's picture
adam12's picture
adam12 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:20am

Ben, the two of us need look no more,
We both found what we were looking for,
With a friend to call my own,
I'll never be alone, and you my friend will see,
You've got a friend in me.

dawnperiscope's picture
dawnperiscope's picture
dawnperiscope Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:55am

They don't push, don't crowd
Congregate until they're much too loud

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:22am

VL you must be pulling your hair out with all this sanctity.
Fair chance you're almost as bald as my wifes twat.

stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:33am

Hey Views, got any proof of that? Wheres your evidence?

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:44am

Hey Stylemaster1970, I hope you don't want Views posting a photo of my allegedly bald head.

stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970's picture
stylemaster1970 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:55am

Nah Mate, I've got my own bald head to look at. Just haven't seen a nude spadge since I put the hair removal cream in my wifes moisturiser bottle back in '97. Long time between drinks!

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:57am

Thanks for the clarification. That's a relief, I thought you might have been a sick pervert for the last five minutes.

Blue Blue Room's picture
Blue Blue Room's picture
Blue Blue Room Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:49am

Australia is in a very fortunate situation compared to the rest of the world. We have suburban sprawl. All we have to do is stay at home as much as practical. Unlike most other countries where you're literally sandwiched together with people. You really have to pinch yourself to realise how lucky you are to live here. If we were all in high density living, I think this would be really bad for us. A major problem we have in this country is selfishness, This has been borne out of my generation (baby boomers) & the freedoms they think they deserve. This attitude has then been passed on to the next generation. The generation before me did what they were told, but having said that gee I'll never forget the PE teacher jumping off a chair with a special nylon blade giving the poor 13 year old kid the cuts, etched in my mind. Mind you we all did what we were told after that, yes Sir Ree. Then again I do understand this was just brutality at its worst, create fear & gain control. Hey but we're in a free society so why should I. Put on the affro wigs, hippy toe thongs & dangle the hippy beads I'm cool now I can't be blamed. Looking at other countries the people adhere to the rules, I wonder why?

Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 1:19pm

Margs carpark JAM PACKED today.

SKTB_swellnet's picture
SKTB_swellnet's picture
SKTB_swellnet Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 4:02pm
poket-roket's picture
poket-roket's picture
poket-roket Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 5:49pm

Reckon a few crew might have reported into Quarantine this morning...

ringmaster's picture
ringmaster's picture
ringmaster Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 7:31pm

Anyone feeling like this right now?

(Apology in advance to VL who might perceive it as baseless, racist hate)

https://www.facebook.com/116020405159079/posts/2883865148374577/?vh=e&d=n

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:04pm

That's fine ringmaster. Making up racist shit or sharing it is just not on though. You do realise 1/3 of racial vilification complaints in Australia are now COVID related. Australians from a Chinese background are getting, abused, spat on, and assaulted. That sort of crime starts with hate speech. That's why it needs to be called out.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:18pm

if the shoe fits

Jessiadams's picture
Jessiadams's picture
Jessiadams Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 8:11pm

CmonBruh. Health illiterate.
Read a book ... Or rather: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

mattlock's picture
mattlock's picture
mattlock Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 9:50pm

Blowin. You'll be lapping this up. Get onto it. There is a story on ABC about dodgy PPE coming from China.
Cannot trust the CCP. They ran over their own people with tanks.

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 10:47pm

Is this where this thread has gotten to?

Unbelieevable......

Thred Started.... 29th of March 2020, that morning I was concerned about the coupla dozen grey nomads crewzing about Pembertown....

Ship had let loose passengers through Busso jetty..... (WSL canned???) Cases showing up now.

Adjusting to life shopping less often...

Sniffly nose... other co workers too.

Had it since the autumn evening cold starts. Happens every year without fail.

But 'my my my' corona !!!!

So far here good, touch wood. Agriculture in the south west is still operating and employing. Freight still moving.

But I fear an influx of city folk to the country over Easter will cause more harm than good.

It just will... surely??

So with all the media coverage in all forms, good and bad there is plenty of warnings and what to do's at this time. Ben Matson and crew have put up just the correct message for swellnetonians in my opinion.

I observe ..All country West Australians in my area asking each other...

'What happens when it comes our way?'
'What happens to us when they go back home leaving behind an outbreak'.
....we are already tip toeing. It is not here yet that we know of.

There aren't that many services or supplies around here.

Please don't travel for holiday. These ships and planes are the start and a warning (IMHO) Travellers and congregaters are the stamp and seal of this spread... seen those Trigg pics?

Please peoples... Be your own responsibility. Be your own responsibility towards others.

Stay safe. You know what to do and not what to do.

Footnote.. I have never seen more than a map and cams of east coast OZ. Looks busy.

Road blocks started today in WA. Now how will the masses reply ???

Poem;
I wait and wonder,
Fingers crossed with my toes.
Rewatching code red,
2011,
Those over throws.
Fuckin sharp reef.
I don't have a beef.
I'll let those fuckers,
Catch waves so fuck steep!!!

I'm good....

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:07pm

Link..

podrig's picture
podrig's picture
podrig Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:17am

'These are.. Better Days' was a powerful moment for an impressionable young podrig, seeing those thicker than thick throws for the first time on video hammered home the (already too real) reality that pro surfing wasn't on the cards. High performance is any joe's wet dream but paddling into that is not something that gives many people comfort.

Cut to 2019 and Swellnet legends come through with tickets to the Nathan Fletcher doco 'Heavy Water' with the lead role in attendance for a Q&A..

Post screening he casually tells the story of how he was on the fence between surfing, skating, motocross etc and somehow he ended up at the end of the road in 98 and oh yeah just happened to win the thing. Paraphrasing... 'that was when I knew I could make a career out of surfing'. Some people are just wired different.

Horas's picture
Horas's picture
Horas Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:15pm

About 13 000 people die every month in Australia.Has this figure deviated due to the beer virus? Yes ? No.
So we get
-Empty supermarket shelves
-Sudden business closures
-Government paying workers' wages
-Dramatic curtailment of individual freedoms,with more to come.
How's everyone enjoying their taste of Socialism?The sad thing being that many applaud this.Be very careful what you wish for.

Horas's picture
Horas's picture
Horas Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:17pm

A foolish faith in "Authority " is the worst enemy of truth.

-Albert Einstein

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:46pm

Or is a foolish faith toward "authority" the worse enemy of truth?

So shall we decide.

Current Affair's picture
Current Affair's picture
Current Affair Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:15am

Compounding the eight wonder of the world. "He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't pays it." Albert Einstein

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Wednesday, 1 Apr 2020 at 11:49pm

Has vic local/blue diamond now transitioned into a female monkier too, cunning but not original Jess... just ask de facto. Or is it just april fools day hijinks?

bluediamond's picture
bluediamond's picture
bluediamond Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:07am

I get a feeling you might just indulge a little too much in the herb going by your paranoia.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:25am

P.S ABC radio report this afternoon on millions of dollars of "faulty " PPE being shipped to Australia from China at the moment, great swap, all the good stuff sent from here in jan in return for crappy Chinese crap. Faulty corona test kits (70% accuracy rate), faulty masks and respirators . Thanks China, great blokes all in all . Maybe send a box to Torquay or is it still Toocool or Torquil or Tooqueer as it was know by the surfers on the west coast of Vicco when I spent time down there. Just make sure vic local gets his pack, seems he has plenty of time on his hands for defending the Peoples Republic now (his) surf schools are closed for business.

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:31am

Give it a rest Mike no one including VL is supporting or defending the actions of PPE or medical supplies going offshore to China or elsewhere.
The issue of racism arose when Blowin and others started screaming Chinese or Asians were stripping shelves of food and sending that offshore with zero evidence and that they were agents of China again with no evidence.

I mean are you all fucking stupid, you would go to a wholesaler and pay what 30% plus less and its all in the one place.

By the inference and causal labeling people like my opthamologist (ethnic Chinese) who is resigned to catching Corona as he his partner (has underlying health issues) but will still work on the front line saving people's eyesight unlike others sitting in their NSW's bolt hole and perhaps yourself doing SFA.

The asian community have given Australia a large cohort of health and medical professionals who unlike you and most others here are now risking their lives for our sake while now having to face abuse and possible violence because of fu(kwits.

My opthamologist is walking down the street and some redneck, maybe you decides he is an agent of China what then?

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:12am

I Focus....please don’t conflate China with Asia.

The Chinese government is unapologetic in its assumption and determination that any and all Chinese people are eternally loyal to the motherland. This is not a supposition. This is publicly stated Chinese government doctrine.

If you’re friend isn’t loyal to the CCP then good for him , but don’t expect Australians won’t get upset when it’s revealed that other Chinese within our society aren’t as committed to Australia.

It’s unfortunate that he may be on the receiving end of insults , but the Australian nation as a whole is on the receiving end of assault from the Chinese nation as they alter our democracy and try to usurp our sovereignty.

Australians are extremely tolerant and issues of insult to innocent Australians of Chinese heritage is not to be accepted. The vast majority of Australians wouldn’t accept it and do not hold innocent Australians of Chinese heritage responsible for the actions of the Chinese nation and its agents within Australia.

It seems to me that you are victim blaming when you insult those who want Chinese expansionism named and shamed. Australians are the victims . We are not buying up Chinese land wholesale. We are not flooding their nation with our countrymen and then forming collective voices such as “ Chinese Australian associations “ to other ourselves from the mainstream and wield group power to steer political decisions in our favour.

There is no one claiming that Thai , Japanese , Indonesian, Korean or any other nations are predating on Australia. Combating Chinese nationalism’s incursion into our country is not racism it is objective recognition of a genuine threat.

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:13pm

More Chinese agents stripping food from our shelves?

Note the ethnic Chinese!

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-02/nsw-healthcare-workers-leaving-fa...

They are walking down the street and someone thanks to your casual labeling decides they are Chinese agents and needs to sort them out?

Is this unlikely?

So at the start of a deadly pandemic Australians are that well balanced that to prepare for a virus they rush out and hoard toilet paper.

Blowin I know as most here do in your heart you are no racists but your behavior and language is far beyond to pail.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:29pm

Well , I Focus ....the reality is self evident.

Chinese are not being “ sorted out “ walking down the street. There might be the odd mouthy fuckwit on public transport but this is a very , very slight reaction to the very , very real imposition of Chinese government and Chinese cultural values into Australia.

The pushback shouldn’t be needed to be performed by the politically impotent man in the street. The pushback should be at the official level by our government. Alas , our government is too compromised to fulfill this role and so the anger is expressed at street level by those without the ability to seperate collective from individual.

Nothing I’m saying is racist. That’s the whole point of my argument. To push back against intrusive and malicious behaviour by a foreign culture driven by its evil government is not racist .....it’s the right thing to do.

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:40pm

To criticize a foreign or local government is not the problem as you well know.

You are a prolific, well written with a great turn of phrase and excellent contributor to this forum hence you know your way around the laugugue and what it means.

Your current defense is political ignoring the nuances that you well understand.

One of the problems with your commentary is that you have failed at every turn (until now sightly) to qualify your attacks against Chinese in general without the balance and recognition of Australians of Chinese or Asian descent (BTW rednecks can not tell the difference).
These very people are putting their lives at risk right now as we speak you have repeatedly failed to qualify your commentary to this fact.

You have repeatedly failed to recognise seperate how lucky we are to have those of Chinese and Asian descent giving Australia a group that contribute everyday to out health and safety thats racist.

In these times logic or thinking or giving is not a thing look around and you see every dog for themselves and it will get a lot more intense as we wait 12 to 18 months if we are very lucky for it to start to go away.

You don't have to look far into our very short history to find what happens when people like yourself start apportion blame to minorities when things get tough it's littered with dead bodies.

Go back and read your comments its not pretty.

bluediamond's picture
bluediamond's picture
bluediamond Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:08pm

+1

velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:01pm

Australians of Chinese or Asian descent
rednecks

I think we have a language problem.

Australians of European descent

not a derogatory term

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 11:20am

Thanks VL you got me there.

Johan Wohlleben's picture
Johan Wohlleben's picture
Johan Wohlleben Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 12:33am

Get that angry troll off the website. Asshole ruins the fun for everyone else.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 4:03pm

Why not contribute something yourself Johan. Sorry for ruining your fun internet surfing. There are plenty of sites with cats doing funny stuff out there or you could try surfline.com ,everybody is very nice to each other on that site - high 5 bro.
Also arsehole is the correct spelling, we are not Americans .

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:41am

Offshore.. inland...

You cop a floater on your shoulder..

You are in too close.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:35am

So the racism continues on this site thanks to Mikehunt, blowin, et al, but robo stepped it up to the next level.
When I mentioned the rapid increase in hate crimes targeting people with a Chinese heritage, robo responded with "if the shoe fits."
So if some random Asian person gets spat on or punched in the street, that's fine with robo because "the shoe fits". Let robo's post sink in for a bit folks.

The lockdown has provided temporary safety for Asian-looking Australians, but there's a very big problem approaching: There's been a massive rise in online racism around this virus. It's ugly and very angry, and it's being egged on by scumbags like Hanson and Lambie. It's gone well beyond genuine and healthy discussion of China and the Chinese people.
When the lockdown restrictions are lifted, I can see people of Asian appearance being targeted by fuckwits who have been locked in their homes for months spending their time reading, creating, and spreading racist crap online.
Be very careful Australia,
"It didn't start with gas chambers"

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:27pm

" rapid increase in hate crimes targeting people with a Chinese heritage"

I hear this bandied around but it's nothing apart from one or two inbred halfwits muttering something on a bus or in the street.

Any solid proof beyond clickbait?

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 7:23pm

Andy M,
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-01/coronavirus-has-sparked-racist-at...
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-27/childrens-hospital-staff-racial-d...
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/this-is-racism-chinese-australians-say-they-...
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/coronavirus-chinese-commun...
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/australia/chinese-australians-say-fears...

Most states Human Rights commissions are calling for calm with with the current health crisis. They don't do that if it isn't needed and ..

By Michael Seccombe.
"It is understood that the Australian Human Rights Commission has experienced an increase in people contacting them about issues of racial discrimination since the coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, some 45 per cent of complaints accepted – that is preliminarily assessed as prima facie racism – since the start of this month related to discriminatory treatment of Chinese people in relation to coronavirus.

A significant proportion related to discrimination in the provision of services to people because of their ethnicity."

See, I back up my claims with evidence.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 7:59pm

What you’re doing is not apportioning any global mistrust of Chinese people to those responsible for discarding that trust ....the Chinese government. This has left Chinese people as the face of the nation which has intentionally jeopardised the World’s health , stability and economy.

This is then reinforced by Chinese Australians working to undermine Australia’s ability to endure this storm by plu daring supplies for their motherland.

You want to blame the people who are jobless, in distress , fearful for themselves and their loved ones for reacting badly to being placed in such a position by shouting at the human face of the culture responsible ?

Sort your shit out. These people are victims of a foreign culture who places no respect on their welfare . If China gave a rat’s arse about the world it would have done what it could to halt the virus immediately instead of prevaricating in the hope of saving face.

Really , mate. I don’t care for or about your ridiculous claims of racism. The hour for such shrill apologists as yourself has passed. Deal with it.

You’re not Adam Goodes , you’re Tokyo Rose

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 12:14am

"Today a patient made jokes about not shaking my hand because of #coronavirus. "

"Several Chinese-Australian friends shared their own experiences.

One recounted how a waiter had dumped change at his table before turning and quickly walking away.

Another, who wore a mask as a precaution at a shopping mall on Friday, had three teenagers tell her: "See you! Go and catch coronavirus.

Sydney man SK Zhan said since news of the epidemic broke, he has been getting stares on public transport".

You're fucking kidding VL, this is absolute nonsense.

We should probably call in the army to quell this outbreak of violence.

Evidence my arse, you're a sucker and a stooge, you're tabloid media's wet dream.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 9:36am

How many links do you want me to post AndyM? They are everywhere mate. I stopped at half a dozen, but could have kept going. I suspect no amount of links to stories about racial abuse and assaults would please you.
And you've cherry picked the most minor cases out of the links I posted to pretend the problem isn't widespread. That's very noble of you Andy. Have you are been marginalised, abused, or belittled due to your racial background? It's shithouse..

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 9:31am

Racial abuse and assaults?

More like idiot attention seekers running to the press and posting on social media if they get *offended*.

I mean, pity the guy who gets looked at on public transport, or the fella who thought the waiter walked away too quickly.

You do realise you're buying into a calculated business model?
The outrage industry exists because of people like you.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 9:44am

That's pathetic Andy. I've posted multiple links to prove that c-19 connected racial abuse is widespread. I could keep posting links all day. You've cherry-picked the least serious incidents in the links in a pathetic attempt to prove the problem isn't that bad.
Let's just take the case of medical professionals with an Asian background. Our hospital system is filled with these heroes busting their backsides to protect their fellow Australians. Rednecks are refusing to let these doctors and nurses to treat them due to c-19 idiocy. What a fucking insult. You'd rather dismiss this racist shit than call it out for what it is. You should be ashamed of yourself.

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I focus Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 9:57am

Fu(k Andy I would never have picked you for taking that side of the argument, never.

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AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:10pm

I went back over those links to see if I'd missed anything, but it's pretty much just as I've said - a couple of fuckwits muttering stuff on public transport and in the supermarket and the rest is a total beat up, kicked off by Rhea Liang who got all bent out of shape because “Today a patient made jokes about not shaking my hand because of coronavirus."

And comments like this - "This is the first time I’ve ever felt physically unsafe in Australia because of my race".

Again, this comment is based on what?
It's just some bullshit throwaway comment with no foundation.

I focus, my side of the argument is that this black and white thinking where any perceived slight is immediately jumped on by the well-meaning but self-righteous, is simplistic bordering on juvenile.

For the record -

- it's quite clear that Chinese people in Australia at the behest of the Chinese government sent large quantities of medical supplies back to China.

- as far as I'm concerned there is no credible evidence that there's been organised and systematic stripping of supplies in supermarkets by Chinese people or anyone else.

- there's also no worthwhile evidence that there's been some uptick in verbal or physical abuse of Chinese people in the Australian community apart from the mutterings of random bogans.

So if "my side of the argument" means that you think I'm racist I Focus, well I don't think you're thinking clearly.

I just don't like rubbish, black and white conversations which are overwhelmed by emotion, whether it's about vaccinations, immigration, racism or whatever.

"Australians from a Chinese background are getting, abused, spat on, and assaulted."

And -

"When you make a claim, you need to back it up with evidence."

Indeed.

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Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:10pm

"- there's also no worthwhile evidence that there's been some uptick in verbal or physical abuse of Chinese people in the Australian community apart from the mutterings of random bogans."
Sorry, but that simply isn't true. There were numerous cases of ugly anti Chinese/Asian racism prior to lockdown. People have been charged. And the racial abuse is, like always, under-reported. Most victims just go home in silence. Luckily the lockdown has dampened down the face-to-face abuse, but it's simply gone online. Singer Dami Im is being mercilessly abused online. You'd have to wilfully ignorant not to notice the rise of anti-Chinese racism on social media. All sorts of fringe right wing nutter groups are out posting memes, creating Facebook pages, on recruitment drives, etc trying to capitalise on the crisis. They are Australian based. This is a problem. Unless this in nipped in the bud. This is where Australia is headed. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/covid-19-hate-crimes-asians-rise-...

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AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:11pm

I'm re-posting this down the bottom, feel free to reply (or not).

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AndyM Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:46am

Genuine question.

My housemate thinks it's ok to have his Byron Shire girlfriend stay over.
As far as I'm aware, this is illegal in NSW and is punishable with a fine.

I've never been a huge stickler for legalities, preferring to lean more towards being reasonable and using some judgement.

Question is, is it fair for me to tell her to get the fuck out?

I'm my elderly mum's only means of support/shopping etc.

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:54am

My info is coming from ABC and genuine news sources,the fake PPE equipment is real (and what a cunts trick ) interviews with defense personal who are really worried about how China has behaved and is posturing are real too, not Alan jones ,The Bolt Report,The Sunday Times or the Guardian etc . Targeting of Asians is not on, wherever they are from but calling out the behavior of The Peoples Republic of China is not being racist (yes they are asian but China is a country, if the situation had been a Russian Virus this thread would be about Russians) and if you want to defend them thats up to you . Just because you dont agree with me doesnt mean I am wrong .

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 11:39am

"Faulty corona test kits (70% accuracy rate), faulty masks and respirators . Thanks China, great blokes all in all" "The race that made the world sick" Those are your words mate.
Bit late to be claiming that your discussions aren't racist Mikehunt.

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Robo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:14pm

if the shoe fits 2

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 3:56pm

If the fact I used the word race instead of nation or country (in actual fact China is a country not a race) that has in fact (show me some info to the contrary please) mislead, lied and covered up this shit show and in fact now has made the world sick is all you have vic , good job, a typical well based argument from yourself. Perhaps think about contributing some useful information instead or fact based backing for your side of the argument rather than just a blanket " racism, everyones a racist (except me) blah blah , your all wrong, i am always right " would give you some credibility at least. If China sending us faulty medical supplies and tests when its a life and death situation is not a cunts trick please explain how so?
Its like debating a 10yr old.
I also hate surf schools too, does this make me racist as well?
When I see a lone individual (surf school operator taking over a whole beach) or individual nation (china) making profit or taking advantage while fucking over the rest of the general population (or world) due to their own dishonesty I think its fucked , hence my statements , of which I stand by

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Craig Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 11:42am

Andy M, totally fair mate, we're not supposed to be hanging with anyone really but people in our household.

