Narooma News letters | Dec. 2

I asked “Where is Rhett Dufty, the head coach for the past nine years? The squad lines are empty. That is a concern”. 

The reply was: “He is on an extended sick leave.”

Rhett Duffty has been a passionate and nurturing coach ensuring kids and adults are enjoying his squads. His results at swimming events were not bad either, with several champions at national and state level.

The current situation is very different; the squad lines are painfully empty, only few attend.

“A lot of hard work, sweat and tears by the Narooma and district community went into getting the pool to the stage it is” (Narooma News July 23, 2014). 

The running of the pool is a very expensive service, paid by shire residents.

Learning to swim and the love of water is a life-long gift and needs to be a priority.

Once teeming, now empty squad lanes are not acceptable and I believe we need to insist on a better deal.

Kotti Sallai

Tuross Head

I am writing to you to express my concern about the Eurobodalla Council’s recent submission to once again revise its annual budget.

This is their 3rd attempt in less than 6 months and must raise the question as to their administrative and financial expertise. 

On the front page of their current revision they show a decrease in unrestricted funds of over $5 million. How did such a major variance occur in such a short time? With such a change in the budget, what actions are planned to remedy the situation? In hindsight, with such a change in the budget position, would the Council still be found to be fit for the future? It is noted that there is an increase over the original budget of over $6 million for the purchase of assets. Did the Councillors approve this purchase and under what recommendation? What procedures are in place to authorise that level of asset purchases?

B Beasley

Surf Beach

His statement as to support by ratepayers needs to be substantiated and documented.  What research has he done? Who carried out the survey? What questions were asked? What was the size of the sample? What was the population mix? Will he publish the findings, both positive and negative?

He further states “about half a dozen disgruntled Eurobodalla ratepayers … have his ear”. How did he   establish this and why would he consider this to be significant? He further states “all the people I talk to are happy with the way our Council goes about the business of providing local services”. One must continue to question his methodology repeat the questions asked above.

The question must be asked is, if we do not know who to merge with, how do we know either the benefits or disadvantages of any merger? He quotes the Minister as “he’s sure big is beautiful but doesn’t tell us how.” The reverse would apply to Clr’s Burnside’s argument in that he has neither justified nor quantified his assertion. He should make the effort to read E F Schumacher and then relate it to more recent publications.

Trish Hellier

Eurobodalla Concerned Citizens

I am concerned about a recent directive from our Local Health District (LHD), regarding the type of dietary advice that can be given in hospitals and community health centres in the area. 

I understand the Southern NSW LHD recently made an unbelievable decision that influences how dietitians are able to practise, with a directive that nutritional advice to clients must not include low carbohydrate diets. In addition, if doctors in the area want to refer patients to a dietitian in the LHD for low carb advice for weight loss or diabetes – as many have been doing for over 10 years – they will be advised that this is no longer an option.  This directive from the LHD goes against current science, as well as accepted guidelines for managing Type 2 diabetes. There is not one diet that suits everyone, and reducing the amount of sugar, bread and pasta eaten is an excellent choice for many people.

Benefits can include improved blood sugar levels, more energy, less hunger and weight loss. I, along with more than 60 scientists, researchers, dietitians and others from around the world, have asked NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to look into this issue.

So far, we have not received a satisfactory response. 

I don’t know why this decision was made, but as far as I’m aware, our LHD is the only one in Australia banning dietitians from giving appropriate low carbohydrate advice to patients. Banning this approach within the LHD defies reason.

An inquiry into the decision should be undertaken as a matter of urgency.

Jennifer Elliott

Tanja

Last week I was able to witness and enjoy our local community at its best! 

I presented the annual Southern Phone Grants worth a total of $25,000 to eight volunteer organisations who will invest the funds back into the community in many worthwhile ways. One organisation told me that their grant will represent more than 25% of their yearly budget so this is a great boost for this small volunteer group and the people they help.

Last Friday I was proud to be involved in the White Ribbon March in Narooma that saw people from across the South East join with Narooma Public School students to speak out against domestic violence.  I met an older woman who had been a victim of domestic violence as a child over sixty years ago, and while attending the event was difficult for her, the March was also her opportunity to make a statement that she was a survivor.

Another woman I caught up with was Marlene Tighe who is one of the most inspirational people I have met. Marlene was brutally assaulted by her former partner with a hammer. She marched proudly with friends despite the injuries and blindness she lives with as a way of showing her support for the event and to encourage the community to make a stand against domestic violence.  The day’s message for me was that when things seem desperate, there are inspirational women who have survived the most despicable and insidious circumstances and survived. Domestic violence is the leading cause of death and injury in women under forty five with more than one woman murdered by her current or former partner every week!

I was very proud to lead several hundred men who took part in the White Ribbon March, all of who publicly make the following oath, “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men's violence against women". The white ribbon March organised by the NSW police will be an annual event and let's hope with our collective efforts that in the next twelve months and the years after that,  we will begin to see some positive outcomes, less deaths and a much better attitude and awareness of this important social issue.

Please let me know if there are any issues that Council can assist with. You can contact me at mayor@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au or phone 0418 279 215.

Cr Lindsay Brown

Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire