Ripples from Narooma
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When do we learn the lesson of history that violent retaliation inflames further violence? Globalisation now means that international acts of violence and rage have consequences for us in Narooma. We cannot deny this reality. The recent carnage in Paris, the atrocities in Syria and Israel, the mass shootings in the US pose confronting questions for us. The questions take us deeper than religious differences into injustice, exploitation, abuse of power, greed, oppression and disrespect.Our preoccupation with economic growth, standard of living and huge investment in strategic security based on consumer modelling and unbridled competition are increasing the number of destitute and desperate on our planet home. Globalisation has accelerated the process.The broadening base of the population pyramid is supporting the high rise and penthouse residents more so than ever. Our life investment and meaning maintain this structuring as if it was the only way forward. The enabling of relational power and authority foster personal fulfilment and community building. This is not fantasy but reality and the challenging alternative to violent retaliation at whatever level it might be perpetrated - in our homes, communities, country or on the international scene. The state of our world at present asks of us personal, confronting questions. We need courage, commitment, clear intention and will to address them and to ‘Imagine’ a different world, a generous self, a responsive home town. We are the creators of our world. We know from experience that the ripple effect is real. A single, kind act today creates a better tomorrow.
Noel Davis, Narooma
One can only wonder
One can only wonder what is motivating Andrew Constance (Bay Post/Moruya Examiner 20 November) to continue to push for change to local government boundaries. As your editorial pointed out, Eurobodalla Shire has been found “Fit for the Future” – why is it that Mr Constance cannot accept that? Is it because, having been demoted from his former position as Treasurer, he is now seeking to curry favour with Premier Mike Baird by seeking council amalgamations within the Bega electorate? Perhaps Mr Constance should acquaint himself with the recent comments by Professor Brian Dollery from the University of New England Centre for Local Government. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 16 November that Professor Dollery has found that the merging of 26 councils across NSW in 2004 showed that “no difference exists between the performance of merged and unmerged councils in terms of a range of performance indicators”. Instead of attacking Eurobodalla Council, our local member might do well to concentrate on his ministerial portfolio of transport – and, while he’s at it, give some thought to improving transport services in his own electorate.
Louise Webb, Kianga
Nashos hold AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Eurobodalla and Far South Coast National Servicemen's Association perhaps better known as the "Nashos" was held last Sunday at the Catalina Club Batemans Bay. Alan Shephard was reelected as President. Phil Testaz filled the position of Vice-President and Trevor Kolhagen was nominated as Secretary. Barry Hoban is the groups Treasurer. George Mercieca was elected as Welfare Officer and Margaret Petersen again filled the position of Social Officer. Paul Pereira was nominated as Publicity Officer and Warren Jones takes on the responsibility of producing the monthly newsletter. Alan Shephard reported on the years activiites which included a year of regular monthly meetings and social activities. The most recent event was a bbq at the Moruya Aero Club when a presentation was made to the local pilots Sheldon Jones, John Dolean, Glenn Fullat and Michael Leth who flew over the area on Anzac Centenary Day in a Southern Cross formation. An encouraging follow on from the successful South Coast flyover by a RAAF Hercules C130 aircraft on this day was that our group has received a request from the Ceremonial Support Defence Department to nominate for a similar activity. There is no guarantee implied but our members will do their utmost to ensure that once again a flyover hopefully will occur over the marching participants in nine regional towns. Members will wind up the years activities with a Chrisrmas party luncheon at the Catalina Club on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Paul Pereira, Publicity Officer
Fit by fudging for the future
Irrespective whether councils forcibly or voluntarily amalgamate, enter into memorandums of understandings or stand alone, the issue is an attack on the closest form of government to the people. The right for all citizens to access structure, operations, reasoning behind decision making is undeniable and have been rapidly eroded by out of control councillors and bureaucrats . Even the local member, Andrew Constance, apart his normal duties has been forced to be a ombudsman to handle numerous citizen ESC complaints and labelled a “ backyard bully.” The opposite was the case for ESC “Mafia code of silence” was demonstrated by all councillors during a recent address by the writer regarding unexplainable expenditures of tens of millions of dollars used to justify a 26 percent rate rise and being “Fit for the Future”. Eurobodalla has been awarded first prize for “Fudging for the Future “by taking advantage of flawed IPART mythologies laid down by IPART and unaudited reports; None of a series of questions relating to these figures were challenged by Santa Mayor or any councillors. Full details of questions relating to that address, in contravention of regulations were not recorded in the minutes. This is not the first time that the Eurobodalla council have deleted public records or failed to register them. All details of the address were emailed to them on the day and audio visual recordings made.
Peter Bernard, Dalmeny