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AndyM Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:17pm

Cheers Craig.

Edit - I'm starting to back peddle.

In the Ministerial Directions under "Reasonable excuses" for leaving your home, it states "providing care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or providing emergency assistance"

This sounds nothing like going around to hang out with your girlfriend/boyfriend.

But NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said that "visiting romantic partners" would be considered to fall under “care” as it supports mental health.

If that's the case, to me it would then be a big stretch to ban surfing outright at some stage.

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Robo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 1:18pm

A lot of confusion to these rules.

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epictard Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:16pm

Because we are a fledgling totalitarian state, not yet fully indoctrinated in the ways of the coming dictatorship.

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Robo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 2:16pm

Vic local, would you like bat with that :)

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 4:52pm

So we're 500 + comments in and Blowin and his fellow travellers have started to come up with the "I'm not racist" schtick.
For days they been spreading bullshit rumours about Asian gangs raiding regional supermarkets in buses and have come up with zero evidence it's happened. They've been bringing up one mad conspiracy theory after another. Not sure which was my favourite, the one about Australia living under socialism due to the virus or me getting executed for treason. Maybe it was the one about the Chinese Commies plot to undermine Australia's food security? They've called Chinese people locusts, and robo even suggested that Chinese people who get vilified or assaulted deserve it because "the shoe fits". The crazy thing is, these guys are now trying to deny that they are racists. JUST OWN YOUR BIGOTRY FELLAS, NOBODY IS BUYING THAT "I'M NOT RACIST" CRAP.

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 5:11pm

Guy who can’t tell the difference between China and Asia telling people how racially sensitive he is.....classic.

And now he’s trying the “ I’m not a dumb fuck “ schtick.

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 5:12pm

VL the PPE shipping home has been real, and the consequences of that for your local health workers is real too (I've seen it). This was a planned and executed strategy, to your detriment (you might need these health workers).

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 5:15pm

No mate....pure conspiracy.

The same retired Chinese military officer was also shipping food as it said in the article I posted. That’s probably a conspiracy theory too.

Crazy !

Vic Local has something to do with Chinese tourists / interests with his business, yeah ?

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:18pm

VJ, I never said that shipping of medical supplies to China didn't occur. And yes it's a problem. But these products were sold in bulk by Australian suppliers. It takes two to tango.
Australia (like virtually every other nation on the planet) is now furiously trying to source PPE equipment from anywhere in the world. The trade is dodgy as fuck and to single out one country as the sole bad guy is just disingenuous. Go google search PPE equipment and look under shopping. There's also heaps of stuff that fails the hospital grade test which is ending up in Australian supermarkets. The Australian company that sold me staff uniforms a few years ago sends me daily emails about PPE "deals". It's shameless profiteering and quality is simply unknown.
During this crisis, corners are being cut (even by reputable companies) because speed is more important than quality. Ventilators in particular are being pumped out by companies that don't specialise in medical equipment. Factories are popping up or retooling overnight to meet the demand. It's happening everywhere.
My issue is, Blowin and his mates are either so stupid they think this problem is solely caused by China, or they are happy to overlook the dodgy stuff everyone else is doing.
Edit add on.
And to be perfectly honest, sourcing PPE is often a case of taking the least worst option during this crisis. Hospitals and governments would definitely be buying poor quality medical equipment because it's better than having no medical equipment. Not that you'll be getting any nuanced arguments from blowin and co. It's China = bad Aussie = good.

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:12pm

You are correct the suppliers are selling them. Some of it may not have been in bulk - I witnessed a couple come in specifically asking for masks around Oz day, thought they were CNY tourists, maybe it was part of a bigger operation? They were very insistent and the pharmacy near Woolies was fresh out. (And it freaked me right out then, as I'd come across the stuff getting out of Wuhan via proxies)

The very unique way Chinese companies have a special relationship with the CCP govt, and can be directed to special operations, does make them stand out in a world scrambling for musical chairs of good quality PPE. That our country didn't reserve all our quality PPE for domestic use, early on, is a tragedy. (Don't mention east coast natural gas...)

Now, work uniform errors, there's a subject close to the heart. The time the whole company got new uniforms, embroidered gold lettering, only they'd done the spelling of "safety" incorrectly! lol

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 5:53pm

Confirmation that Vic Local’ business is dependent on Chinese tourists / interests.

Talking his own book.

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:13pm

Wow blowin, you're talking even more shit than usual.

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:18pm

Your business life doesn’t deal directly with Chinese ?

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:20pm

not at all fool.

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jacksprat Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:01pm

Lots of finger pointing. It's not really constructive. I believe the key to a sooner conclusion to this dilemma is every individual unit family, interest group, whatever, doing the right thing. If that happens progress occurs. BUT, that relies on everybody doing the right thing, and that is the flaw. I live in Newcastle and along the main 'surf drag' there - Bar Beach to Merewether, where there is a popular coastal walk. There is little to no social distancing, no one moves for anyone else, people take up most of the footpath with their walking groups, dog owners chat and use valuable space. The surf is still crowded. Few people, including the council seems to care. Do people not care? Are they selfish? Stupid?

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old-dog Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:05pm

At about 6pm last night I looked through the binos and couldn't believe my eyes, there were about 100 beginners surfing the 2 ft. close outs at Moana, and 30 crew at the trough and a cast of thousands from there to U-turns I have never seen anything like it. No social distancing here, wall to wall hipsters.
What a circus. A few hours earlier I had a few all to myself at Anzacs, crap wave but so glassy and nice to go for a paddle. There was also a pack of shall we say people of Asian appearance picking every snail and tiny crab off the low tide reef, where are the fisheries inspectors when you need them. Cheers.

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warddy Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:32pm

i lived on the Mid 50 years ago when there was abalone on the low tide reefs and you couldnt eat enough fish and sea food....
but only what you needed and never under size
sustainability went out the door when the asians arrived ...
but you cant blame them thats how they were raised...
sad to hear that they are still fucking up whats left...
went to Gland years ago and they just fucking take anything that lives and going by past videos of it nothings changed.
Fisheries put there signs up on the mid years ago then went back to the office..
was at Coolum last year and families of Asians were out with the torches after dark catching all the poor little crabs on the beach.....
So sad .....
i feel like shit after this rant ......

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warddy Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:17pm

well im looking forward to the now media hyped worst flu season ever even though theyve instigated the biggest shut down of the country ever...
ever get the feeling youve been cheated.

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old-dog Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 6:48pm

Bit off topic, but I've never had a flu shot but the missus has booked us in for Sat. on the premise that to get the flu and have a weakened immune system when you get the coronavirus could cause a few problems. But yeah you would think you wouldn't get the flu if you aren't going near anyone. Still better safe than fighting for life with a tube down your throat.
BTW the mid would be Just as packed with or without surf reports ,the word tends to get around.

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philosurphizing... Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:31pm

Ever heard of Judy Mikovits

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 7:28pm

To blowin and all the crew who cried like babies when a Chinese businessmen shipped out PPE equipment from Australia, have a read of this.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/coronavirus/aussie-billionaires-massive-c...
Twiggy has done exactly the same thing you got furious about. Any comments????

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:25pm

Sounds like a centralised agreement, before the purchase, fully letting the other government know of your purchase requirements.

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 7:52pm

So what that article is saying is that Twiggy Forest is buying b grade products that work 70% of the time (good on him-he can afford it) to protect Australians , from the country that basically lied and mislead the world about the virus in the first place and essentially gave it to us?
Bit like paying top dollar to the arsonist to come and put the fire out that he started in the first place.

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:09pm

Chinese businessmen buys PPE equipment in Australian, ships it to China, and it's a disgrace and part of some communist Party conspiracy. Australian businessman buys PPE equipment in China, ships it to Australian, and mikehunt says "Good on him".
Talk about one rule for the Aussie and a complete different rule for the Chinese bloke.

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:28pm

Turns out that, despite earlier denials, you don’t see the problem with the CCP plundering Australian supplies at all.

It literally was a CCP conspiracy.

conspiracy
/kənˈspɪrəsi/
Learn to pronounce
noun
noun: conspiracy; plural noun: conspiracies
a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
"a conspiracy to destroy the government"
Similar:
plot
scheme
stratagem
plan
machination
cabal
intrigue
palace intrigue
deception
ploy
trick
ruse
dodge
subterfuge
sharp practice
frame-up
fit-up
racket
put-up job
complot
covin
the action of plotting or conspiring

Fuvkwit.

I’ve officially got no time for apologist flogs like yourself. Off to a China then, mate.

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Remigogo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:27pm

I fuckin hate the word conspiracy!!!

Tickles peoples testicles to say it I guess.

It takes the masses to rise up against it but the few that witness evidence of global..

...lawless money, power, greed on display at the highest levels...

Get shot.

Closing borders with police and military check points gives me some peace of mind. Just in case. Like I had said earlier, there is so much, much more to this.

Peace.

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:38pm

you probably won't want to hear the conspiracy theory that the coronavirus affects the testicles then...

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Remigogo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:42pm

No thanks Velocity.

I'm good.

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Pops Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:46pm

I've heard similar rumours, from trustworthyish (though sometimes prone to sensationalism) science communication outlets... watch this space I think. All the young asymptomatic or mild infectees might have a longer term problem to worry about...

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philosurphizing... Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:24pm

Well then Mikehunt will be OK

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mugofsunshine Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 2:18pm

"National Review was founded in 1955 by William F. Buckley Jr. as a magazine of conservative opinion. The magazine has since defined the modern conservative movement and enjoys the broadest allegiance among American conservatives."

Credible.

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:37pm

Did Twiggy trigger a nationalistic government act which required every Australian expat to operate as a clandestine operative for their Australian motherland and covertly Aquire as much essential medical supplies as possible and transport it secretly back home ? All the while knowing of the impending health crisis about to descend and knowing that they’d be leaving their host nation unable to respond to the best of its ability ?

Or did he just buy some stuff from China ?

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/be-very-very-careful-internal-messag...

Actually....I just read into Twiggy’s PPE from the CCP deal.

Classic corrupted behaviour by Twiggy the Chinese stooge. Spreading their soft power propaganda.

Hands up who will be surprised when Twiggy is leading the next charge for WA succession.....and straight into the waiting arms of China. It’s the billionaires you’ve got to watch. They think that they’re bigger than nations. They are the beating heart of globalisation. Unfortunately the CCP doesn't recognise you if you’re a barbarian . They might find you useable and treat you to a more comfortable form of subjugation. That’s about it.

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Robo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:29pm

Vic Local has a mail order bride I reckon.

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:12pm

More like a male order bride even perhaps? ha ha "Not that there is anything wrong with that" Here we go, conversations gone homophobic now! , lets see how fast vic can get back with some response to that, racist and against the alphabet people too damm you Mike Hunt!
FFS vic just admit you are wrong and now sounding more and more like an unhinged collaborator with every post (or at very best a Chinese bot).
Put you cards on the table and admit what your interest is in defending the Peoples Republic or throw you laptop out the window mate.

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Robo Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 8:38pm

Twiggy is calling in his Chinese markers that he has made billions from now and in the past, easy when you are calling the cards.
Money talks.

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:33pm

Here is a really good read about how US conservatives are trying to spin the Coronavirus to protect their incompetent POTUS.
You might see some commonality on how the usual suspects are trying to do it here.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/us/politics/hannity-limbaugh-trump-co...

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:41pm

Dont think the issue here was ever denying the seriousness of this situation??

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:40pm
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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 9:55pm

Thanks for the post VJ,
Just China? Presumably someone could still send PPE to Indonesia, the pacific islands or even the USA, reducing the stock in Australian, without any criminal sanction.
Surely if protecting the Australian public was the key consideration with these laws, they would apply to all nations. But hey, it just looks like Dutton is out dog whistling again. At least it distracts people from his complete incompetence in the handling of Covid 19

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Blowin Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:05pm

It’s not needed for other nations .

Only scumbag China dares to rob the world of its precious supplies.

You’ve completely dropped the pretence of being anything other than a China stooge / online troll now haven’t you ?

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Vic Local Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 10:13pm

Really Blowin? There's a massive shortage of PPE equipment in Indonesian hospitals. You don't think some Indo expat in Australia or NGO might be tempted to send a box or two of masks to doctors over there. I reckon Dutton had the likes of you in mind when he announced his 5 years in jail policy just for China.
You’ve completely dropped the pretence of being anything other than a racist conspiracy theorist with zero commonsense now haven’t you ?

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sypkan Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 2:59pm

you really don't know how this works do you?

or...

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Mort Thursday, 2 Apr 2020 at 11:59pm

The way forward, is forward.

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jacksprat Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 6:20am

Man, surfers are really stupid. Bye.

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dbsurfs Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 8:47am

Good article Ben.
Extremely difficult times to navigate for any business.
Everyone's a pandemic expert now - experts everywhere with deep seated opinions to match...

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Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 8:59am

When it comes to c-19 experts there are 4 basic categories,
1. real experts with medical backgrounds in the field of pandemics.
2. people who listen to the experts because they have commonsense (eg medical professionals, and people taking lockdown seriously and doing the right thing.)
3. people who ignore the experts because they are selfish arseholes
4. people who think they know more than the experts because they are basically dunning-kruger morons. eg Hanson.
Have a great day peeps.

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Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:00am

Just got back from my morning walk and the crowd at Bird Rock is insane. There are 20 people sitting on a takeoff spot about the size of a kitchen and still more heading out. Everyone I saw in the carpark was late teens to 20s. The invincible crew. Very hard to blame Melbourne surfers for this idiocy as most of the crew I saw were locals. Meanwhile in Spain 1000 people died overnight again. Just fucking embarrassing.

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geek Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:32am

Noticing the same on the MP. A lot of young local crew that you don’t regularly see around here roaming around in full cars. I’m assuming as all the bars and clubs are closed nobody is too hungover to surf anymore

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Jessiadams Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:41am

20-30 age bracket looking like the 'super spreaders'

With any piece of legislation or change to rules you can expect 1 in 10 to be recalcitrant...
Bloody Zoomers!

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I focus Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:07am

Australian agents operating deep in enemy territory.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/02/dad-has-always-sen...

Continuing to conflate Chinese government with the Australian ethnic Chinese community is pretty sad.

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Robo Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:38am

Seeing 25 plus on webcam here now in 1-2ft not even offshore, if surfers could just give it a miss if it's not any good would be helpful.

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Robo Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:42am

If you watch border control and see the crap food the Chinese try to smuggle in and lie about it on their documents, nothing surprises me with them.
And they are the ones that get caught.

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Jessiadams Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 11:08am

Speaking of border control... How bout the cruiseship in the room.
Talk about govt cover-ups that have made things worse.
3 days ago, infections from passengers that walked off the Ruby Princess without being tested or quarantined accounted for 10% of Australian cases.

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Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 12:12pm

Jessiadams, this is one big reason why Dutton launched his largely meaningless 5 year jail term for PPE exporters to China. (It's not happening anymore because the crisis over there is well past the peak). This was one big distraction to hide the fact Dutton dropped the ball big time re Ruby Princess. Dutton only goes on 2GB because he doesn't want his incompetence highlighted by real journos.
A friend of mine was in that massive queue at the arrivals hall at Sydney airport. Incompetence by Border Force on a grand scale. Everyone tried to stick to the 1.5m recommendations but they were just corralled into an impossibly tight space where 1 person (1 fucking person) was taking temperatures. Asymptomatic people (all possible carriers) then just went on their merry way.

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Jessiadams Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:32pm

Yep, total blunder. Peewee Dutton got the covid too. Operation Border Patrol or whatever the hell looking like a total joke. Imagine if Ruby Princess was filled with refugees...
I hope your mate is safe and well.

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grubs Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 12:49pm

Why are the lycra wearing fags still allowed to ride around Perth in pods of 5+ people

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Jessiadams Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:33pm

They're not! Call it in next time brotherrrrr

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grubs Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 3:28am

As an essential worker, I go to work In Freo, have come across 5 plus groups. Do you want photographic evidence....brother.

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lostdoggy Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:19am

He says they’re not allowed, not that he doesn’t believe you.

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Jessiadams Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:14pm

Yeah man. I ain't questioning your observations.
Coppers in Melb patrol main rec bike routes. They probly do in Freo too, they'll get pinged sooner or later. Or you could give your local station a ring.

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billythekid Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 12:58pm

Just go for a surf....I cant believe you guys are still going on about this shit

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AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:12pm

I went back over those links to see if I'd missed anything, but it's pretty much just as I've said - a couple of fuckwits muttering stuff on public transport and in the supermarket and the rest is a total beat up, kicked off by Rhea Liang who got all bent out of shape because “Today a patient made jokes about not shaking my hand because of coronavirus."

And comments like this - "This is the first time I’ve ever felt physically unsafe in Australia because of my race".

Again, this comment is based on what?
It's just some bullshit throwaway comment with no foundation.

I focus, my side of the argument is that this black and white thinking where any perceived slight is immediately jumped on by the well-meaning but self-righteous, is simplistic bordering on juvenile.

For the record -

- it's quite clear that Chinese people in Australia at the behest of the Chinese government sent large quantities of medical supplies back to China.

- as far as I'm concerned there is no credible evidence that there's been organised and systematic stripping of supplies in supermarkets by Chinese people or anyone else.

- there's also no worthwhile evidence that there's been some uptick in verbal or physical abuse of Chinese people in the Australian community apart from the mutterings of random bogans.

So if "my side of the argument" means that you think I'm racist I Focus, well I don't think you're thinking clearly.

I just don't like rubbish, black and white conversations which are overwhelmed by emotion, whether it's about vaccinations, immigration, racism or whatever.

"Australians from a Chinese background are getting, abused, spat on, and assaulted."

And -

"When you make a claim, you need to back it up with evidence."

Indeed.

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:35pm

"And the racial abuse is, like always, under-reported. Most victims just go home in silence. Luckily the lockdown has dampened down the face-to-face abuse"

And you mock Blowin for writing similar stuff VL :)
Non-existent evidence.

And you're kidding me mate, we're talking about Australia and you go off talking about the U.S.?

Gimme a break, you claim that "Australians from a Chinese background are getting, abused, spat on, and assaulted" but the best that you can do is point at social media?

You're obviously trying to create something out of very little.

I see way more negative comments about van-lifers, including graffiti popping up locally.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:13pm

I claim that racism in Australia is under-reported.
Andy M writes "And you mock Blowin for writing similar stuff VL :)
Non-existent evidence."
But of course there is evidence (not that any amount of evidence would ever convince you AndyM) Here it is for others on this forum. Copy and pasted from Victoria's Human Rights Commission report on the subject.
"Despite the broad scope of racist incidents raised with the Commission and documented in other studies, many people choose not to report their experience.
The most common reason given in our survey for making this choice was the prevailing view that nothing would be done about it. As one participant told us, “Generally, people think you’re being oversensitive and there’s no formal process that will yield any formal results”.6
Other obstacles to reporting include a lack
of knowledge about where and how to make
a complaint, a fear of victimisation or other repercussions about making a complaint, language barriers and a distrust of official institutions. For some, the limitations of the Victorian and Commonwealth legal systems to address vilification and prejudice-motivated crime can also be a significant barrier to taking action."

See I back my claims up AndyM. You like to pretend racism isn't much of a problem.

oceans11's picture
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oceans11 Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:52pm

Vic,
The word racism does not exist in China, the CPP does not respect any human life as their human rights record demonstrates

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:58pm

I love it - racism is under-reported so therefore racism is definitely a problem.

No stats, no compelling stories, virtually nothing, your position is near-meaningless.

No, I can't say I'm worried about Chinese people being allegedly "abused, spat on, and assaulted" , there's almost no evidence of it unlike the mountains of evidence regarding the racism that is worth losing your shit over.

johnie's picture
johnie's picture
johnie Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:37pm

on a more positive note, looks like dog and cat is off the menu in some parts of china.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-03/shenzhen-bans-consumption-of-cat-...

perhaps this will prompt further protection of not consuming other animals.

oceans11's picture
oceans11's picture
oceans11 Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:46pm

johnie,

Do you believe it?
Joke : There are only 2 things that Chinese don't eat........
With 4 legs it's a table
With 2 legs it's their parents.

johnie's picture
johnie's picture
johnie Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 3:46pm

Changing our ingrained behaviour takes time, and will vary whether its coming from within (e.g. own desire to change) or from external sources (e.g. CCP). Although, acknowledging that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) don’t really tolerate people swimming against the tide, perhaps this could be done. On the other hand, maybe this is just anecdotal news and we don’t really know the true accuracy of what will actually happen in China. However, hopefully, this is a step in the right direction.

I was taught a short acronym proverb from someone a lot smarter than me when I was a boy “AFL”. ‘A’ stands for accept what has happened (i.e. shit happens), ‘F’ stands for forgive those involved (i.e. we all make mistakes), ‘L’ stands for learn from your mistakes. Now, drawing from the last point, if this happens again (especially during our lifetime) we will need more jokes from you please…

Fortunately, we don’t have pumping swell at the moment, so lockdown is somewhat tolerable for me…

AndyM's picture
AndyM's picture
AndyM Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 1:43pm

A wider ban on the wild animal trade would be excellent!

Robo's picture
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Robo Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:26pm

No fishing, camping, boating, golf for you vic local lol.
what a joke

oceans11's picture
oceans11's picture
oceans11 Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 2:40pm

Interesting debate going on here!
To make it a little more interesting one needs to take into account the following:-
During the Hong Kong riots, Chinese / Australians citizens siding with the Hong Kong protestors were staging their opposition to the Chinese Govt's (CPP) actions. Then the Chinese students/ residents, loyal to the CPP, starting confronting them and challenging their pursuit of a democratic Hong Kong.
The point here is that there are many Chinese people living in Australia loyal to the CPP and are REQUIRED to carry out instructions received from the CPP, otherwise nasty actions against relatives living in China can be carried out.
China holds incredible power over most Chinese people regardless of the country they live in.
Just sayin.

sypkan's picture
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sypkan Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 2:55pm

and the ignorance/cognitive dissonance of such things is astounding.... from some...

I don't kbow how any thinking person could watch that four corners special on the infiltration of our uni's and then continue to sprout the shit some do on here

maybe one for vl to still check out, ...maybe...

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:07pm

sypkan, I'm not blind to the shitty things China does. Their human rights record is atrocious, Go back and read my posts. They are about the shitty way some Australians are using the virus to whip up insane conspiracy theories and racism towards Chinese people.

sypkan's picture
sypkan's picture
sypkan Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:30pm

you've gotta give up on this 'conspiracy' argument

it's real, happening before our very eyes for a decade or more

calling racism where there is little is enabling the beast. no conspiracy, just how shit is....

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:47pm

Go read The New Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan and get back to me when you learn a thing or two. It's a very rational discussion on the economic rise of China. The isolationist policies of the USA and a weak Europe have created a geo-political void that China has simply exploited. China's Belt and Road initiative is a blessing and curse for other countries as well as China. The economic fallout from this virus will have major ramifications for Chinese-funded infrastructure projects throughout the region. If China doesn't renegotiate payment terms, states will fail and loans will go unpaid. This book doesn't gloss over the human rights abuses of China, and it's written by a Professor of Global History from Oxford University. It's a little deeper dive than what you get from ACA. But hey, if you want to just have your opinions re-enforced, stick with something a little lighter.

sypkan's picture
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sypkan Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:59pm

"During the Hong Kong riots, Chinese / Australians citizens siding with the Hong Kong protestors were staging their opposition to the Chinese Govt's (CPP) actions. Then the Chinese students/ residents, loyal to the CPP, starting confronting them and challenging their pursuit of a democratic Hong Kong."

this is an interesting point from eceans...

I remember in the lead up to this corona craziness, 30 year aniversary of tianeman square massacre, followed by the hong kong protestors. all this taking place amongst a new looseness in narrative about a growth in chinese power/atrocities. the most telling thing from all the protestors of 30 years ago, and a new breed from hong kong, was their outright criticism of western governments for not making china more accountable

chinese people flat out criticising ccp, china's atrocities, and western governments role in facilitating them. way too much 'tolerance' whilst the peasant factory ticks away quietly it seems

....even for the 'asians'....

GreenCT's picture
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GreenCT Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 4:20pm

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2OFHLSeLxlbGzt7FOq8P2SE9GJajLYKh

If you look at Sky News on YouTube and read the comments it is actually quite frightening the amount of racists comments on there.

Some things I agree with in this clip and some is complete crap but Credlin was someone who at one stage yielded incredible power and alot of the stuff went on during her beloved Tony's time in power.

A few problems in all of this is post this we will sadly be needing to be selling iron ore gas etc to major trade partners or else we will be more fucked

We are a population of 25 million
You want this to descend beyond a economic crisis into a miltary crisis against one of the largest miltary machines in the world. That's like throwing rocks while hoping we are standing behind the good old USA and they are there for us.

Maybe instead in this time of crisis we we say sorry Twiggy Bhp Rio Chevron gina etc there is a new royalty rate for 3 years
Share the pain and then can revert back
Dont forget Qatar earns 27 billion in royalties on the gas they sell versus 800 million for us for now the same amount or more we export

And one more thing hold back enough gas to supply our market so we have enough and dont as they are planning import gas because they forward sold it all leaving not enough for us.

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Cromwell Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 5:08pm

A couple of things that seem to have been lost in some comments here is how fortunate we have been so far in this pandemic. It is easy to criticise the mistakes that have been made and miss the great work that has been done to minimise deaths and slow the rate of infection to a point that we can be optimistic about our health system’s capacity to cope. Compare this situation to the USA, UK, Spain, Italy etc etc. I think it was Norman Swan who commented that the deciding factor in our ability to get through this would be how strongly the community pulled together and followed the rules. Seems we are doing OK so far........

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Remigogo Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 8:49pm

Well said Cromwell.

roc-k's picture
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roc-k Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 6:36pm

Last weekend we saw an influx of people traveling to beaches across the State of Victoria. Whilst a lot of these people weren’t surfers, on the coast where I live the overwhelming majority were surfers. This week surfers were still traveling up to 4 hours to my home town to surf without any guilt at all.

Because of my role in emergency services I had to work last Saturday and as I was driving home along the coast I saw surfer numbers that were equivalent to any peak holiday time I have seen.

Even though the act of surfing itself is suspected to be extremely low risk, it was the defiance of all the evidence and messaging that the safest thing for everyone, is to not travel unless absolutely necessary that disturbed me.

I live in a small community of 300 people, we all know each other and no one would want to be the source of contamination through their negligence of not adhering to the social distancing, hygiene and self-isolation narrative that we hear every day.
The biggest threat to my community is not our selves but others.

There are many advantages and disadvantages about living in small communities. One of the disadvantages is our health and emergency services are poorly resourced and often propped up by volunteers and a limited number of professionals. One of the advantages is as a small community we have a unique opportunity during this crisis to keep the people in our community especially our elderly free for this deadly virus. People traveling to and congregating here threatens that opportunity.

This is not some pseudo attempt to stop visiting surfers. I want this thing to end as much as anyone so I too can travel to other places and surf. However the main reason we all want this to end is so we can limit the number deaths and the social and economic destruction that we are witnessing.

As has been previously been stated on this website, this is not a localism issue it’s a public health issue. Please stay away from small rural communities for the time being.

glennod's picture
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glennod Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 8:33pm

well said

tango's picture
tango's picture
tango Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:19am

Well said indeed.

Jd13's picture
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Jd13 Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 10:11pm

Surfers are selfish
A true surfer knows this, missing family functions , dates with the Mrs, work pretty much everything when the waves are pumping
But the dumb fuck idiots in Victoria have me dumbfounded at the moment,
If they fully shut it down and fucken lose my job because of self entitled wanna bes need to rip it up I hope the shit cutty they did was fucking worth it

jayet-010's picture
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jayet-010 Friday, 3 Apr 2020 at 11:20pm

Hear hear

theblacksheep's picture
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theblacksheep Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 12:31am

Don’t change Swellnet
I’m sure you’d be stoked if you were popular enough to be causing crowded surf.
Strange how pumping surf and most of the nation working from home might correlate to crowded beaches.
(We) surfers are fucktards. This shit is bringing out the worst in our selfish locals only fucked surf culture.
Everyone seems to be dying to have surfing banned (pun intended)

GreenCT's picture
GreenCT's picture
GreenCT Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 10:04am

Interesting read about the good old US of A
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-04/coronavirus-updates-new-york-repo...

Doesnt seem so different to what China was accused of and the labels thrown at them here

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 10:19am

GreenCT. Exactly like I said was happening with PPE procurement.
Don't expect the usual suspects on this site to hold the USA to the same standards they demand from China. Wrong colour people doing the illegal stuff for that to happen.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 10:24am

For sure , GreenCT. Not a good look.

But the US didn’t inflict the virus on the world whilst simultaneously denying the world’s ability to react safely....that’s a gulf of difference.

And the US didn’t engage a their diaspora to act as double agents in a way that threatens the lives of their host country.

US buying from supplier , not secretly plundering stocks from other countries insitu supplies.

US isn’t lying about the severity of the infection to buy themselves time to deplete other nations of essential supplies.

Another point......Germany has lied about US activities in relation to Wuflu in order to gain domestic political capital before.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:02am

"Don't expect the usual suspects on this site to hold the USA to the same standards they demand from China."
5 minutes later, Blowin does exactly that, accompanied with a bunch of mad conspiracy theories.
Read the article again blowin. The Good old US of A re-routed PPE equipment en-route to Europe that had already been sold. Not only that, Trump tried to buy IP from a German vaccine company for US use only. How fucking disgraceful can that bloke get? You're very quick to point the finger at China for all their actions (real and imagined), and very quick to excuse the US government's genuinely shitty behaviour.
But hey, this has got nothing to do with your racism does it? *Where's the eye roll emoji? I need it right now.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:37am

Chinese still pilfering coles of baby formula last night, video evidence in todays Telegraph story.

You must be making a fortune vic local off your relo's.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 12:40pm

Robo, I'm not going to defend the hoarding of baby formula by people with a Chinese heritage, but do you ever wonder why the baby formula story is on high rotation in the tabloids (ACA, 2GB, Daily telegraph etc)?
I live in one of the most un-Chinese places in Australia and our supermarkets and chemists were stripped bare. We even had a young chemist seriously assaulted by an angry customer who couldn't get what he wanted. Not that you'd find those stories in the tabloids. Wrong colour hoarders and thug. This is how it works mate. Anglo hoarders don't rate, stories of Chinese hoarders do.
A perfect example of this "Blame China" angle came from Alan Jones last month. Rather than blaming the actual hoarders (many of them would have been his listeners) for emptying supermarket shelves, he blamed (and I'm not shitting you) the Foreign Investment Review Board for allowing so much Chinese investment in Australia. It was some seriously twisted logic.
Pandering to the prejudices of audiences pays the bills for the tabloid media. It presents a very warped, and mean spirited view of the world to those who read the Daily Telegraph and tune in to ACA and 2GB. Not only that, this type of broadcasting does have consequences.
You in particular seem to see everything in the following terms. China / Evil and Australia / Pure as driven snow.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:47am

Typical vic local, assuming all us "racists" will jump on board and stand up for Trumps USA.
Like China the USA is a global arsefucker so any behavior such as in that link posted in not a surprise. In fact I seem to remember many forums and threads on what a fuckwit Trump is for years now which many of us racists have participated in .
Vic Local twisting facts to suit his argument once again.
PS careful Vic that article also included a mention of Orthodox Jewish Settlement being suppressed due to not following corona virus rules, dont start turning this anti semitic now.

Walk around G's picture
Walk around G's picture
Walk around G Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 10:40am

Check out this crazy scenario.......WTF!

Looks like things are getting TOTALLY out of control within our new world dictatorship :(

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:08am

where's that?

Walk around G's picture
Walk around G's picture
Walk around G Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:25am

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.

eastcoastbuoy's picture
eastcoastbuoy's picture
eastcoastbuoy Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 11:56am

Just looking at Manly surf and its packed with back packers washing out their hangover from their backpacker accomodation parties last night.
Constant loudspeakers along the beach saying follow the rules, exercise or surf quickly and if there are 500 plus people out (which there are) now don't paddle out and GO HOME. Simple message - now clearly required to be advised in more languages
Its not if, its a matter of when these crowds are going to see more beaches closed.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 12:54pm

TBH eastcoastbuoy, most backpackers are really in an impossible situation.
It's not like there's many flights heading out of the country, and what few seats are available are way beyond budget. I've seen flights to Europe in the $10,000+ price range.
Backpackers have a massive problem isolating in cities, and they need to spend 2 weeks in isolation before heading out to the regions to do fruit picking. Most backpackers I've seen in Manly have pretty good English, and even if the warnings were translated, it's not like backpackers have too many viable options to socially isolate. Closing down hostels could be a frying pan into the fire situation. I'm sure there's plenty of Australian backpackers OS experiencing exactly the same situation. I just hope they are getting treated a little better than Australia is treating our international visitors. Having said that, backpackers who are travelling the country still in holiday mode really are dropping the ball.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 2:49pm

Jeez....you do pump out some shit.

Show me where a backpacker can’t fly to ..... https://www.skyscanner.com.au/

WTF is a backpacker still doing in Australia ?

I was meant to be in Indo and I left a month early because of what was going down . Why can’t they do the same exactly ?

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:30pm

You really haven't been paying attention have you blowin.
Did you not notice most international airlines aren't flying anymore?
London would have to be the "easiest" destination to get to for a European backpacker. Cheapest flight is about $1500 one way via SFO and NY. There's massive question marks over the viability of that flight. Qatar airways is about the only regular flyer and their fares start at $2,000. That's a best case scenario. I have a friend trying to get back to England by changing the date on his existing flight. 7K. So assuming a humble backpacker has two grand and can get on a plane, he or she still has to Quarantine or self isolate on arrival. There's more $$$$$. And after 14 days, what exactly is the backpacker supposed to do? Go inspect flats and take out a lease while England is in lockdown? And that's a best case scenario. Imagine trying to get into Italy, Spain or France. And since you're demanding backpackers in Australia return home, surely the same applies for Australian backpackers in Europe. I reckon you wouldn't be too keen on having mick and Gazza who have been in Italy getting on a plane and coming back home. The problem is blowin, you don't think things through before posting.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:52pm

Can’t post the screenshot for some reason but Skyscanner has 16 deals on a flight Sydney to London ( one stop Singapore) for $1191 on Tuesday.

Your friend has no excuses.

And that’s all I’m hearing.....excuses.

Australia has kindly asked you to respect our predicament and please leave. No one said it would be easy or cheap or wouldn’t require you to pull your thumb out of your arse but no one gives a fuck. They are on holidays and this is not a convenient time for us to indulge their whimsy.

The alternative is them sitting on taxpayers dime for 6 months or clogging up our health system just when we really need them to

Just

Fuck

Off.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:54pm

You really are an idiot blowin. There's not 16 deals. There's 16 booking agents selling that flight.
I just looked it up and there's only 1 seat available. And then there's all the other problems at the other end of the flight.
You've shown your true colours with that last post. Angry, fuck off out of my country attitude, with zero commonsense and fair bit of bullshit thrown in for good measure.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:16pm

No, mate.

I’m just proving that it’s very possible for your mate to fly to England and it’s no harder than normal travel.

Even if it was harder .....who gives a fuck ?

Our prime minister has asked them to leave. This is not their country. They are a guest.

Are you that much of a fuckwit that you’d be sitting in Indonesia as they enter into a national emergency when they need to focus every aspect of their society on dealing with a life or death situation , then the President of Indonesia requests all non - citizens to please leave as Indonesia doesn’t have the resources to look after themselves let alone anyone else in this trying time ....

And there’s Vic Local saying “ Wait a minute....I’m on holidays ! How dare you ask me to be sensible and respectful enough to realise that It’s not appropriate for me to continue my holiday ! I’m not going because :

A/ I don’t give a fuck about what Indonesia or Indonesians want....I want to stay .

B/ If I do go it may take a little bit of effort or maybe a few dollars more than normal....so instead I think I’ll just get Indonesian taxpayers to fund my holiday indefinitely. And if I get sick I’ll take an Indonesian’s hospital bed.

C/ I feel I’m entitled.

D/ Did I mention that Its not convenient and I don’t really want to so.....fuck you Indonesia ?

Australia has not asked for the sob story from a pommy backpacker who has wasted all their money on piss . Australia has asked them to respect our need to focus on ourselves and just fucking leave.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:25pm

Our PM asking people to leave the country is completely irrelevant. There's tens of thousands of backpackers, and 1.6 million temporary visa holders in the country, and fuck all seats on planes. I can ask blowin to post an intelligent comment. It doesn't mean that can actually happen.
And then blowin posts about some ridiculous hypothetical situation about me being in Indonesia. Blowin you fool I'm in Australian and I can't be in Indonesia for the same reason many backpackers can't get home. Travel restrictions clown. Geez I hope the Australians stuck overseas are not running into the Italian / US / Peruvian / Sri Lankan version of blowin, a mean-spirited, narrow-minded fool.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:28pm

Vast majority of visa holders are Chinese.

All they have to do is get to the airport , hop on a plane .....and fuck off.

I don’t give a fuck how harsh that sounds. I’ve had such a gutfull of yourself and others prioritising guests in our country over our citizens.

Every foreign visitor is a hapless victim to you. Temporary visa removed.....go home.

The analogy with yourself in Indonesia is exactly the same. You just don’t want to acknowledge it because it’s true.

Our PM asking people to leave is irrelevant.....WTF ? He is the voice of the Australian people. We are asking them to leave politely. The right thing for them to do is to leave. Not whine about how hard it is whilst Australia is fighting for its future.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:32pm

"Vast majority of visa holders are Chinese."
Stop talking shit Blowin.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:43pm

Huh ?

Of course they are. You really think the average temp visa holder is a friendly pommy pisshead with really bad teeth ?

Not sure why you’d resist that obvious truth ?

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:46pm

Go get me the official figures fool. If you can’t back this up everyone will know you’re a racist bullshit artist of the highest order.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:02pm

And if I post the official figures it means you’re an apologist lying piece of shit......

https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/Coronavirus-and-T...

Not including the hundreds of thousands of Chinese students.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:02pm

That’s just a press release that doesn’t prove your claim the “vast majority” of temporary visa holders are from China. It’s not even close blowin. Keep googling mate. You’re not going to find anything to back up your lies. I will wait.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:02pm

That’s just a press release that doesn’t prove your claim the “vast majority” of temporary visa holders are from China. It’s not even close blowin. Keep googling mate. You’re not going to find anything to back up your lies. I will wait.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:34pm

Here's your actual evidence boys, let's see how you interpret it ...

In 2017-18, there were an average of 2.1 million temporary entrants in Australia in each of the four financial quarters.
Accounting for 11.5 percent of total temporary entrants, the PRC was the second largest source country in this visa category. This compares with:

- New Zealand: 31.2 percent;
- India: 9.2 percent;
- UK: 5.6 percent; and
- US: 2.2 percent.

In 2017-18, a total of 333,014 student visas (excluding secondary visas for dependents, etc.) were granted. With a share of 25.6 percent, the PRC was the largest source country in this visa category.
This compares with:

- India: 12.4 percent;
- Nepal: 6 percent;
- Brazil: 5.7 percent; and
- Colombia: 3.3 percent.

5.6 million visitor visas were granted in 2017-18. Visitor visas include tourism and business subclasses, which accounted for 5.1 million and 0.5 million grants respectively. The PRC was the largest source country for recipients of these visas, comprising 16.9 percent of the total.
This compares with:

- UK: 11.2 percent;
- US: 10 percent;
- Japan: 7 percent; and
- Malaysia: 5.9 percent.

Enjoy!
https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/prc-migration-australia-...

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:34pm

You said your pommy mate couldn’t leave cause there was no flights.

I proved this to be a lie.

You said that if there was flights they’d cost $10K.

I proved this to be a lie.

Face it. Your pommy mate is making excuses because they don’t have enough respect for Australians to just do as requested whilst we struggle with this virus.

Why would anyone feel any sympathy for such a selfish fuck who has no regard for the country they’re holidaying in ?

That’s why I don’t feel sorry for fuckwits like that. Tell your dickhead mate to get the funk out.

You get on Swellnet and police the government’s rules about your own area due to the virus whilst trying to generate excuses for other fuckers who won’t obey the government’s decisions made to get through the situation.

You are .....a cock.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:41pm

You're just an angry racist fool blowin. There's approximately 1.6mil temporary via holders in Australia. 600,000 + from NZ. The vast majority aren't from China like blowin lied about just two minutes ago, but blowin wants them all gone.
Let's assume that a plane takes 300 at a time. That's 5334 planes to do the job.
Hey Blowin, can you see where your argument falls down?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:44pm

Over 2.13 million temp visa holders.

Vast majority Chinese.

Fact.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:47pm

Prove it liar.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:04pm

See above fuckstik

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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:08pm

There’s zero reference to where those visa holders are from. You can’t bullshit your way out of this. Where’s the evidence that the vast majority of temporary visa holders are from China? You made the claim. Back it up liar. I will wait.

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kooklife Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 5:23am

Back to your corners boys...take a breath

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tango Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 10:45am

+1

I do enjoy your repartee, gentlemen, but much more so when you're playing the ball.

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mikehunt207 Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 12:05pm

Same here in WA. A nice day with small surf and people everywhere already. Surfing on its "last chance" with Shire and State regulations. The local Shire President has actually been pretty good and given local surfers a chance to prove they are not dumb cunts (which they are mostly looking at groups gathered already this morning at 7am as I drove out) . A tiny sign A4 sized has been put up at the local beach to warn everybody not to congregate (anybody who stumbles across said sign on their way down the stairs anyhow) . Pretty simple (but not simple enough) DON,T STAND AROUND PRE AND POST SURF CHATTING IN CARPARKS!! SURF AND LEAVE. Same idiots will all be crying and complaining once the ban is introduced.

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Age Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 12:57pm

The Herald Sun today on page #7 (who knows how reliable that is) has surfing listed as a banned activity in Victoria. If that is true, the Police will have the ability to fine you $20,000 for a breach.

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ludoz Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 3:02pm

I love going to the toilet in the morning and read the report, I hope I can enjoy that a little longer. Thanks.

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johnie Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:01pm

It seems ‘Racist’ or ‘Racism’ is a common theme within this thread.

I don’t think my comment or tangentiality will derail this thread any further, yet I think this should be mentioned.

Maybe we think this is something new (i.e. racism), although, one should not forget the air that we breathe in Australia has been tainted with racism ever since colonisation. This is the sad reality of our inheritance. We might interpret some of the comments within this thread as prejudice towards china and we may have a strong yearning to protect them, which is great. Although, I just hope there is some consistency across all groups, especially towards the First Peoples of Australia. For example, how often do we correct our fellow peers who address the First Peoples of Australia as ‘abo’ or ‘aborigine’? Note the term aborigine is highly offensive, partly because our parliament’s definition restricted the First Peoples of Australia to vote, drink, or gain any benefits. How often do we NOT celebrate Australia day or advocate to change the date of Australia day? How often do we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land which we are on before any presentation or meeting? How often do we get annoyed that we are the only commonwealth country that doesn’t have a treaty with their indigenous people. I could go on and on about this…
I don’t condone racism or prejudice whatsoever, what I will say though, if we are protecting other groups, we should also stand up for our fellow Aboriginal brothers and sisters. And, if this is already the case, then job well done and ignore my comment.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:12pm

Are you aware that you just told us how offensive the term Aboriginal is and then said you want to stand up for your aboriginal brothers and sisters ?

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johnie Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:35pm

Good pickup Blowin, yes, Aboriginal is accepted (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples), however, we should avoid using the term ‘aborigine’.

It can be quite confusing when dealing with the slight nuance in semantics, especially, when most of us did not receive much guidance at school, through no fault of our own.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 4:41pm

It’s not confusing it’s nonsensical, ridiculous and arbitrary.

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Cromwell Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:17pm

Thanks for that clarification johnie.

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johnie Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:15am

No worries Cromwell.

Yes, appropriate terminology would be ‘First Nations’, ‘First Nations of Australia’, ‘First Peoples of Australia’, ‘Aboriginal Peoples’, ‘Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’.

To provide further clarification on Aborigine, ‘Aborigine’ is considered offensive because an Act of Parliament placed many restrictions on the First Peoples of Australia when they defined Aborigine. For example, this Act prohibited them to drink alcohol, refused access to social service benefits, excluded them from the census, not allowed to vote or own property, could not develop a relationship with whites, forced to live where the government saw fit (i.e., camps, reserves), and the list goes on and on… As such, the word Aborigine has an unpleasant connotation associated with it.

Although, if we are unsure what is the correct terminology, one easy approach would be to “just ask”. That’s what I do.

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sypkan Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:47pm

"It’s not confusing it’s nonsensical, ridiculous and arbitrary."

its a bit confusing, because many fine upstanding aboriginal academics throw the word 'aborigine' around like it just don't matter...

hmmmmm...

but it certainly is nonsensical, ridiculous and arbitrary.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:11pm

Vic Local.....the ceaseless fuckstik.

Literally everything you’ve claimed this afternoon has been proven untrue. From the impossibility of visa holders returning home , the price of flights , the number of visa holders , the amount of Chinese visa holders amongst others.

Everything you’ve said is untrue. I prove you wrong so you just move on to the next fraudulent claim......what the fuck is that about ?

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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:33pm

You're just embarrassing yourself now.
You said the vast majority of temporary visa holders were from China. I flat out called you a liar. You could blow me out of the water if you could back that claim up. Do it if you can.
I will wait.

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epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:35pm

Repost for better formatting:
Merry Christmas Blowin / Vic, don't say I did not give you anything.

Here's your actual evidence boys, let's see how you interpret it ...

In 2017-18, there were an average of 2.1 million temporary entrants in Australia in each of the four financial quarters.
Accounting for 11.5 percent of total temporary entrants, the PRC was the second largest source country in this visa category. This compares with:

- New Zealand: 31.2 percent;
- India: 9.2 percent;
- UK: 5.6 percent; and
- US: 2.2 percent.

In 2017-18, a total of 333,014 student visas (excluding secondary visas for dependents, etc.) were granted. With a share of 25.6 percent, the PRC was the largest source country in this visa category.
This compares with:

- India: 12.4 percent;
- Nepal: 6 percent;
- Brazil: 5.7 percent; and
- Colombia: 3.3 percent.

5.6 million visitor visas were granted in 2017-18. Visitor visas include tourism and business subclasses, which accounted for 5.1 million and 0.5 million grants respectively. The PRC was the largest source country for recipients of these visas, comprising 16.9 percent of the total.
This compares with:

- UK: 11.2 percent;
- US: 10 percent;
- Japan: 7 percent; and
- Malaysia: 5.9 percent.

Enjoy!
https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/prc-migration-australia-...

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AndyM Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:36pm

If it helps...

Temporary entrants

In 2017-18, there were an average of 2.1 million temporary entrants in Australia in each of the four financial quarters.[8] Temporary entrants include (but are not limited to) visitor visa holders, student visa holders and temporary resident (skilled) visa holders. The Temporary (Work) Skilled visa (subclass 457) was abolished and replaced by the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) from March 18 2018.[9]

Accounting for 11.5 percent of total temporary entrants, the PRC was the second largest source country in this visa category. This compares with:[10]

- New Zealand: 31.2 percent;
- India: 9.2 percent;
- UK: 5.6 percent; and
- US: 2.2 percent.

Note: Including the PRC these are the top five source countries for temporary entrants in Australia in 2017-18.

The average number of temporary visa holders from the PRC has consistently increased over the last five years, from an average of 132,901 in 2013-14 to an average of 245,662 in 2017-18.

Student visa grants

In 2017-18, a total of 333,014 student visas (excluding secondary visas for dependents, etc.) were granted. With a share of 25.6 percent, the PRC was the largest source country in this visa category. This represents a nine percent increase in absolute terms from 2016-17.
This compares with:[11]

- India: 12.4 percent;
- Nepal: 6 percent;
- Brazil: 5.7 percent; and
- Colombia: 3.3 percent.

Note: Including the PRC these are the top five source countries for Australian student visa grants in 2017-18.

https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/prc-migration-australia-...

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epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:58pm

Same info, same link, almost exactly the same time ... seems the information was not so difficult to find.

We only want to help ... right?!

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AndyM Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:04pm

The post-truth thing can go and get rooted.

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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:42pm

So the figure was 11.5% in 2018 and things haven't changed much if not at all. I knew that all along, just wanted to see if Blowin was a big enough man to admit he got it hopelessly wrong. He isn't.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:45pm

A/ NZ is virtually part of Australia. We are virtually part of NZ.

New Zealand does not count in discussions regarding foreign visa holders as they are our cousins and this is recognised by both nations.

B/ Having said that .....2/3 of NZ SCV are non - NZ born. This means they are using NZ as a transit lounge to Australia. The majority of these 2/3 are from China.....fact.

C/ Those figures are 2 years old. Chinese figures have increased significantly since then.

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Cromwell Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 5:45pm

The government has asked temporary visa holders to stay and work in critical areas such as health care, aged care and agriculture. Backpackers who have run out of money are being asked to return home. Why it should matter where they come from, I don’t know.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:10pm

Whilst we are discussing the poor victimised Chinese and how shameful it is that a handful of Chinese citizens should be subjected to offensive staring on public transport by Australians, let’s cast our memories back to when China purposely infected the world with Wuflu :

They purposefully infected Indonesia ( From The Australian )

“Beijing is seemingly displeased with Jakarta’s decision to impose a travel ban to and from China amid its efforts to prevent a deadly coronavirus from spreading to the archipelago, with a Chinese envoy saying that such a ban could harm Indonesia’s tourism and economy.

The travel ban, which is to be in effect from 12 a.m. on Wednesday, would prevent people who have stayed more than two weeks in China to visit or transit in the country. Indonesia is to also suspend visa-free and visa-on-arrival provisions for Chinese nationals.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xiao Qian asked Indonesia to follow the advice of the World Health Organization, which — despite having declared a global emergency over the deadly coronavirus — is not recommending countries restrict travel or trade with China.“

And while Chinese were suffering the unimaginable horrors of waitstaff serving them last in Australia ( on a single anecdotal occasion) , let’s see how many people have been infected , fucked up and killed by the virus they purposefully spread around the globe....( current rates )


And when countries tried to stop the virus from entering Australia by closing borders with China .....China fumed. Consider what you know now about the virus. Vic a Local KNOWS that the only way to protect his area is to close the borders where possible. China knew this too. So when other nations tried to close their borders here’s how they reacted :

“Beijing is growing increasingly angry at countries imposing harsh travel restrictions on visitors from China as the world tries to contain the spread of a deadly coronavirus.

Authorities have registered “strong objections” with countries who have cut flights to China during the outbreak, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday. She said countries were ignoring recommendations from the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization, which have advised against canceling flight routes and limiting travel to affected nations.

China Lashes Out at Countries Restricting Travel Over Virus
“We deplore and oppose those countries who went against WHO’s professional recommendations and ICAO’s bulletins,” Hua said. “Their actions, which sowed panic among the public, will not help prevent and control the epidemic. They have gravely disrupted normal personnel exchanges, international cooperation, and order of the international market for air transportation.”

Her comments are some of China’s harshest words yet for countries including the U.S., Australia and Singapore, which are barring non-resident visitors from mainland China, restricting flights and canceling already-issued visas“

And when the Chinese students were told they couldn’t come to Australia , China went distraught for the weaponised claims of racism. As per usual.

“Asian Australian Alliance national convener Erin Chew told the South China Morning Post the ban was an over-reaction from the Government.

"In many ways it feels like it is a form of racial targeting," she said.

"When previous viruses happened such as mad cow disease or the swine flu, Australia didn't ban non-citizens from Britain and the US. Nor was the blame placed on the people in (those countries).

"Since the coronavirus outbreak it has been coined that this virus is the fault of Chinese people, not just in mainland China, but really all over the world."

Does this mean that Vic Local is racially targeting people from Melbourne with his local border closure .....of course not.

But the Chinese will never hesitate to use racism to shut down debate. Because the CCP are evil fuckers and every time someone like Vic Local tries to call someone racist for “ othering “ the Chinese after the Chinese have done as much effort to “ other “ themselves as humanely possible, then he is just another CCP China stooge.

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Cromwell Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:05pm

My understanding is that currently China is providing significant assistance to Indonesia to control the epidemic, which would be irrational if they deliberately started it. Do you have any evidence that the pandemic was started deliberately by China? This would be a crime comparable to the holocaust if true.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:18pm

Mate , China knew how bad the virus was. They were experiencing exactly what Italy/ Spain / France / USA are undergoing right now . But still the Chinese diplomats were threatening other countries who tried to protect themselves by closing borders.

China has now closed its own borders.

China purposefully tried to infect the rest of the world so that China alone would not be weakened by the virus. They wanted the entire world diseased so that China would be on a level playing field. This is undeniable.

China is now attempting to rewrite history and is simultaneously giving highly publicised aid to other nations as a means to gain soft power.

China didn’t care if millions of people died. So far 60,000 people have been killed by the Chinese virus. Thousands more are chronically and critically ill.

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epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:26pm

"They wanted the entire world diseased so that China would be on a level playing field. This is undeniable."
- Obvious troll is obvious.

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Cromwell Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:27pm

I think that is a No. It really is very unhelpful to make such serious allegations without significant supporting evidence. At a time when we need global cooperation such unsubstantiated divisive comments can only do harm.

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epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:25pm

Cromwell ...

"China is providing significant assistance to Indonesia to control the epidemic, which would be irrational if they deliberately started it"
- It's called 'negging', all the cool kids are doing it.

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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:27pm

Cromwell. Everyone knows the Chinese deliberately infected the rest of the world so they could then come in a be the saviour. It's part of their grand plan for world domination. I think they are in cahoots with the mullahs from Iran, Prince Philip, and the WWF. I'm also pretty sure the Rothchild's and George Soros have got something to do with this as well. (just haven't got the evidence of that yet). Give me a few minutes while I google it.

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AndyM Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:07pm

Who needs the Olympics anyway?

U.S.A., U.S.A. ...

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Vic Local Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:19pm

Nobody is buying the crap you're peddling blowin. You lied. You couldn't back up your claims and when the figures were posted by other commenters, you tried to shift the goal posts, by claiming NZ doesn't count. Really pathetic.
I will even entertain your BS argument for shits and giggles. Even taking NZ out of the equation, the percentage of Chinese people on temporary visas in Australia goes up to 17%.
Help me out Blowin, is 17% a vast majority? Actually don't answer that because I'm sure you'll find a way to say it is rather than admit you bullshitted.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:30pm

China was so desperate to transmit its virus that it intoned the Holocaust in an attempt to guilt Israel into keeping the border open.....you can’t make this shit up.

https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/asia-and-australia/.premium-chinese-e...

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epictard Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 10:57pm

One thing that is interesting to me, and not a comment either way on your message or you posting this link, is how old news from early February is. Usually this would be considered recent, when we were kids this would be cutting edge news, but in current climate it is outdated and irrelevant.

Again, not irrelevant to your point in fact quite the opposite, just that it is no loner pertinent to the reality of the situation at hand.

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Blowin Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:34pm

But.....a Chinese person getting stink eye on a train ( allegedly) or a Chinese student who backdated our border closure and is now asked to return home is the REAL victim here.....FFS.

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Cromwell Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 6:58pm

So I will take that as a No abut evidence. It seems incredibly irresponsible to make such unfounded allegations during a crisis when it is so important that we work together as a community regardless of our visa status or ethnic origins.

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Robo Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 8:05pm

So we can’t say Aborigine now we have to say Aboriginal. I’ve heard it all now!

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Robo Saturday, 4 Apr 2020 at 8:09pm
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seaslug Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:10am

Why does Australia need foreign backpackers to stay here and pick fruit/produce/farms when we currently have massive unemployment in Australia?

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GreenCT Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:51am

Seaslug
There is mixed reports in the media on this and I cant get a straight answer

I even started a thread on this in the forum but got no response.

Some reports in the media saying farmers inundated with enquires from backpackers.

Them I think on ACA farmers worried about lack of workforce to take in crops.

So fucked if I know what's true but no point forcing backpackers home and then whinging later as supermarket shelves empty because no one to harvest.

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Remigogo Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 3:18am

Because agriculture is largely seasonal. Making it difficult for local workers and producers alike.
A farm may require a hand full of workers most of the year then harvest time require hundreds for short harvest window.
Harvesting is hard repetitive work and often in my experience most local Australians just don't want to do that type work.

As a harvester, work maybe nearby for a few months. Then finding more work may require traveling to another region for another crops harvest. In between a month with little to no work. A good farm will try to hold on to good working locals. When they are found.

Good luck getting a home or car loan.

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GreenCT Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 5:00am

Remigogo
The rational of allowing different visas to be issued was Australians didnt want this work and farmers faced a shortage.

In this changed world the media is producing mixed messages about if there is a shortage or not.

If there is a huge number of Australians happy to fill the gap this year no problem otherwise calling for the temporary Visa holders to be sent home now will create another problem in supply chains and then food shortages.

Peraonally not wanting to make a career out of it but would take it on versus an extended lockdown where I find myself

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Remigogo Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 3:09pm

Green CT I was reading your post when farm jobs came up as the topic on ABC news digital. An apple and cherry grower near Sydney not hiring backpackers coming from Sydney. The pictures or reports of young folk partying in hostels and wherever has raised concerns so there becomes an issue. Quarantining 14 days between regions another. Accommodation around small towns normally an issue is now made more problematic with accommodation shut downs.

Regarding visa holders. I am on a farm needing 200+ who are shortly due to return home to the Pacific as our season is coming to an end. Scomo spoke of extending some visa's which would leave us with a prediciment. If they go as planned apon completing 6 months we can get them back as experienced workers next season. If they stay extended, which would require placement, then they won't be allowed back needing us to find replacement inexperienced crew next season. Also these labour hire companies that supply overseas workers will also be thrown out of whack some regarding seasonal timeframes.

Confusion in reporting in my opinion may be attributed to lack of or confusion of information from different sectors each with there own issues. The situation is complicated for all and continually evolving.

Our farm now is seeing a decline of fresh produce orders as people are purchasing less. Meaning at some stage produce will end up in the cow paddock so to speak if declines continue to fall too far.

I have tried to clear up some things but I don't feel I have much. Employment rate is increasing more each day. From personaI experience when unemployment rate is over 10 % job prospects are slim if one is a non professional or tradie.

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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:25am

I just wondering what Ben thinks after starting this thread,

Hahaha Ben where did it all go so pear shape, or was it a plan to reduce the heat about ca............ nah that would as bad as accusing Chinese..........hang on better not :-).

Was going to reply to Andy but its so far back totally lost my train of thought except for the following.

I guess a good test of what has been said would be a healthcare professional of Asian background knocking of work after running the gauntlet of catching Corona and stumbling on this thread.

Andy do you really think they would think "these people really have my back"?

Have you ever read an autobiography from a prominent Australia of Asian background and not see some reference to them having trouble finding their Australian identity?

Wonder why? Read back through this thread.

I remember you mentioning some thing about black and white and vivid memories flooded back from my trade union days that blurring the lines was a tactic used against us defending the line.
You have to operate in black and white so you separate good from bad.
Typical ultra right tactics are to take a bad instance and then transport that to smear the many.......a bit like what's happening all be it more subtle.

I don't know maybe something like this
There is a Chinese company buying up and sending medical goods and PPE to back
China.
These people are Chinese nationals
These people are Chinese national agents
Chinese people are stripping food from shopping centres
Chinese people stripping food of shelves and sending it home
Chinese agents are stripping shelves and sending it to China.
Chinese people are bad

Now we have walked back to baby formula appears WTF and visas

I do know when you stand up the kitchen sink along with every insult / abuse gets hurled at you, strangely those guilty miss the point that's clearly indicative of behavior that leads to racism.

I normally wouldn't bother but these are not normal times in fact this is just the start of a likely depression far deeper than 1930.
It's going to get a lot harder and there will be no big bounce back to normal, normal as we know it has gone for ever the new normal may well take 20 years or more to get to whatever it is.

To get through this as already pointed out we will need to work hard together sitting around in safety bolt hole at home pointing fingers that will achieve SFA or at worse create negative sentiment to groups undeserving instead of actively working to bring communities together.

On a positive note nice to see a Coalition Government going full socialist and from the right wing deadly silence, who would have thought?

Vic Local and the others on the right side of the argument love your work.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:37am

A couple of thoughts on this spectacular morning I Focus.

WRT your example of the healthcare worker of *Asian appearance*.

Why wouldn't they think they've got the support of the community?

I'll say it again, where is the groundswell of public sentiment that is aggressively anti-Asian?
So far, apart from minor stuff that's been beaten up in the press and a single isolated incident with no context from the other side of the world, there's virtually nothing.

"Typical ultra right tactics are to take a bad instance and then transport that to smear the many"

Own goal there I Focus, dunno about ultra right but it's certainly regressive.

And who's suggested anything resembling your weird little logical progression there, where shit actions by China means that all Chinese people are bad?
Not even worth talking about.

Look, if you can't see that negative influence on Australia is worth pointing out, whether it's China buying up land and resources, the U.S. applying political pressure (and worse) to keep us in line, corporate control of governments, record levels of immigration, etc etc then I don't know what else to say.

And if you want to say that pointing these things out is necessarily racist, then I think your level of comprehension is pretty poor.

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podrig Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 1:49am

When the comment rubber hits the road..

https://globalnews.ca/news/6769462/asian-family-attacked-coronavirus-hat...

It is a always uncomfortable to talk about personal vs collective responsibility but the elephant in the room is a pretty simple one when it all boils down..

Hate speech leads to hate action.

The irrational generalisations and willfully ignorant accusations that get thrown around on forums like this are not without their real world fallout.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:36am

Thanks for that Podrig . Perfect timing.

It ties in beautifully with I Focus’ comment above :

“Typical ultra right tactics are to take a bad instance and then transport that to smear the many.......a bit like what's happening all be it more subtle.”

Just like Vic Local using a tiny handful of anecdotal micro aggressions as evidence of the evil underbelly of racism threatening Chinese Australians , you have scoured the globe and found a single ( unconfirmed) instance from a world of 7.6 billion people and located 12000kms from Australia and used this as evidence of the supposed looming threat of hate crimes.

A more irresponsible and unrepresentative leverage of a single news item is hard to imagine.

It is indisputable that China has enveloped the world in its tentacles with a desire to further subjugate sovereign nations such as Australia. They use accusations of racism as a cloak to dampen discussion of their mission and to quell any insight into their plans. Discussion of China’s strategic imperialism is no more hate speech than a 1939 condemnation of Hitler’s plans to invade France.

I Focus has asked about the Chinese Australian health worker reading these comments and how we can have this conversation with regards to their feelings.

I ask you , I Focus exactly how we cannot have this conversation. When there is Pro Chinese students shutting down debate on Australian Universities, Australian senators* openly parroting Chinese propaganda , Australian media outlets being threatened to toe the line for Beijing and organised gangs of Chinese thugs intimidating Falon Gung practioners in our community it’s obvious that the uncomfortable truth is that there is Chinese within Australia who believe that China deserves primacy in our Southern Hemisphere.

This is the discussion we need to have.

Our politicians are mostly bought by China and will not have this conversation . Our media is mostly bought by China and will not have this conversation. Private industry, academia and opinion makers are mostly bought by China and will not have this conversation.

And when the conversation does sprout in forums such as this there is always someone who has swallowed the line that to criticise China , Chinese influence in Australia and the fact that there are Chinese within Australia who have no love of our sovereignty . The people who have swallowed this line then refuse to accept any discussion on the incorrect pretext that it is racist to talk about this subject and that innocent Chinese Australians may face the remote possibility of a harsh stare on public transport as a result.

This unlikely, lowest common denominator must not be used to derail the enlightenment of Australians to just how compromised their country has been by the Chinese Communist Party and their agents within our borders.

Any innocent Chinese Australians will be familiar with the nefarious methods used by their former dictator Government and should realise that when Australians are being threatened they will be unhappy. It is a very , very small price to pay if the odd harsh word is suffered by those innocent Chinese who seek refuge in Australia for the Australian community to be vigilant to the CCP threat.

The Chinese Australians are not victims. We Australians have offered them succour and opportunity within our home . They must understand that to confront the communist party they fled will require Australians to be alert to the monster and that unfortunately their contribution to the fight may be the odd inappropriate stare on public transport.

We all have our part to play.

The part that I Focus and Vic Local can play is to not quash this debate with disproportionate and inappropriate statements on the issues facing those Chinese Australians who have been lucky enough to be taken in by the Australian people.

*https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/you-must-be-a-potential-leader-labor...

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podrig Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 1:01pm

Mate you have repeatedly leveraged a story about a business buying wholesale supplies and conflated it with 'busloads of Chinese ravaging country towns'. Now you want to try and claim the moral high ground and raise the level of debate which you started in the racist gutter.

Getting stabbed, spit on, beaten or worse is not just a bit of side eye. It is the very definition of privilege that you get to have 'a conversation' while they get knifed in the street.

Also it takes a pretty intense level of cognitive dissonance to criticise another countries human rights record when you look at the history and current state of indigenous affairs in this country.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 1:54pm

I didn’t conflate anything. Both of those incidents happened. Just because Vic Local doesn’t want to believe it happened doesn’t mean it’s a lie.

I haven’t been in the racist gutter at any stage. I’ve been discussing the same issue the entire time and it’s not once veered towards racism.

Stabbed , spit on , beaten....and worse !!!!! Is exactly the bullshit misinformation that needs to be eradicated. Find me the Chinese in Australia who have been stabbed , beaten and worse .....or pull your head in. Actually find me the chronic incidence of these things which would begin to justify your fallacious claims.

And cognitive dissonance....FFS. I’ve built houses for blackfellas in 45 degree heat whilst living in a portable donga in the desert . WTF have you done to alter the current circumstance of Australian blackfellas ? Australia is doing everything possible to protect remote indigenous communities from this virus. Compare that to China’s attempts to infect all of us whether we are black , white or purple with pink stripes and you’ll soon recognise how cheap and belaboured you’re false equivalence between our nations actually is.

Seems like you’re just piling onto the issue without thinking. Whether that’s through lack of ability or through lack of due consideration I’m not sure.

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podrig Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 2:17pm

You have repeatedly posted links to one story as evidence of the other, that is the definition of conflation.

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GreenCT Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:10am

Blowin what are your solutions to this.

As I posted elsewhere how would you feel if a first nation person said to you that we didnt want you here.

You brought diseases that wiped many of us out. Have destroyed so much of our native forests, fisheries, sacred sites and the list goes on.

Somehow in your land ownership system we didnt get included in that process and have had to fight to be recognised firstly as humans then actually get some land of our own.

So kindly can you fuck off where your ancestors came from ! How does that make you feel Blowin ?

I dont support or condone the behaviour of the chinese government but why are you not raising your voice about Yemen or Iran or the plundering of African nations for so long by white skinned people.

The starting point for me is while we try and move to a more sustainable approach to living is
- reset royalties on gas, iron ore and other commodities so we all benefit from this trade.
- change the rules on foreign ownership of major businesses so if any foreign entity wants to buy in they partner with our soverign wealth fund 50/50 and they fund it.

At a personal level
Pay a bit more and buy local
Pick up some rubbish
Plant some trees and grow some food
Be nicer to each other including giving a wave to someone not at your ability. If they mess it up no big deal, just smile and offer some advice.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:44am

You realise that we are on the same side , don’t you ?

“ My “ culture and “ Your” culture are now irredeemably intertwined and it was “ your “ culture which paid the price.

China wants to do to us what the English did to the First Nations. Surely you are able to see that another layer of imperial cultural imposition isn’t going to improve your lot.

That’s all I’m saying. I don’t hate Chinese people. There is no racism . I just don’t want them usurping OUR* land and imposing their culture on us. The Chinese have a homeland which they defend to the death. They do not allow unfettered immigration by non Chinese. They do not allow ownership of any part of China by non Chinese. They would never permit Non Chinese interference in Chinese politics .....yet they call racist if Australians should dare declare that enough is enough and that whilst we appreciate China , we do not want Australia to be overwhelmed and subjugated by China .

Learn from the past and you won’t be forced to repeat the mistakes.

* You and me= Our Australian culture.

PS....totally agree with the oil, gas etc. As a matter of fact , I totally agree with everything you say and I’ve been repeating that ad nauseam on here for ages.

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Cromwell Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:22am

“Our politicians are mostly bought by China........”. This is another extremely, serious allegation that undermines community spirit at the height of a crisis and again without any evidence. This is simply appalling, indefensible behaviour. Sounds like you have been listening to some of the RWNJs on the radio.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:42am

You’re kidding, right ?

Not sure where you’ve been hiding Cromwell , but that’s a bit of an accepted fact.

Undermines community spirit.....FFS. Your slack- jawed defence of our mercenary political class is the type of behaviour which dismisses community spirit.

Go do some research and educate yourself. Why not start with the most obvious....try Andrew Robb and Port Darwin. Or maybe even Peter Dutton’s private meetings in Chinese restaurants with Chinese Billionaires at the billionaires bequest . He is the second most powerful politician in Australia after all.

Then look into our Prime Minister’s defence of the indefensible Gladys Liu . Another perfect misuse of the racism accusation employed to silence critics....by the head of our nation no less.

CCP front organisations donations to both parties.....NSW ALP is a beauty !

Silent Invasion by Clive Hamilton.

And go from there. Get back to me in a year when you’ve gotten past the tip of the iceberg in seedy revelations.

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Cromwell Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:42am

The word “most” means a majority. You have identified four instances of concern, none of which have been found to be in breach of the law. This is a tiny minority of politicians. It may surprise you to learn that it is not uncommon for politicians to meet influential people from a variety of countries. That private discussions should occur is a cause for concern. If you used less aggressive language, fewer insults and based your arguments on the facts rather than wild exaggeration, people might actually listen.

views from the cockpit's picture
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views from the ... Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:49am

Have to back up VL re flights available on websites vs reality.
Currently on a small island a long way from Oz and getting flights back is complicated, unconfirmed and expensive.
Air traffic flies right over us and from the normal 80 odd per day Im lucky to count 4.
Still the beach curfew has been lifted after 2 weeks and theres some real nice waves to be had ;-)
Not here back packing either but wonder how long we can sit this out?

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jayet-010 Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 4:41pm

Any chance of a surf report or photos?

More interesting than the shit going on this page.

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Robo Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:56am

Good morning vic local.
100 out of 400 in Victoria police checked on that we’re supposed to be in self isolation we’re not home.
Think you have bigger problem than surfers lol.

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GreenCT Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:10am

Blowin just for clarification I am a desendent of the boat people like you not from our first nation people.

But with this virus that was exactly what our ancestors did when we arrived.

Also our way of life currently is destroying this beautiful country. Do some research on how much of our native forests we have destroyed.

Our pathway to destruction was set long before the Chinese turned their eyes to Australias resources.

They think we are stupid at how fast we want to dig up, chop down etc and sell what are limited resources.

They think in much longer terms than us.

The answer though is not in hate language but taking this opportunity to reset some rules.

ie when things return to some form of normal making sure some of that money we earn in foreign student education is funnelled back into means tested subsidising of our young peoples training and further study.

More investment in meaningful job creation strategies.

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eastcoastbuoy Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:44pm

Spot on GreenCT.
This World system has been buckling under immense pressure for decades now.
Oceans full of plastic and raped of sealife, Deforestation which went beyond reversing the loss decades ago, the treatment of animals and hunting or destroying their environment to their extinction, river systems destroyed by agriculture or factory waste run off or overseas visitors pissed in the river with Giardia and you can't even drink the river water anymore (NZ for example) and the list goes on.
But the saddest fact is how we treat each other and thats exactly why we face the issues we do today. Its a me me me society and whatever I wanna do, when I wanna do it is the what majority of the society we live in do.
You would have thought with this COVID-19 issue it would have been a great opportunity for many to "soften" there approach or attitude to how they treat each other due to taking a step back and appreciating the "small things" in life that have been taken away. But no. Me Me Me just help themselves just like the greedy world that has raped and pillaged for centuries and now the economic worked is on its knees.
As the Cree Indian Chief said:-
Only when the last tree has died
And the last river (Ocean) has been poisoned
And the last fish has been caught
Will we realise we cannot eat money

Ladies and Gentlemen we are pretty close to that now.
It is time to pause and reset.
The rule books have been thrown out the window for economics, health, freedom and a list as long as your arm the last few weeks.
Just a few weeks to have the economic World on its knees.
The World (MOTHER NATURE) demanded a change because Governments and people worldwide are too Me Me Me.
Manly Beach has just been closed to everyone. Me Me Me didn't follow the simple rules now everyone pays the price.
P.S. Suggestion: tone down some of the harsh language for the ladies and the children that read these forums guys. Might be ok for you down at your local with your crew but not on a public forum with a variety of ages, gender and backgrounds reading. Just a suggestion.

views from the cockpit's picture
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views from the ... Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:18am

Cheers Robo,
Isolating the body is ok but isolating the mind is the real challenge.
Have considered wtihdrawing from internet ...but..its...just...not...possible AAARRRRGGGGH

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jacksprat Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 10:06am

Wow. The virulent naysayers versus the touchee feelee apologists. Like religious arguments we've heard it all before. Doesn't go anywhere. No point to it. Do the right thing. Look after your love ones and yourself. Grow up. And, by the way, here in Newcastle crowds in the surf are bigger than ever - streets are actually closing because of excess traffic/parking issues. Well done boys and girls.

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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 10:46am

"And if you want to say that pointing these things out is necessarily racist, then I think your level of comprehension is pretty poor."

Jeezzas, your kidding.........right.

BTW its cloudy no swell and the samon are just starting to run White hugging season due to start. Had a lovey 4m plus breach locally the other week.

Anyone can criticize the PRC government as much as they like I doubt that they will truly cover the horrors of the regime but why is it so hard to separate between locals and foreign governments?

And above apparently its OK if the locals are collateral damage some being more equal than others sort of in your face.

That's not discriminatory?

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:23pm

Because some of the locals - and I’m sure the greater percentage of temporary visa holders -hold the CCP closer to their hearts than they do Australia.

How you seperate the friendly locals from that group is the vexing question.

But the discussion regarding the less friendly arrivals can’t be unsaid for fear of offending those Chinese Australians who want nothing more than to be considered Australians full stop.

Now is the time for this discussion. The virus has forced the revelation of an issue that many vested interests have wanted to remain hidden. That of the nefarious incursion of CCP and Chinese interests into Australia.

With the economy now basically fucked , the main driver for keeping this discussion hidden has been swept aside. Only a month ago the urging to not upset the economic Apple cart was enough to allow the cockroaches to go about their business unhindered.

Those days are over. So when we can finally talk about the China problem without the racism straw man being brought forth every time we may start to make headway towards a solution.

I personally think there’s a US instigated Anti - China PsyOps program unfolding in the very recent times. A lot of officially sanctioned Anti China rhetoric getting around. This is not a bad thing in itself but the change in tact by the media / political class in the Western sphere is ominous.

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Cromwell Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 2:43pm

The response of China to the virus was based on the fact that it is a totalitarian state and the person you cannot afford to be in those circumstances is the bearer of bad news. In every totalitarian state from the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and right back to Tudor England, it has been the same. The local officials try to hide the problem until it cannot be denied. This is what happened with SARs in China, Chernobyl in the Soviet Union, the German defeat at Stalingrad etc etc etc. The notion that an international tribunal will make China pay is interesting but probably unrealistic for the reason that as the world economy recovers, it will depend on China to lead in growth. Nowhere is this more true than in Australia. For Australia to get into a serious disagreement with China is not, for the foreseeable future, in our own interests. Rights and wrongs can be debated but political and economic realities determine the course of nations. The economic reality is that the rest of the world needs China far more than China needs the rest of the world.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 3:21pm

No one is going to sue the CCP . It’s not about a lawsuit.

It’s a broadcast signal that the CCP can’t slither away into the shadows, that they are not invulnerable and that people aren’t afraid to confront them head on.

It reveals their omnipotence as a charade.

This message is intended for international and Chinese domestic consumption.

Like I said , something is afoot here. It seems to be a coindinated attack on the CCP from multiple fronts. The language is unapologetic and forthright where a few short days ago it was hedged and masked , if anything was said at all.

Good news for pegging back the arrogance of CCP , bad news for the prospects of world peace.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 11:11am

Chinese government potentially liable for $6.5 Trillion lawsuit

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/china-should-be-sued-for-6-5-trillio...

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adam12 Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 11:37am

Back in the 70's China did give us Bruce Lee and Nunchucks.
Swings and roundabouts.

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epictard Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:00pm

Actually Bruce Lee was born in America and raised in Hong Kong, a British colony at the time and not ruled by China. (was ruled by Japan for a few years at the start of his life there). Also he died in 1973.

Nunchucks are also Japanese and not Chinese, so not that either.

They're not the Romans.

Also, after typing the above I realise that you were baiting and I took the hook ... well played sir. I leave my reply in tact for you to gloat upon.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 11:56am

I Focus, are you saying I'm racist for pointing out "China buying up land and resources, the U.S. applying political pressure (and worse) to keep us in line, corporate control of governments, record levels of immigration"

I must be misunderstanding you.

"why is it so hard to separate between locals and foreign governments?"

Because in the case of sending tonnes of medical goods back to China, they're directly related of course.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 12:12pm

And there’s also the fact of locals not acting in our interests.

Not everyone in the equation is the friendly nurse with a heart of gold.

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The MIDdleman. Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 1:04pm

Keep it up fellas I'll try and support you for as long as i can.
No takeaway coffee or beers at the pub have allowed me to keep you guys onboard.

At this stage the normalcy of reporting and the cams are helping keeping me positive.

The other side may be aways away but atleast you guys help me see it.

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Spuddups Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 2:38pm

One thing’s for certain: The concept of the wet market needs a re-think.

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sypkan Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 3:32pm

"I personally think there’s a US instigated Anti - China PsyOps program unfolding in the very recent times. A lot of officially sanctioned Anti China rhetoric getting around. This is not a bad thing in itself but the change in tact by the media / political class in the Western sphere is ominous."

yep, ominous indeed

It started just after all that war talk a few weeks ago. a distinct turn in rhetoric as they realised they'd fallen for a data deceprion

only the horror of italy spain france, and europe generally would reveal the true scale of the problem

...and data...

the war talk wasn't that ominous initially ....not until macron joined in that is...

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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 4:12pm

"I Focus, are you saying I'm racist for pointing out "China buying up land and resources, the U.S. applying political pressure (and worse) to keep us in line, corporate control of governments, record levels of immigration"

Nope, don't remember calling you racist I said you were on the wrong side of the conversation and that I was, well shocked.

"I must be misunderstanding you."

I would say so.

"why is it so hard to separate between locals and foreign governments?"

"Because in the case of sending tonnes of medical goods back to China, they're directly related of course."

Here's the problem, Chinese backed development companies operating in Australia buy and send back goods to China, I would think it's a management decision not an employees unless they are running the company eh.
Discussed here as not as a humanitarian gesture but a betrayal of Australia correct.

Let's stick with that position so are you saying that it's only the Australian Chinese employees are at fault and that the Australian Caucasian employees are not?
They are a decent size and employ lots of white fellas are they not complicit?

Doesn't this take us back to finding something bad and smearing only the minority?

Wouldn't the mature conversation just stop at what the company's actions are / were and senior management, making clear boundaries avoiding unsaturated claims about employees or the population in general etc?

I am horrified at this thread maybe you guys have no contact with Asians I don't know, my own GP is an old guy ethic Chinese one of the few doctors in the area that deals with the down and outs with genuine care a quiet hero of our community I would feel deeply ashamed if he was to read this thread seriously.

Also while I am at it accusing anyone that disagrees as PRC government simpathsers of a abhorrent regime responsible of incarceration, leadership finding opponents guilty of corruption and executing them the undermining of sovereign nations etc thats before you get to Australia's security agencies continued writings as a small slice is pretty immature and frankly disingenuous not aiming at you BTW.

All including VL have made that clear.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 4:36pm

Bullshit.

Your doctor would probably understand. He left China for a reason.

Isnt it enough that senior management are complicit in enacting CCP dictates to plunder Australia ? How many seditious people do you need to begin to care ? They are living as guests of Australian hospitality just as much as anyone else.

As for the other employees ( senior management are employees) , I didn’t see any Caucasian Australians in the photos posing proudly next to the medical items Australians are now clamouring for ....did you ?

I’d say that’s because if Australians were aware of what was going down then the shit would have hit the fan earlier. There was an eventual whistleblower so people were aware that it was inappropriate behaviour.

Sounds like you’ve got an Chinese mate who you like , so you think the entire concept of Chinese influence and suspect Chinese operators in Australia doesn’t exist.

That’s patently ridiculous.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 5:05pm

I Focus I'm horrified at parts of this thread too, for the life of me I don't understand how you can be ok with a Chinese government-backed company ordering its employees to gather up 70-odd tonnes of medical equipment and freight it back to China.

"The Greenland Group reportedly confirmed the shipment of medical supplies in January and February, saying it “felt compelled ... to assist in efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, which had caused a shortage of crucial medical supplies in China”."

And Australia can go get fucked, right?

"are you saying that it's only the Australian Chinese employees are at fault and that the Australian Caucasian employees are not?"

You're clutching at straws.

Mate considering that it's a government-backed company, and the photos show Chinese people and there are workers holding up signs written in Chinese (?) I'd say the chances of Caucasian people being directly involved (as opposed to be generally employed somewhere along the line) are on the slim side.

Regardless, anyone who was involved is out of line, black, white or brindle.

The Australian Medical Association thinks so, and although it's not something I want to present, so does Peter Dutton.

Forget about Dutton, is the AMA on the wrong side of the conversation?

And let me be clear, I'd really like you to answer the above question so I'll repeat it - is the AMA wrong, are they on the wrong side of the conversation?

"Maybe I have no contact with Asians?"

What a pathetic card to play.

Juvenile.

I Focus I can only assume you're not trolling but I think your approach on this issue is all over the place.

I really don't get it.

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frog Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 4:50pm

Xi stated all former citizens must owe first loyalty to the homeland and by inference the ccp. Not what most spread around the world would agree with as they seek a new life but that is the mindset of the dear leaders. From that world view much flows at all levels seen, unseen, real and imagined, past and future. Even many in his party feel he has overreached in concept and action in many ways and a blowback is emerging as too much has become too obvious.

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tango Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 5:28pm

And in surfing-related news, I can confirm that the water police were doing spot counts/checks of surfers at Torquay mid-arvo today. They were on land today, and I saw them on jet skis earlier in the week.

I asked them about any rumblings to ban surfing and they were pretty plain that as long as social distancing was happening it was all good. They did give me the impression that Level 4 lockdown might not be far away, though.

I heard Winky had 60 out earlier today, which is absolutely stupid at the moment and the sort of dumbfuckery that will get surfing banned.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:23pm

If the police were doing spot checks mid-morning surfing would be banned for sure. It's fucking nuts down here and I'm going to point the finger at the younger surfers. 20 groms on Bird Rock the other day, and most paddled out at once. It's like they are calling each other saying let's go surfing.
On my morning walk today the carparks were full again and there were shit loads on P Plates on cars. My son went for a run and said there were only 3 people at Sparrows. I took the dog for a walk 20 minutes later and there were 25. Who the fuck surfs in groups at the best of times? Time for the cops to set up a couple of check points on Torquay and Anglesea road and turn around the cars with boards. And the local groms need to pull their heads in big time too.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:00pm

Surfrider Foundation just posted: "This morning there were 70 surfers in the water at Winki and 43 surfers at Bells."
What a complete shit show. Even on the best days, winki is crazy at 40 people. 73. Seventy fucking three and the surf was poo. Just ban surfing now.

