Defining Moment
16 Apr 2020 - Nuvaq News

Dear owners and readers,

During these uncertain times, I want to take the time to thank all essential workers, doctors, nurses and those on the front lines saving lives every day. These are our modern day heroes.

Our world was turned upside down so quickly and, like for so many, these past few weeks have been the most trying times I have experienced.

Rather than wrestling and getting paralysed with uncertainties, we quickly realise there was no other option but to steadfastly hold on to serving our property owners, tenants, occupiers and stakeholders. We turn up to work every day and continue to faithfully serve our property owners. We also commit ourselves to serve distressed tenants by communicating with the owners to mediate rent reductions. We see beautiful and kind responses from our property owners every day, which motivate us to keep going.

Over the last three weeks, we have actively reached out to various government departments to offer our services and expertise to help fight Covid-19. Project Wecare is designed to be a voice in the community that firstly, thanks our medical community and essential workers who wish to protect their families by self isolating with affordable accommodation options; secondly, as a vehicle for our individual lot owners to contribute to the community during this time by offering their properties at cost when they do not have to; thirdly, to provide suitable accommodation to people in need such as essential workers and anyone who has to self quarantine, for example due to his/her travels interstate for work, etc.

As a letting agent, we have to follow our lot owners’ lawful instructions and most certainly cannot discriminate between the types of occupiers/guests. We have stringent procedures in place such as not supplying keys to guests who declare that they must self-quarantine due to government directions. We assist by helping with grocery shopping and delivery, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, on site security services, etc to make sure isolating guests minimise their interaction with any other owners/occupiers. We do not have any Covid-19 patients as these are under the direction of Queensland Health.

Unfortunately, for the first time in my life, I have received death threats and have been subjected to publication of defaming and untrue statements by some owners who may be acting out of ignorance and fear. Even though we have procedures in place to minimise risks, these owners choose to spread rumours and hatred instead of offering kindness and understanding.

We live in an interconnected world. Our small business also supports other small local businesses such as laundromats, delivery drivers, and grocery stores. It is amazing and inspiring to see many of these businesses stepping up to offer help.

I am especially touched and deeply humbled by so much positive feedback from property owners who are just happy to help and cheer us on with Project Wecare. For this, I am eternally grateful.

This is a defining moment. We live in a world of uncertainty, disorder, changing legal landscapes, stress and the fear of something that is not familiar to all of us. None of us has experienced something like this. It is crucial that we choose to behave kindly. How we respond today is a test of our intrinsic values. How we are with one another will define our civilisation. We choose kindness, we choose understanding, and most importantly we choose to stand by our property owners’ side, faithfully serving.

Yours faithfully,
Lee Lee Goh
L.L.B. (Hons); M.B.A. (Hons)
Holiday Holiday & Nuvaq Director