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Robo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 5:54am

Jealous some? Too old to surf?

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tango Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 6:06pm

Absurd. A mate got up for the early and there were 30 in the water at first light.

I agree that the powers that be will figure that the stupidity is just too high and feel their hand is forced - something really has to change or I cannot see how we'll be surfing over Easter.

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Statler Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:09pm

The entertainment on this forum is endless as one poster many years ago stated your carrying on lot a bunch of CWA Ladies at a jam making competition

Great article on The SMH on Saturday about how the habits/mindset of people after the great depression regarding debt/lifestyles will be revisited after the great reset that will occur after this. Get your own subscription support Journalism

Ifocus"I just wondering what Ben thinks after starting this thread, "
Ben should be in politics the Sheeple have forgotten the original problem and created there own. Or the problem never existed in the first place.

Green CT "As I posted elsewhere how would you feel if a first nation person said to you that we didnt want you here."
It was directed at Blowin but this shit is pure racism.
Green are you saying that everyone in this country, who does not "identify" as an first nation person should leave.
How would I feel, that the person asking the question was a frelling nutjob and I need to leave there presence.
Mate My kids and I are Australian so is every other person who has been granted citizenship. People on Visas are not. Planes are still available on Skyscanner the taxpayer does not need to sort them out.
Someone on the threads mentioned the skyscanner flights availability, which made me check Stayz over the Easter period in my local area 149 properties booked out over the Easter week.
Obviously the below has not got through to people from Major cities

"People should avoid non-essential travel within NSW and remain at their primary place of residence. Travel planned or booked for the Easter school holidays should be cancelled or postponed."

"People must stay at home unless they are going to work or school, shopping for food and essentials, getting medical care or supplies, and exercising. You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse – details can be found here. Penalties are in place for breaching these public health orders."

My Local area has been busier than usual (holiday numbers in the lineup) for the last 10 days Sure there is the recent people who have been offered external development opportunities from there current positions and the lost Families who are trying out the beach instead of a weekend of structured team sport for Jim & Betty (they really did not look comfortable) The 18-20's group lost without a hangover or a pub/coffee shop to spend their time taking selfies who have decided to explore their world
Majority are not local, Lots of OS Travelers lots of QLD number plates, Lots of expensive cars and Easter Holidays has not even hit.

Watch the next spike in Covid 19 after Easter in regional areas, the government has had plenty of time to plan for this it will be another failure to chalk up.

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Cromwell Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:30pm

It may have eluded you but people on visas have every right to be here and those on temporary visas have been asked to stay. Similarly you may have neglected to consider that many Australians are in similar situations in other countries. We would hope they will receive more gracious treatment than you seem to be proposing for those here.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:35pm

What are you saying here Cromwell? Is this situation a bit more nuanced than foreigners out - Aussie good? Who knew?

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:51pm

Yep, it’s a bit more nuanced.

The overreach of globalisation has been cut. The temporary worker farce has come to an end. The tertiary education residency scam has been cut. The perennial backpacker who never leaves....its over.

Catch ya’s.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:05pm

You're talking shit again Blowin. Temporary workers are still largely welcome in Australia, and overstaying backpackers aren't getting rounded up and deported more than before. Probably much less given the virus. In fact, backpackers are being given visa extensions so they can go fruit picking. You live in a fantasy land.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:21pm

I know they’re not.

I’m saying they should be.

They’ll all be on $1100 per fortnight indefinitely and generations of Aussies will be financially crippled sorting out the bill just because a million uber driving vibrants and trysting South American baristas would rather laze around on taxpayer coin than return to their own shithole countries.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:43pm

You're talking shit again Blowin.

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Blowin Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:53pm

Get it while it’s hot , dickhead.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:01pm

Here we go again. Time to back up your bullshit about temporary visa holders and backpackers getting $1100 a fortnight payment from our government. You've got absolutely zero credibility on this site.

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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:08pm

I can just imagine blowin furiously googling, trying to find something that backs up his bullshit claim. And when he can't find anything, I can just imagine him trying to figure out how he's going to bullshit his way out of the hole.
I can't imagine he'll put up his hand and say, yep, I was lying again. Sorry, I will try and stop making things up.

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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:18pm

"I Focus I'm horrified at parts of this thread too, for the life of me I don't understand how you can be ok with a Chinese government-backed company ordering its employees to gather up 70-odd tonnes of medical equipment and freight it back to China.

Oh for god's sake I have already said it should be sorted with a sledgehammer can you fu(ken read?

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 6:42pm

Then what the fuck is your problem you incontinent dog?

What is this conversation that I'm supposedly on the wrong side of you fucking bell-end?

I focus's picture
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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:10pm

Thanks another character reference on a roll this thread if you cannot read then its pointless enjoy the darkside.

"One poster many years ago stated your carrying on lot a bunch of CWA Ladies at a jam making competition"

CWA ladies have a lot more class.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 7:30pm

So you are just a troll.

I didn't think that anyone could be such a simple cunt, have no argument and make no sense, it's barely possible.

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I focus Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:59pm

I went back and read the thread you have lost the plot but keep screaming obscenities thats the dark side.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:14pm

You still haven't answered my explicit questions, I've sincerely tried to figure out what the hell you're on about but you seem happy to play the fool, and do it convincingly.

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Cromwell Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 8:15pm

It’s axiomatic that in any discussion the throwing of insults and obscenities is incontrovertible evidence of defeat.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:36pm

I'd say refusing to categorically state your position and refusing to answer questions which would define that position are even surer signs of defeat.

mattlock's picture
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mattlock Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:29pm

Multiple personal arguments going on in this thread now. I'm finding it quite humorous.
Keep up the good work [or don't].

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stunet Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:34pm

Feels like it's run its course, hey?

Or I should say, they've run their course because there's a few of them.

Gonna be tough to decide Man of the Match in this one.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:37pm

If Man of the Match goes to the biggest spreader of pure bullshit, Blowin wins hands down!!!

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stunet Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:43pm

C'mon VL, you're a veteran, you know there's more to the criteria than that. Think, the ability to quickly shift the goal posts, or to perservere as your logic is taken out from under you, force of presence plays a part, as does sarcasm and flashes of self-deprecation.

I want to see a total package.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 10:01pm

So like Survivor for online debating. Out bullshit, out distract, out straw man.
Blowin still wins.

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mattlock Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:40pm

Yadayada.

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AndyM Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:45pm

And, umm, ah, I'd like to thank youse all very much.

Me an' the boys have been training hard and the opposition tonight were bloody tough so we're just happy to be here.

And them forwards deserve some respect, they been takin' the pill up the middle of the park all night, doin' the hard toil, so me hat's off to them boys.

But you know, after tonight it's just back to the trainin' paddock, nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel and hopefully we can come out next week and turn it on again for the fans, cos that's what it's all about - if it wasn't for the fans none of this would happen.

So, thanks very much and I love youse all.

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GreenCT Sunday, 5 Apr 2020 at 9:52pm

Statler no I am not saying non first nation citizens leave I am saying that any form of anger or racism directed at an Asian in the street is wrong.

They could be second or third generation Australian and not even Chinese who would know. How can anyone direct their anger at someone who had nothing to do with this.

The point I am making is that some of the language used here if an Aboriginal directed at you or your children for what your ancestors did is wrong but that's how they feel but same as an Asian in the street with what the chinese government did has nothing to do with them.

Temporary Visa's work out if we need them if not I hope our government works with other governments and they get them home and we get our people home.

And sorry for sounding like a broken record but I hope the government move to reset royalties, make multinationals pat their fair share of taxes and that will help pay off the debt so it's not your and my children paying for this.

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Horas Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 12:02am

Australia 05/04/2020
Active cases-3338
Mild condition :3253 =97%
Serious/critical :85=3%
Closed cases :2349
Recovered /Discharged:2315=99%
Death:34=1%
So let's shut down the economy and send small businesses to the wall.Send millions to Centrelink.Ruin people's livelihoods .All for 34, yes 34 deaths.Of people over 80 with pre-existing conditions.Sounds harsh but what is the annual rate of deaths from the flu?How many people die each month?Death is a consequence of life.
If you think they want this to stop then you are mistaken.The grubs are having the time of their lives,so much POWER.Look at dickhead Dan in Victoriastan ,the true COMMO out and proud.Bought and paid by China.This is no longer about a virus but out and out power.
And the media,the fucken media, revelling in their disaster porn.Fear,hysteria and panic 24/7.What a bunch of xunts.
Fucken turd fondlers the lot of them,government/MSM ,a pox on all their houses.
PS
How many from the bloated public service have lost their jobs? Yeh ,that's right ,none.Just the private sector getting reamed here.Fucken communist filth.

Robo's picture
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Robo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 5:59am

100%

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 7:59am

So let me get this straight Horas, you think the c-19 is a communist plot to take over the world. Presumably the experts in pandemics are in on it and they've even managed to fool Donald, but not you or Robo? You guys know better.
That's next level stupidity.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 9:46am

Nah what really happened in China was the result of the 5G network and its deadly radiation, with reports now surfacing that as many as 3 million people may have died from radiation poisoning in that province.

Horas's picture
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Horas Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 12:06am

All our rights are gradually eroded as government gets bigger.

- John Stossel

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 4:52am

I'd disagree.

All our rights are gradually eroded as Multinational companies part owned with American get bigger.

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:22am

How do you define big government?

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 5:04am

Said my piece.
Now back to the study of successful social interaction.
Fat Pizza vs Housos.

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jacksprat Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 7:52am

The conclusion to be drawn here. Generally surfers are stupid and selfish. There are a few exceptions. Not many in my experience.

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sypkan Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:07am

another one...

https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/manufacturing/coronavirus-the-c...

"The Australian Government last week banned the non-commercial export of PPE such as face masks, hand sanitiser, gloves and gowns."

and seriously, what the fuck has the government been doing?

last week!

if shit like this was dealt with years ago - as it should've been - it wouldn't have had to be so ugly, dealing a crisis from within a crisis

same could be said for the uni's and the wider issue... major issues ignored and dismissed

alarm bells were ringing years ago with all of these issues

the wacky 'supporters' in oz for the chinese olympic torch relay should have raised questions over a decade ago, but nah, just silence

the silent invasion

...as one of the more astute (lefty) academic put it...

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Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:26am

Uni's (sic)? FFS Skypan. Higher education is our 6th largest export industry and employees hundreds of thousands of people. It's also kicked along an apartment building boom with Aussie landlords making good bucks off international students. The spinoffs are enormous.

And do you seriously think the non-commercial export of PPE only works in one direction. Pay attention mate, there's all sorts of dodgy importing of PPE by Australian companies, but you only see Chinese people as the problem.

If you want to see dodgy some PPE / medical equipment deals being done, look what is happening in the USA. They are literally hijacking equipment sold and bound for Europe. But hey, it's only China doing it right!!

Just more China bad Aussie good simplistic bullshit coming from the usual suspects.

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sypkan Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:00am

"Uni's (sic)? FFS Skypan. Higher education is our 6th largest export industry and employees hundreds of thousands of people. It's also kicked along an apartment building boom with Aussie landlords making good bucks off international students. The spinoffs are enormous."

you present this like its a good thing .....perspectives I guess...

the 'spinoffs' may be 'enourmous', but so are the costs. well past time for a reckoning I reckon

yes students are a huge economic bonus, but what are you willing to sell in the process?

too much!

the students don't have to be chinese, other countries governments don't expect such submission to facilitate their students. other students will come ....as will the chinese ... balance grasshopper...

it's way out atm

"And do you seriously think the non-commercial export of PPE only works in one direction. Pay attention mate, there's all sorts of dodgy importing of PPE by Australian companies, but you only see Chinese people as the problem."

do you seriously not appreciate the scale and scope of what's going on here?

its a pathetic comparison

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Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:05am

Whatever Skypan, Your promoting insane economic isolationism (eg America First, Australia First etc) while carrying on about PPE problems. Where the fuck do you think the vast majority of our PPE and medical equipment comes from? It's not locally made.
Yeah go team Australia, Aussie first, we can do this, let's start trade wars and stand on our own two feet. Let us know how you plan to keep the health system going with locally produced equipment only.
It must be bizarre living in your world with simplistic solutions to complex problems. And while we are at it, how's that nationalistic BS working out for Trump, England, Brazil etc.
Who do you think has stepped into the void left by America's lurch to isolationalism and a weakened Europe? Maybe listen to Trump, It's Chi..........na.

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Blowin Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:32am

Hi Vic Local !

Just a quick and happy heads up.....I think you’ll find that the declines in the USA and the UK started occurring when they abandoned nationalism for globalisation.

I think you’ll also find that China’s success stems primarily from MOST other countries in the world abandoning nationalistic self reliance at the same time that China steadfastly remained one of the most nationalised countries on the planet. Every company within China is subject to state control or ownership.

Turns out that nationalism is the key to a country’s success . Unfortunately, neoliberalism gains nothing when a country succeeds and so a false narrative of nationalism = Nazism had to be broadcast so that the mindless punters of the world wouldn’t riot when they started realising that their homelands were being transformed into the economic equivalent of a diabetic with the refined sugar rush of debt-fuelled FIRE and service industry as their only economic activity.

You probably would have come to the correct conclusion sooner or later if you’d thought about it .....I’m positive you would have !

Cromwell's picture
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Cromwell Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:42am

Foreign investment in China exceeds foreign investment by China. Doesn’t sound too much like nationalistic self-reliance.

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Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:48am

Ha Ha Cromwell. Looks like Blowin fancies himself as a bit of an economics professor as well. One of course who happily ignores facts and likes to give us his "Alan Jones" inspired view of the world.
China bad. China bad. China bad. Always Always Always.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 2:53pm

Hi Cromwell.

Mate , I think you’ll find that China utilises inflows of foreign investment AKA cash to bolster its nationalistic stance.

No foreign company is allowed to operate in China without having Chinese nationals as dominant partners. These partners represent the Chinese government.

No foreign company is allowed to operate in China without surrendering its intellectual property rights to the Chinese National who is a proxy for the state.

There is no foreign ownership of real estate allowed.

In summation....foreign cash is welcome in China . But it buys nothing and the value of operating in China always lands in China’s favour.

This is the exact inverse of Chinese investments in foreign lands. China either buys foreign investments unencumbered and China ALWAYS ensures that its loans to foreign states are collateralised in real estate or essential infrastructure. These investments are only ever developed to forward Chinese interests . If the nation receiving the loan defaults then China is now in possession of the infrastructure it wanted in the first place.

It’s the transnational equivalent of loansharking.

Even when foreign nations accept the Chinese loans they are beholden to contracts which ensure that every last Yuan of capital is repatriated to China. Contracts stipulate Chinese companies to build the projects using Chinese labour. The Chinese labour stays at Chinese owned accomodation and is provisioned by Chinese provedores.

When the project is complete the foreign nation is now host to a substantial Chinese diaspora / colony and the foreign nation is now on its way to becoming a vassal state of the Sino empire.

Perhaps you should research what nationalism entails , Cromwell. I think you may believe the neoliberal propagandists who insist that nationalism is restricted to Western nations .

Good luck furthering your education, mate !

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Cromwell Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 4:51pm

Hi Blowin, a lot of the recent investment has gone into the high tech area. Huawei is generally agreed to have the best 5G technology and in particular has modular units than can serve small communities highly efficiently. None of their competitors can match this technology. Investors will always be attracted to the best in the field and, like it or loathe it, Huawei are currently the best. China is also far ahead in smart cities technology which is likely to be hugely important over coming decades. China is a totalitarian corporate state and will be the dominant world power for the rest of this century. We would do well to maintain our excellent, mutually beneficial trading relationship with them with the appropriate supervision, which is naturally always a work in progress.

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 12:00pm

G'day Blowin. Now we are getting somewhere.

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sypkan Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:51am

"Just a quick and happy heads up.....I think you’ll find that the declines in the USA and the UK started occurring when they abandoned nationalism for globalisation.

I think you’ll also find that China’s success stems primarily from MOST other countries in the world abandoning nationalistic self reliance at the same time that China steadfastly remained one of the most nationalised countries on the planet. Every company within China is subject to state control or ownership.

Turns out that nationalism is the key to a country’s success . Unfortunately, neoliberalism gains nothing when a country succeeds and so a false narrative of nationalism = Nazism had to be broadcast so that the mindless punters of the world wouldn’t riot when they started realising that their homelands were being transformed into the economic equivalent of a diabetic with the refined sugar rush of debt-fuelled..."

and all this while the neolberal globalist china fawners (left and right) simutaneously dismantled the tatters of any semblance of nationalised services we had left...

the uni's had already sold their souls, and now their shallow credibility is shattered, they literally have nothing left to sell

nice job vic local, your answer is more sell sell sell

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 1:38pm

Yeah Isolationism and Nationalism rules. Worked so well in North Korea, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia during the Suharto era. And how good is it working in the UK and USA? If you want a fucked up economy and society the first thing to do is start putting up the shutters and telling your fellow countrymen we're better off on our own. sypkan, your argument may play well to the Pauline Hanson set, but it's a recipe for disaster. As soon as Australia starts putting up trade barriers to China, they will simply stop buying our stuff. Not sure the farmers would be too pleased with your crackpot ideology.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 3:09pm

Hi Vic Local !

Are you aware that isolationism and nationalism are seperate entities ?

Whilst they can compliment each other it is possible to prioritise the interests of a nation without completely shutting down transnational trade.

But I’m sure you knew that. You must’ve just mistyped.

Just like you would be the first to admit that nearly 200 countries operated as nation states for several hundred years and this provided for the most successful nations on Earth. In fact the worlds greatest empires have always sprung from nation states.

The USA operated as a nation state for centuries. It became the dominant society on Earth until its infection by the neoliberal ideology which debased the primacy of nationalism .

Sounds like you’ve got a lot to learn....you’re lucky ! Education is fun !

BTW...I’ve already addressed the situation in the US and the UK in my previous post. You should try reading ALL the words before you commit your ideas to the internet.

I feel like we have finally connected. I admire your determination to comment despite your naïveté !

sypkan's picture
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sypkan Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:00am

at 'the atlantic' no less...

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/consider-possibility-t....

changing narratives?

philosurphizingkerching's picture
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philosurphizing... Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 7:36am

Here is a link to another story on the page Spycan posted.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/5g-where-china-and-wes...
Excerpt
And recent revelations about how China’s ruling party exploits the full panoply of personal information it has amassed about its citizens—facial-recognition images, mandatory DNA samples, 24-hour GPS coordinates, and search-history and online-activity tracking, as well as plain old eavesdropping—to quash religious freedom and basic rights should give major pause to Western governments and wireless carriers alike.

Orwellian nightmare or what.

mikehunt207's picture
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mikehunt207 Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:12am

Careful Sypkan, you,ll wake that Victorian guy from his hangover after his "Best on Ground" celebrations last night

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AndyM Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 10:34am

Interesting article Syppo and hard to argue against in several aspects.

"And the reality is that only one organization in the entire world has as its sole responsibility the American people’s safety. That institution is the U.S. government. Whether led by Republicans or Democrats—or by Donald Trump or anyone else—it should always put the American people first."

And, at least for the foreseeable future,

"the state remains the irreplaceable agent of international power and effective action, that international institutions have limited capacity to transform the behavior and preferences of states."

So by extension, the duty of the Australian government is to place the well-being of Australians and Australia first and foremost even if it means protecting against incursions by the U.S., China, the U.K. or whoever.

And for the benefit of some in the Swellnet community, this does not equate to attacks on individuals in Australia with those respective heritages.

Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 11:36am

"Gold Coast beaches will close to deter Easter visitors"
Now do SC please!

Robo's picture
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Robo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 12:18pm

Not all and only to non locals.

GreenCT's picture
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GreenCT Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 1:10pm

Ok post this shit storm who on here is going to start a manufacturing business to replace imports or invest some money into a start up that will do this.

I hope we can move away from this consumption world of wanting more, more, more but that's a ship to be turned slowly and we are stuck with this system of needing to have a job and earning money to support ourselves etc.

So interested to see if anyone here is planning to take the step from pointing out what they dont like to doing something about it.

Remigogo's picture
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Remigogo Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 7:41pm

When I heard this news..

https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/power-play-former-fortescue-bo...

If ever there arose a power team in Australia's history to swing the pendulum back in our favour... this could be it.

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Kieren's picture
Kieren Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 1:30pm

I agree with this article in a sense that anyone can analyse a weather report from a source like BOM and get a gauge on whether the surf will be good or not. Regardless of Swellnet posting reports or not, people will find other sources if they are keen. In victoria people who are from Melbourne may only surf once a week as their form of exercise so is that allowed provided these people are practising social distancing??

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Vic Local Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 1:48pm

"In victoria people who are from Melbourne may only surf once a week as their form of exercise so is that allowed provided these people are practising social distancing??"

There's been repeated messages that people are not to travel to places to exercise. Our Council keeps saying don't come down to the coast. Everyday, Melbournites and people from Geelong travel to the beaches in full cars. They aren't socially distancing on their journey down, so it's not like they start when they get down here. The local groms are just as bad if not worse.
It's been more than 2 weeks since lockdown, and this situation just gets worse every time there are decent waves. No amount of encouraging people to distance themselves is working. It pains me to say this, but surfing should be banned for a while.

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:15am

That's just not true- I've been surfing heaps and there are way less people in the water. And even if there are people in the water - so what? Just keep your distance and don't hang out I the carpark. It's no big deal.

Just hurry up already and catch the virus so we can get back to normal life and not trash the economy anyway.

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Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:34am

Great, another fucking idiot with billythekid joining the conversation. Are you going to lead the way on getting and spreading the virus so we can get the economy back on track? Maybe you could start by coughing and sneezing on your Nan and Pa. By your rational, that would be doing everyone a favour. Why don't you fuck off to the USA where that attitude is commonplace? You know, the country that is building temporary morgues as fast as possible.
You and Robo (who doesn't listen to the experts because doctors can't stop common colds) come from a special class of morons.

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:18am

Vic Local, you're obviously a stupid, opinionated bogan.

It's not fair to bankrupt a generation, mortgage their future, for nan and pop. There it is. I'm pretty sure nan and pop agree with me.

And going for a surf doesn't mean spreading the virus. You've conflated the two points.

But on the point of deaths that result from unemployment - in the US the estimate is that for every 1% rise in unemployment there are 10 000 associated deaths. So they're looking at a rise in unemployment from 3.5% to at least 20%. Lets say 23.5%. That's 200 000 unemployment related deaths that will result from trashing the economy by imposing social distancing for an extended period. How many deaths does Trump project from corona? 100 000-240 000

(the 1% rise in unemployment equating to 10 000 deaths is from a debate between Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a senior lecturer at Yale School of Management and Stephen Moore, US writer and economist . Check out https://munkdebates.com/podcast for the reference.)

And who will be the unemployed people dying? Typically it will be the poor, which means people who aren't asset holders which means younger people. So its the poor and the young who will be sacrificed to protect the older, generally richer generations

Because there is one thing that's for sure - the US fed and our reserve bank will protect asset holders at all costs. They have to, or the banks will face liquidity issues and the economy will grind to a halt. Massive wealth destruction. Depression.

You might say that the Australian reserve bank can just print our way out of such a situation - and maybe they can. The US did, Japan did, Europe did and the last two still are. In Denmark there are negative interest rate mortgages. Who knows? Actually no one knows. This type of economics is completely new. All that is clear is that younger people can be sacrificed because they don't have liabilities and if they are set back, they have years to recover.

We need to examine the fairness of this issue and stop being emotional and reactive.

Are you capable of that Vic Local? Or are you so dead set on righteous judgment because that's all you know, because that's all your narrow mind and stupid blinkered outlook has ever known?

I think you need to get out for a surf and clear your head so you can understand what's really at stake here.

Or maybe you need to go dig a hole, get into your comfort zone, and get off this forum and the pressure you're putting on yourself to say something substantial

AndyM's picture
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AndyM Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 2:26pm

Take it easy with the racism VL.

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tango Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 12:26pm

Billy, saying "just hurry up and catch it" suggests you have a very poor understanding of how the virus works and the capability of the health system. The measures are not designed to specifically protect the old, though of course they are more vulnerable. This affects everyone. If you're not worried about CV19, then perhaps you might understand that our usually full ICU beds across the country won't have any capacity for you when you have a car accident.

This is what happens when everybody catches it. Have a watch.
https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/new-yorks-health-system-overwhelmed-by-coron...

_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_ Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 2:08pm

Question:

Are we just delaying the inevitable with the virus?

If we maintain excessive social distancing (sd) won’t the virus still linger around & herd immunity (through coronavirus virus recovery) take a lot longer to achieve?

Wouldn’t it be best to slooooowly infect the population (develop immunity) so that the hospitals could manage the more severe cases.

We have no community transmission whatsoever where I am located (population about 750k) with a lot of hysteria and draconian laws, & it appears there is no end in sight.

Or is it the case we need to continue social distancing / lockdown until we have a vaccination, which could take up to 1 year?

I don’t know, just asking, but me and Utah are getting pretty sceptical with the decisions being forced on us....

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Cromwell Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 4:32pm

I think you are right about delaying the inevitable but that is the point. Flattening the curve and all that. At some point we will have to remove the restrictions and then it will be up to individuals to assess their own risks and decide their own behaviour. The hope, probably forlorn, is that a vaccine will be available by that time. It is good to remember that this disease can kill and not just the elderly. In terms of your local area it is only an assumption that there is no community transmission. That could change at any moment. Patience is what will serve us best for quite a while yet.

_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_ Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 7:37pm

Yep, I am already restless Cromwell and its only week 2 or 3 of the new draconian laws. I just hope we don’t have another 11 months of this. Fingers-crossed the vaccine is a winner!!! I suppose no matter which polar opposite approach the government takes, from the relaxed swedes approach to the kiwis full lockdown, there will always be opposition. Yes, it is questionable about the community transmission, maybe it is present, but the daily reports don’t really reflect this. Also, the fearmongering from the media is not helping the situation, in way that people now think everyone has the virus and there appears to be emotional distancing on top of social distancing. Looks like it’s a good opportunity to try cultivate some patience, I might have 11mths to master it…

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epictard Monday, 6 Apr 2020 at 9:15pm

"the fearmongering from the media is not helping the situation, in way that people now think everyone has the virus"
- This is the exact response that was hoped for. The more the general public fear getting infected the more they retract from interaction and the less infections there are. This is called 'working as designed'.

"it is questionable about the community transmission, maybe it is present, but the daily reports don’t really reflect this"
- The reason that we are not seeing it is because of the "new draconian laws" that you previously mentioned once again 'working as designed'.

I doubt that we'll be in this position for more than a few months, the police commissioner doubts it, the statisticians all doubt it. Medical practitioners are super stressed because of what has been seen overseas and the possibility of what could happen here (is happening at a greatly reduced amount in few areas). Most countries who saw a severe peak are already starting to trend down.

Australia is in the top ranks for tests per million, and in the lowest for deaths per million and deaths by infection. I think this will all be over, relatively speaking, sooner than the media is leading people to believe.

Like droughts, floods, fires, and more droughts, floods, and fires, some people will suffer and lose dearly but overall we will recover and move on to the next 'thing'. Hopefully the next thing will be 5ft barrels lightly brushed by an offshore breeze with an easy paddle in and low crowds. Also cheap housing and full employment but the former is more likely.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 5:40am

Call me cray if you want, but I think I will get my information from the medical experts rather than someone on Swellnet who calls himself epictard.

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Robo Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 6:31am

You mean those that cant even come up for a cure for a common cold.

tango's picture
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tango Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 12:34pm

Oh FFS, Robo. Just do a bit of homework.

"The most common variety of common cold is rhinovirus, which accounts for around 50% of all infections (it gets its name not directly from the wild animal but because “rhino” is Greek for “nose”). Kids are usually infected between eight and 12 times a year, adults more like two or three times. Other viruses that we also think of as the common cold include adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus. But for most scientists in this field, cracking rhinovirus is the number one challenge."

"Rhinovirus is not just one organism. There are currently over 160 different strains, and it’s extremely difficult to make a vaccine or antiviral that will cover all of them."

https://theconversation.com/we-have-a-good-chance-of-curing-the-common-c...

epictard's picture
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epictard Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:41am

I am totally on your side Vic, I am not dishing out any advice, just how I hope it'll play out.

_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_ Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 7:34am

Yep, less than 3mths would be nice, not sure what it’ll look like for us & how they will manage the relaxation, & what will be our reference point? Considering each country has taken a slightly different approach, like US, Italy, Sweden, China etc. Yet China lacks transparency so not sure about their efficacy. Who knows which way is best, there are so many armchair critics critiquing their own profession but maybe it will blow over in three months... Yep cheap houses would be nice but I don’t have a job now because of the virus and pretty poor, lucky for the rich who keep on getting richer.... hopefully we can sneak in a few barrels to keep our sanity... William Wallace would be turning in his grave ‘the virus is taking our lives and taking our freedom’ faaaaark....

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:20am

Bodhi - totally agree. We are delaying the inevitable and it's the younger generation who are being asked to pay. You're being given free money to keep you dumb and happy while your future is mortgaged for the older generation. Its criminal. BTW I'm not young - it's not in my interest to say what I'm saying.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 9:43am

So you're old and stupid then billythekid. A Dunning-Kruger fool of the highest order. With no medical background, you know better than the experts. It's a dangerous blend of incompetence and arrogance. You probably do your own electrical work too.

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 4:04pm

VL you're missing the point - as usual. I'm not denying people will die, I'm saying that on balance, that's not the worst thing. They will die if the economy is trashed too. It's just a question of who dies. Actually read my posts. Then think a bit. If you can. Try not not to just react.

Sorry for the late reply, I was having a surf.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 4:10pm

No billythekid, I did read your post and found it so profoundly stupid, I came to the conclusion that it didn't deserve an in depth rebuttal.
You're actually arguing for Australia to take an option that would send the country down the path of Italy, Spain and the USA. That is pure medical and economic madness.

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 4:42pm

No, I’m arguing we shouldn’t trash the economy to save mostly older lives.

The example I’ve given is Sweden, I never suggested that the USA etc were the way to go

So VL you’ve proved my point- you don’t read properly, you misrepresent, you react, you insult and that’s about all you’ve got

So I reiterate- go dig a hole and make yourself feel better. Or have a surf.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 5:08pm

How many old people are you prepared to sacrifice to "save" the economy then billythekid? Maybe your parents? Would that be OK?
Which sections of the economy do you want reopened? Hospitality, tourism, schools, universities, etc? You do realise your plan puts waiters, chefs, teachers etc in the firing line too. 500 deaths in Sweden so far and it certainly doesn't look like they've even come close to their peak. Australia has 40 deaths and it looks like our infection growth rate is decreasing. NZ 1 death because they reacted way earlier than Australia. USA is a complete disaster, which is going to be ongoing one for a very long time.
The crazy thing is, the countries that tried the Swedish approach have come to regret it big time. The Lancet, indicated that "the initial slowness of reaction from countries such as the UK, the US and Sweden now appears to be increasingly unwelcome".
Do you seriously believe the countries that didn't lock down early and hard will have economies that bounce back quicker? You're Trumpian opinions are a complete nonsense, especially in the Australian context where our economy very much relies on exports (which have collapsed whether we lock down or not).

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billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 10:47pm

VL a lot of questions there, that's progress.

I don't think the present and future prosperity of a generation - millions - of young people should be sacrificed to save older generations. That includes my parents, myself. No way. It's a basic principle - women and children first.

As far as which sections of the economy should be reopened - all. We're all getting corona virus eventually. May as well get it now. Instead of buying 25billion in govt bonds every month so the govt can pay people for not working and double the payment of students and the unemployed, the reserve bank should fund an increase in ICU beds. Fill the MCG or whatever with them. If we had the capacity, then the same number will die, they'll just die in a shorter time frame. If we don't have the capacity, a few more will die. It's still relatively small numbers compared to over a million job losses, which means hundreds of thousands of young families broke, credit ruined, a slow drag into the future as these people never build wealth.

Do I believe countries that didn't lock down hard will have economies that bounce back quicker? Yes. They will bounce back quicker. Simply because they will be laden with less debt. And there will be less wealth destruction. The mortgage holidays, the rent holidays etc. etc. - it all has to be paid back.

And if they didn't shut down at all then there would be nothing to bounce back from. Most people don't get that sick. they'll keep working, surfing, partying. Maybe just a bit of sow down, but no recession.

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tango's picture
tango Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 12:41pm

Billy, it seems you don't understand the machinations of paying back debt and what that debt actually entails, either. If debt was really so dreadful and not such an effective decoy for them to whip the muppetry into an ignorance-fuelled fever, the LNP wouldn't be doing such a 180 on it.

The gloom and doom you read about the future economic implications in the Murdoch press aren't necessarily correct.

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billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 12:59pm

Tango I understand that paying back debt means cutting services, raising taxes. And at a certain point it means a re-rating of our credit which means higher borrowing costs for all. And this all translates to higher health costs, higher education costs, less support for the vulnerable etc . Nothing really good. I'm not saying debt itself is bad. But 25b a month? How many years did it take to pay back 40b? We've got an ageing population. Where is the pension money gonna come from if people spend less over the next ten or fifteen years cos they're paying more for health education tax etc? It's a slow grind down.

But you're right. No one knows what will happen. If you've got a light to shine on the end of this tunnel, please, turn it on.

tango's picture
tango's picture
tango Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 2:52pm

Billy, I guess it all depends on the people you trust and listen to.

I'm assuming from what you've said that you are fairly young, and by extension you have only been exposed to the political argy-bargy on the economy and Australia's debt position over the past decade or so when Tony Abbott et al and his associated idiots were either tearing down the government's attempts to create a broader tax base, or trying to run the country...remember Hockey's first budget? Oh hang on, those idiots were all supervising the apprenticeships of the current crop. Fancy that.

Here's an article from Michael Pascoe in New Daily which makes a case for the debt issue.

A couple of key take-homes:

1) "The reality of our current debt explosion is that it is quite affordable if it pays for a return to anything like ‘normal’ growth."

2) the last sentence of the article.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/03/31/coronavirus-d...

The conservatives and their media muppets have been demonising debt for years even though their own management of the economy has blown the previous Govt's debt levels - which the LNP hyped as a national disaster - completely out of the water, but that's how stupid the electorate are...All the reputable economists who've ever had a semblance of a role in being responsible for anything (as opposed to reading neo-classical economic textbooks) have been telling state and federal governments to borrow while $ is cheap (and it's even cheaper now) and invest it in productivity-boosting infrastructure and the like.

Short story is that paying back the likely debt won't cripple the show like the Right would have you believe - unless of course, the Right are running the country, in which case we may very well be in the cross-hairs. Besides, they need every cent to pork-barrel and won't want to spend it on debt repayment.

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billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 3:48pm

Hey thanks for that I’ll take a look.

I agree with point one - “if” being the crucial word here

But for point 2, I can’t see how bond purchases to fund social security payments salaries and govt rents is investing in “productivity boosting infrastructure“. It looks like the opposite.

tango's picture
tango's picture
tango Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 4:36pm

"If", indeed - a test for the "ideologically straitjacketed" that point 2 refers to (the last sentence of the article.)

I agree re the opposite occurring - my point was they had the chance to do that and didn't. At the moment it seems they are just trying to stop things going into complete freefall and avoid the anarchy that would probably follow. It's interesting watching the conservatives doing the exact type of things they wrote off for decades.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:24am

Billy, Bodhi, Epic, Robbo;
I salute your non adherence to the herd mentality.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:40am

Billy, Bodhi, Epic, Robbo;
"I salute your non adherence to the herd mentality" Is that just a euphemism for
"your callous disregard for vulnerable people's health by ignoring medical experts."?
Billy even suggested Na and Pa would be happy if the economy was given priority over their health.
"Here lies Nanna an Pa Billythekidd.
They died so Billythekid could go surfing and get a cafe lunch. 2020".
That's what it boils down to.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 2:24pm

I am interested in how I was lumped in with this group.

shortenism's picture
shortenism's picture
shortenism Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:32am

The NSW Health Minister starting to weave into her messaging "we will have to keep social distancing until a vaccine is found". Get ready for a mandatory shot in the arm chaps, brought to you by non other than the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which also is the majority funder of the World Health Organisation, where this saga all started.. Hang on?? WTF?? And in other news Cardinal George Pell walks from jail today.. Haha... Wow.. If you're not outraged, your not paying attention.

Johknee's picture
Johknee's picture
Johknee Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 1:27pm

I'm outraged, Shortbus!
Why are the governments stockpiling oranges and kiwi fruit? Because they KnOw lifemin C will cure us all! Carona virus starts with 'c', so does vitamin c? It has to BE!
What about 5G, Shortbus? We NEED more outrage!!

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 1:48pm

China starts with a C too. And guess what else starts with a "c"? chloroquine. That's right, the Completely useless drug Trump thinks Can Cure Corona. Lucky he's threatening eConomiC retaliation on India beCause they won't ship him enormous quantities of the stuff. I know another thing that starts with two c's. (omplete (unt.

_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_'s picture
_Bodhi_ Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 2:20pm

Actually there might be some truth in the matter so I’ve been told through the grapevine… the jury is still out though…

Apparently…. This came from Foxey Loxey who was told by Turkey Lurkey (gobble gobble gobble) who was told by Goosey Loosey who was told by Henny Penny who was told by Chicken Little who actually felt an acorn hit him on his head.

Please don’t shoot the messenger…

shortenism's picture
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shortenism Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 2:39pm

hahaha exactly bohdi, dont shoot the messenger.

shortenism's picture
shortenism's picture
shortenism Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 2:39pm

hahaha exactly bohdi, dont shoot the messenger.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 7:34pm

You can still play golf and the horses are still racing, carry on, Surfs up.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 10:03pm

Callous with a capital C.
Yeah perhaps thats me.
I've heard theres plenty in the medical professions and others who think that saving human life is the ultimate goal. They are misguided.
When quality of life has ended its time to cash in ya chips coz you're a burden to yourself, your family and to society.
Nana and Pa included if they're in that bracket.
Sorry but it's the truth.

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 10:16pm

Faaaark... anyone?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 5:53am

Why stop at older people ?

If we’re going to cut the dead wood to streamline society , why limit ourselves to culling the elderly ?

Let’s go Full Sparta .

Light a massive bonfire and heap on those who are weighing down the all important economy......obviously start with the unemployed such as Aussie dole bludgers and the professionally disabled vibrants .

Now we are starting to warm up . Sick people will be first to go. Let’s get rid of the truly disabled. Face it ....they’re as bad as nan and pop. All their carers will be made redundant so we may as well burn them preemptively before they waste productive infra capacity driving down to register for welfare .

Who else is unnecessary ?

Artists , sportsmen. What do they actually do anyway ? No Olympics means that Sally Fitzgibbons and Owen Wright are now a fiscal drag on Australia. At least we know they’ll catch fire even if they’ve never contributed in any meaningful way in their entire lives. I don’t watch TV and frankly I think that people such as David Koche should have been used for kindling , so there the entertainment industry gone.

Who else ?

You know what ? Why hem ourselves in with the metric of economic activity ? Some things are just as important to Australians as financial well being .....especially those all important young generation which this whole human pyre is meant to benefit.

One thing I do know is that young people don’t like ugly. It’s not fair to force them to have their next-gen eyes burdened by unsightly citizens.

Goodbye practically everyone West of Inner city Sydney and East of The Swan river.....uggh, have you seen those people ?

Ditto the entire ACT.

And SUP riders. The fuck are they good for ?

Fat people. Fashionistas. Bad drivers.

Now we are getting somewhere !

Personally I’m not going to rest until the only Australians left are a handful of good looking tweenagers resolutely staring at Tik Tok , who obsessively blame everyone around them for their desperste existence as indulged Western princelings.

Think how perfectly efficient Australia could be !

OK....who’s got the matches ?

kooklife's picture
kooklife's picture
kooklife Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 6:37am

Wow! There are no words.......You need help.
There is a lot of evidence ( Starting with Freud's theory on humour) that sarcasm is infused with the tellers truth and is a means of communicating their hostility on a subject.......or in this case, multiple subjects.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 6:46am

You should have stopped typing after saying you had no words.

There’s still the edit button if you want to reclaim some dignity.

Johknee's picture
Johknee's picture
Johknee Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 7:54am

Freud's theory is evidence? what?

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 10:26pm

Just wondering about this "young people are going to pay for this" angle? Im still working , working on paying my next BAS bill at the moment in fact (which will go right into the jobkeeper/seeker debarcle, missing surf all the time cause I,m at fucking work , heaps young cunts surf lots , work a bit and dont pay nearly as much tax as I have to. Tax is based on what you earn or in actual fact passes through your business if your self employed (the group that pays more tax per capita than anyone). get off you high horse billythekid. I,m no baby boomer, got fuck all super, lucky enough to work for myself so I have some flexibility to get a surf during the day on occasion but thats the high point. Stop blaming boomers and nana and pa for everything and take a bit of responsibility for yourself mate, being spoonfed your whole life is a cop out. Maybe get to work on time and do a hard day and you,ll have work, then you have money, then you can buy shit ,thats life.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:15pm

Hey Mike, do you wanna hand over the keys to your car and house? And is it OK if we just disappear all your work and make your business go under? You can ask your landlord to let you pay rent on your workshop in six months if you have no cash. And if you can't pay then cos we made all your customers broke, sorry, your fucked, you'll never get a lease again. Or credit. But that's OK. You did a great thing. Your sacrifice kept Nan and Pa alive a little bit longer. Thanks Mike.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 3:09am

Not sure what your trying to say billy? Do you even know?
Or have you just been slapped in the face with the reality instagram influencing isnt going to pay for your smashed avocado/soy chai latte lifestyle anymore?
Sounds like Coles/Woolies is still hiring, here,s a tip though, cover up that neck tattoo,rock up on time and leave your phone at home (with mum) and they might give you a job.
Bit early in the day to be looking around for people to blame for your life choices kid.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 7:47am

Mike what I'm saying is that you may become an economic casualty of this shit. I'm asking how you feel about that? Are you prepared to lose it all? Is that a choice you made?

Nearly 1m Aussie jobs lost so far. Demand is drying up. Companies are starting to raise capital, diluting shareholders. There goes your super. That's 1m Aussies who, sooner rather than later, won't be paying rent or their mortgage. Some will muddle through. Most won't. They'll be crippled with debt in six months. Their credit will be ruined and many will never recover from this. People like you.

That's what I'm talking about.

mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207's picture
mikehunt207 Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 10:26am

And how is that the fault of old people? True we are all going to be effected by this shit show- no doubt .
If your looking to point fingers though, perhaps pointing at The Peoples Republic of China would be a starting point.

Horas's picture
Horas's picture
Horas Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:15pm

"The object of terrorism is terrorism.The object of torture is torture.The object of murder is murder.The object of power IS power.NOW do you begin to understand me? "

George Orwell,1984.

Johknee's picture
Johknee's picture
Johknee Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 8:20am

Hey hours, have you read 1984? Or do you find your inspo quotes on instagram?

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:46pm

Do you young people not realise that if you make it to 70 you are doing pretty bloody alright?

It is easy to not live past 50 if you live a self destructive lifestyle. Just saying.

Take the time, listen to an older, wiser, hear their stories. Within your future you may have the opportunity to share their stories with your grandkids.

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:48pm

And your stories...just sayin'.

views from the cockpit's picture
views from the cockpit's picture
views from the ... Tuesday, 7 Apr 2020 at 11:52pm

In the Western world:-
Anyone who is 80+ has seen WW2 or further and toughed it out under the harshest of times no doubt knows how lucky they are and shouldn't be afraid of dying.
Anyone 70-80 has lived through the most fortunate time in modern history where money and health have given them a golden ticket and should not be so greedy as to expect excessive longevity at the cost of future generations.
60- 70 you would very likely feel ripped off that you haven't reaped all the benefits of hard work and taxes.
Below 60 = as above but with greater emphasis.
Its the 30-40-50 yo approx with young families and the generations beneath that are gonna be absolutely screwed by the actions of self protecting elders.

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 12:11am

I have tried to believe that if things are that fucking bad. They can only get better...

Sometimes things need to get a little worse before they gets better.

But better they get.... eventually.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 5:56am

Why stop at older people ?

If we’re going to cut the dead wood to streamline society , why limit ourselves to culling the elderly ?

Let’s go Full Sparta .

Light a massive bonfire and heap on those who are weighing down the all important economy......obviously start with the unemployed such as Aussie dole bludgers and the professionally disabled vibrants .

Now we are starting to warm up . Sick people will be first to go. Let’s get rid of the truly disabled. Face it ....they’re as bad as nan and pop. All their carers will be made redundant so we may as well burn them preemptively before they waste productive infrastructure capacity driving down to register for welfare .

Who else is unnecessary ?

Artists , sportsmen. What do they actually do anyway ? No Olympics means that Sally Fitzgibbons and Owen Wright are now a fiscal drag on Australia. At least we know they’ll catch fire even if they’ve never contributed in any meaningful way in their entire lives. I don’t watch TV and frankly think that people such as David Koche should have been used for kindling , so there’s the entertainment industry gone.

Who else ?

You know what ? Why hem ourselves in with the metric of economic activity ? Some things are just as important to Australians as financial well being .....especially those all important young generation which this whole human pyre is meant to benefit.

One thing I do know is that young people don’t like ugly. It’s not fair to force them to have their next-gen eyes burdened by unsightly citizens.

Goodbye practically everyone West of Inner city Sydney and East of The Swan river.....uggh, have you seen those people ?

Ditto the entire ACT.

And SUP riders. The fuck are they good for ?

Fat people. Fashionistas. Bad drivers.

Now we are getting somewhere !

Personally I’m not going to rest until the only Australians left are a handful of good looking tweenagers resolutely staring at Tik Tok , who obsessively blame everyone around them for their desperste existence as indulged Western princelings.

Think how perfectly efficient Australia could be !

OK....who’s got the matches ?

Remigogo's picture
Remigogo's picture
Remigogo Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 8:06am

Fuck it, the Current Climate does need a Change.

Fliplid's picture
Fliplid's picture
Fliplid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 6:35am

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 8:02am

Agree...pro surfing sucks. What does a real surfer get out of pro surfing? Crowded lineups, beach closures during comps, not much else.

Johknee's picture
Johknee's picture
Johknee Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 9:20am

Real surfer? Never seen one.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 8:54am

billythekid's argument that the economy needs saving, by relaxing social distancing rules, is pure madness. It is a very clear demonstration of conservative cruelty and stupidity.
He's basically arguing for a cull of humans, even suggesting old people would be cool with it. Good luck with defending the ethics of bumping off Nanna and Grandpa..
Secondly his plan is incredibly stupid. The world is full of countries that tried to protect their economies by delaying lock down. How did that work out for them? Countries like the UK, China, Italy, France, Spain, and sections of the USA tried it and are in full lockdown anyway (China excepted) with crumbling health systems and full morgues.
billythekid likes to point to Sweden as an example where his "let the old people die to protect the economy" policy is working. It's a terrible example. Sweden's deaths/infection figures are awful compared to other Scandinavian countries and they are steadily increasing isolation rules, shutting down more and more sections of their economy. Sweden, like so many other countries, is trying to carry on as normal. It just means they end up going into lockdown during a medical crisis. Not only does this put people in body bags, having an incompetent government crushes business and consumer confidence. That's not good for the economy billy.
billythkid is just your typical right wing conservative. He thinks he knows better than the experts, the economy trumps human health, and he simply ignores the facts to blindly support a cruel and stupid ideology.
Most of the USA took (or is still taking) the billythekid option. NZ (1 death) did the opposite.
Good luck defending that.

epictard's picture
epictard's picture
epictard Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 11:10am

+1

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 1:21pm

But VL, the US is in lockdown. I'm saying no lockdown, spend the money on increasing ICU capabilities. Same number of people die as we're all getting coronavirus anyway. They just die faster. But millions dont go broke as well. What's wrong with that?

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 1:40pm

"But VL, the US is in lockdown"
Do your research billythekid. It prevents embarrassing yourself. There's still six US states not in lockdown. Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming have no statewide limits.
"spend the money on increasing ICU capabilities". Wow, why didn't I think of that. Maybe because you just can't throw money at this problem to solve it. How long do you think it takes to train doctors and nurses up to ICU standards? Oh and ventilators just grow on trees. And did you even think that ICUs have highly specialised infrastructure. You can't just turn a standard room into an ICU overnight. It takes time (which we don't have) and money to create ICU capabilities. FFS You haven't thought any of your arguments through.
Go back to the Young Liberals Club at uni and push your nonsense there.

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 2:04pm

VL those six states are insignificant.

You can throw money at this problem. It's just a question of how much. 25b a month is a lot. Would probably be enough. Doctors, nurses, equipment - all gettable if we pay enough. Fast track training is totally doable. Utilise the army. So why don't we pay? Because sentiment is easier to sell.

Vic Local's picture
Vic Local's picture
Vic Local Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 2:23pm

"VL those six states are insignificant". So you're admitting your previous statement was bullshit. Lockdowns also come down to enforcement and definition of "essential services". Many US states consider religious gatherings as "essential services", so to claim the US is in lockdown is complete BS and you know it. Just admit you got it wrong.
Utilise the army? Oh FFS do you seriously think army medical professionals are just sitting around doing nothing. No disrespect to our military, but the idea that they can build hospitals including ICUs overnight and treat patients is just fanciful. The military were of limited use during the fires, and this health crisis is so much more complicated.
"Fast track training is totally doable". More BS. You may not have noticed this but the health system is already under the pump. Over the last few weeks there has been significant up-skilling of medical professionals but there are limitations to how much can be done. Do you even understand that the lockdown was designed to give our hospitals as much time as possible to prepare for the influx of patients?
Your plan to let infections spread is madness, and now you're just making up wild statements to justify it.
Nobody except the nutters at the IPA think your ideas are sensible. Just admit it and move on. Stop trying to make yourself look smart with these wild schemes. It's just having the opposite effect.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 9:35am

Just visited my in-laws yesterday in a nursing home for their 65th wedding anniversary and he turned 90 last Saturday she is 93. They have a 1 for 1 rule for 30 mins so we can both visit. Both have dementia, they reconize us but can't really hold a proper conversation, just flip from one thing to another and ramble on.
He had bladder cancer cut out over xmas she is ok except for macula in her eyes, although if they didn't help her eat she would be dead.
As much as we love them and they have been great parents/grand parents they have no quality of life and are just waiting to die as are most of them in there.
They have only been in there a year and thank god they are not at home now to deal with all this.
My parents are in their mid to late 70's and are in self isolation in their house.

So billythekid i can see your agrument as i have a business going no where now too, but i am experiencing the other side too with our oldies and not looking for any funerals right now.

Still not a believer in your total lock down Vic local for surfing if young people could do the right thing but i think its a losing battle as time goes on. They are not all like it my daughters boyfriend 19 is a student nurse and is still surfing but is right onto not hanging around or go anywhere with more than 2.

adam12's picture
adam12's picture
adam12 Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 11:27am

Billy the Kid, the Spanish Flu started in January 1918, it killed mostly infants and the very old in the first wave. The second more deadly wave came in October 1918 and it killed young adults. Tens of millions of them. It lasted two years.
Be careful what you wish for.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 11:45am

Billy the kid is talking shit.

There’s a very , very good chance that this economic lockdown will trigger the great unraveling of the house price Ponzi which has enslaved generations of Australians.

Young people should be cheering that they maybe looking at a reduction in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and decades less mortgage hanging over their heads and affecting every single life choice they make from amount of children they have to where they live to the type of shitfull, unfulfilling existence they’ll accept just to put a roof over their heads.

The elderly are also the highest holders of the assets which would be devalued in the downturn and so they are the worst off financially.

The basis for Billy’s martyrising of anyone over 55 is based on sophistry.

Go home Billy......you’re drunk !

billythekid's picture
billythekid's picture
billythekid Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 1:14pm

Blowin the only thing I'm almost sure of is that the govt won't let that happen.

Asset holders will be protected for the most part because an unraveling of the housing Ponzi scheme as you call it will send the banks to the wall - even though they're cashed up - freeze credit, and paralyse the economy. Everyone's fucked. In 2008 the US fed reserve protected the banks and by extension asset holders who weren't weak, and the Aus reserve bank will do the same here. And we don't have non-recourse mortgages like the US did. No way the Aus reserve bank will let the majority of asset holders go under. They'll print and print. They'll do anything they can and try any crazy stuff to keep the falls such that the majority of asset holders can take the pain.

So young people might see some discounting, but not enough to justify the higher unemployment and non existent wage growth. Not a reset or mass devaluation like your suggesting.

At any rate, there's no votes in letting housing fall over. Not yet. The majority of voters are homeowners. Maybe in ten years.

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Blowin Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 2:15pm

Totally agree with everything you just said but I’m still of the opinion that Scummo has no bullets in the gun unless they cry “ herd immunity “ and throw open the immigration floodgates again....Which we all know he is dying to do.

So many chinks in the armour for Scummo though.

AirBnB is illegal. Think about that for a second. All of the thousands of holiday houses around the Oz coastline are supposed to be sitting empty or let to long term rentals.

Thousands of students aren’t here . Thousands of kids moved back in with parents cause they’ve lost their casual jobs. Rents are going.......DOWN .

It’s basically over....but who knows what Hail Mary Scummo will try and pull. It’s his greatest strength and his greatness weakness. Australians will judge him on house prices but his focus on keeping all the balls in the air leaves him liable to miss the fact that the ground is giving way underneath him.

This article tells me just how strong the property market is now even before the repercussions of just what’s going down hit home. The economic shock ain’t going to kick into for a month or so. Like any bankruptcy it happens slowly , slowly ......till it happens very fast.

https://www.realestate.com.au/news/coronavirus-buyers-cheeky-tactics-to-...

“ Real estate agents are urging property buyers to be reasonable and not take advantage of vendors who may be vulnerable.....”

Are you fucking kidding me ? The same mob who’d have run down a baby with a school bus to fuck over buyers in the last decade .....think vendor bids at auctions , raised reserves etc etc ....are now pleading mercy. The worm has turned. Sunlight on the vampires.

Shit is over.

I had a bet with Freeride for ten cartons that coastal real estate was going down. Pulled the pin but still know in my heart that it’s houses down, down , down.

PS....particularly liked this line from the article :

“There are a lot of opportunists out there looking for cheap properties, but it’s important to keep in mind that this downturn is not being caused by a financial crisis,” Ms Conisbee said.“

This downturn is not caused by a financial crisis.....like that ameliorates the straight up loss of over a million jobs in a single week . Classic.

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joeyjnr Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 10:47am

Don't agree with anything Billthekid has said about surfing on here, but I reckon he's right regarding the housing market. RBA will do whatever it takes to maintian the haousing market. However I reckon there'll be devaluing, but not in the way you suspect Blowin. The RBA has started quantatative easing which essentially increases money supply. This will have a direct effect on the value of goods, including housing. Not on the cost of goods. I suspect that we'll enter a period of inflation as a result of the extra cash being pumped into the economy. This will see the values of houses fall, but will have have a stabilising effect on prices. Yes, there'll be a drop to some degree in prices, but the value loss will be greater. If inflation pushes up the price of everyday things, the value of the equity we have in our homes reduces. But if this means that less people default on their home loans, then that's probably a good thing. The risk here though is that wages may stagnate for a number of years as the country slowly pull out of the recession (depression?) caused by the mass shutdowns. But then maybe not, if we have lots of inflation, employers earn more from selling and have more cash to pay employees, so maybe wage will rise too. Who knows?? It's all a bit too hard to apply economic theory to what's going on beacause there are so many levers being pulled at once. What I can say is that there'll be some interesting economic analyis of all of this once this is all done and dusted that will likely rewrite modern economic theory.

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radiationrules Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 2:25pm

The money supply is thought to be 7-10x the reported supply. That is, if the clock stopped and I asked 'X" to repay my $1, then 6 other people wouldn't get the $1 owing to them. This "idea" that naturally lead to trading in future values, arbitrage etc has existed since the future value of a tulip crop in Holland was first traded in the 17th century. I'd be surprised if it isn't dated back to creation of currency - BC 350? My point being, as with the GFC in 2009, the system will adjust; as flawed as it may be it won't dissolve into some socialist utopia. The major currency in the world is, and always has been, "hope for the future"; that's what underpins every marketplace on our interconnected planet.

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GreenCT Wednesday, 8 Apr 2020 at 3:18pm

There is good and bad in everythng.
Part of me finds the idea of empty holiday homes in coastal towns obscene when we have a homeless problem plus it prices it out of the next generations reach.
But then mid week off season it means less crowds in the water.

The ponzi scheme if it pops will result in firstly financial armegeddon, runs on banks etc then flow into general society with complete panic, supermarkets stripped bare.

I think we should go with Gaddafi's idea where a home is a right of citizens.

In terms of the lockdown I wish there was a bit of carrot with the stick.
So as regions get to no virus we open up restrictions and as other suburbs regions etc do the same then these areas open up to each other.

I hope this will be how I hope it unfolds so we have a light at the end of the tunnel.

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billythekid Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 8:27am

Here's a prediction for you VL - when it comes to crunch time, when it comes to really making a committed choice between saving mostly older lives and the economy, we'll be backing the economy. Because that will be best for MOST people. For older people who won't recover from a severe downturn, and for younger people who need to build a life.

I'm not saying I have the answers re how to implement everything. Yes, that was an overstep. I'm really just interested in giving my arguments on the ethics of the choice.

Im sick of the blind virtue signaling of people staying at home to "save lives" like its all that matters. It's not.

I'm sick of the small minded parochial attitude of people here on the coast who resent others coming down for a surf to preserve their sanity and mental health. LEGALLY doing so. Life is pretty shit in Melbourne. Its great down here. But so many small towners are getting all "us and them" it pisses me off

I'm sick of the pretense that "we're all in this together". Meanwhile apparently only "other people" are panic buying leaving the vulnerable really struggling.

And I sick of the fact that most people cant see anything beyond the hand in front of their face: "Oh, Nan and pop are gonna die....its a tragedy some 85 yo in a nursing home just died....we need to all lose and jobs to stop this happening and its ok cos we're getting job keeper and job seeker and other temporary band aid bullshit" Thats how you think and its plain stupid.

This all started because it pisses me off that swell net is buying into this bullshit by putting a banner up on forecast pages saying "Dont travel To Surf" - even though its completely LEGAL to do so. Swellnet, that's not your job. Stick to surf reports and surf stories.

I already hate the statement that's always been there on swellnet camera pages - "if you're travelling here to surf, please respect the locals" What patronising bullshit. How about the locals respecting the tourists who give them so much income? I'm a local and its pretty obvious that the biggest tools in the water are the locals. Who gives a shit about the tourists - they cant surf anyway.

So today I'm going for a surf. I'm meeting a mate in the water. I told him to drive down here. Vic Local you can walk on the beach and look at the waves you're not surfing and feel superior. And anyone else like you can congratulate yourselves when you lose your jobs and eventually your car and house.

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Vic Local Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 9:17am

Whatever billythkid. you've come to this debate with a "me first, fuck everyone else" attitude, an "Introduction to Macro Economics" text book, and fuck all commonsense. Your willingness to ignore expert advice is just so typical of modern-day conservatives. But don't worry, you're perfectly qualified for an adviser job in some LNP office and then maybe even become a candidate.
95% of Australians are doing the right thing. Not only are you behaving like a complete arsehole, you're trying to dress your fuckstickery up as something noble.
Telling your mate to drive to the coast? What a couple of complete fuckwits.
I hope you and your mate get booked.

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billythekid Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 9:34am

Can’t get booked cos it’s legal to drive down for a surf- check Brett Sutton on Twitter. And it’s legal for me to surf. Check the beach signs. Just like it’s legal to drive to your holiday house

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I focus Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 8:49am

Watch "The Drum" last night Blowin? described your position perfectly.

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views from the ... Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 10:05am

Right on Billy!
Succinctly summed up.
BTW, If its good enough for Eskimos and Daleks it's good enough for me.
Had a great surf today by myself although i did actually speak to another humanoid on the beach.
Will continue to do so!
When my mother died it was a fukn RELIEF!
People really need to pull their heads out of their arses when they bang on about the sanctity of human life. Clearly haven't experienced enough.

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Vic Local Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 10:54am

You really need to pull your head out of your arse, views from the.
Go to a cancer ward dickhead. It's filled with kids and young people who have been dealt a shitty hand in life. Many will have a very good chance of a full recovery and happy and healthy life. You do realise that corona virus is putting their lives at risk due to their compromised immune system. There's already been a serious cluster in the oncology department of a Melbourne hospital with a handful of deaths and 100 cancer nurses and oncologists in isolation. That means chemo and radiation treatments are now compromised. That hospital has closed its ward to new patients putting extra pressure on other oncology wards in the state. it's a knife edge situation
You're a fuckwit if you think this pandemic is only causing problems for old demented people.
It's just amazing the excuses arseholes are coming up with to justify their selfish behaviour that is making the spread of this virus more likely.

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 11:01am

the more I read his comments and attitude I,m starting to think billy is waiting/ hoping on someone (nan and pa) to die and he gets an inheritance , then he can become what he hates so much. Easier than getting a job and working for it - right billy?

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views from the ... Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 11:01am

Yep VL - I agree thats sad.
But then- its always sad eh!

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Vic Local Thursday, 9 Apr 2020 at 11:20am

Mate, it's simply a matter of being part of the solution or being part of the problem. You can make a shit situation worse, or make it better. Your choice.

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Blowin Tuesday, 14 Apr 2020 at 5:33am

Here’s a question if anyone can help me answer it :

Why are wealthy nations predominant in being addled by this disease ? The rankings of affected countries are also a very good ranking of economic clout.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Why is Somalia not overwhelmed ? Sudan ? Bangladesh ? India should really have hundreds of thousands of cases.....why not ?

Lax reportage of cases doesn’t go anywhere near accounting for this discrepancy.

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shoredump Tuesday, 14 Apr 2020 at 6:40am

Human movement. Look what happened to Australia’s numbers once we started behaving like 3rd world countries.
Airline crews still flying into Sydney after a few days in the US, exempt from self isolating

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Blowin Tuesday, 14 Apr 2020 at 6:48am
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thermalben Tuesday, 14 Apr 2020 at 6:59am

I'm also going to close comments on this article, for a couple of reasons - but the main one being that it's reached a staggering 925 comments and is subsequently slowing down the website (our software isn't quite designed for this amount of commentary for one article!).

In any case, the discussion has gone well and truly off track, and as mentioned elsewhere, many comments have gotten way out of hand. Some will be deleted shortly (though I really don't want to have to sift through almost one thousand comments).

So, another timely warning for everyone: please re-read our code of conduct (here). Play the ball, not the man.