Swimming lessons
As a mother, it has come to my attention there appears to be a demand for swimming lessons in the area.
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I and numerous others have posted on social media looking for qualified instructors for our children. I have for the past two years put my children on waiting lists at the public swimming pool, but there were no available places. My son will be four in December and,living so close to the water, is at a crucial age to learn the basics to help him be safe.
I was quoted by one pool $180 for 10 weeks of lessons. Given, there are no available spaces, surely there is enough money to be made that instructors could negotiate their hourly rate? I am disgusted the safety of our children, which I would believe to be priceless, is apparently considered worthless in comparison to the financial gains to be made.
If I had the ability I would teach my children myself, but I am not a qualified instructor and I believe my children deserve the best beginning in learning to swim and be safe. Last year, 10 per cent of drowning deaths were in children aged 0-4 years. Our children need the added benefit of being taught water safety by qualified instructors.
Danielle Mayberry, Narooma
Well done workers!
I’d just like to acknowledge the good work being done at the Dalmeny turnoff by the traffic control staff.
They always try and accommodate cars turning left from Dalmeny to go into Narooma and also when turning right from the Princes Highway to Dalmeny, so we don’t have to queue as long as those travelling straight ahead. They are always friendly, cheerful and courteous and have to stand out in all weathers to ensure the safety of the travelling public, while at the same time causing as little inconvenience as possible. They probably don’t get many accolades so, from me, “well done, and thank you”. Your work is really appreciated.
Adrienne Adams, Dalmeny
Thanks for the music
A big thanks to Tim Burke and Fiona Brown (Slightly Twisted Productions) for the wonderful music productions they are bringing to Narooma.
Their tireless efforts and generous natures are ensuring those who love music and live shows are not missing. The long weekend, recently, was a particular stand out for high quality, good value music and entertainment. If you would like to support music and the arts, make sure you come along to one of the next shows - you won’t be disappointed.
Michelle Slavik, Dalmeny
Into bat for HuntFest
l think it is high time the business houses of Narooma and surrounds grew some chandlery between their legs and went into bat for Dan Field and his team at South Coast Hunters Club.
This group of people have single-handedly, over several years, bought tourists to the area at a time when the tourist dollar is all but nonexistent. Dan seems to be continually under attack, defending HuntFest from a small, but vocal group of activists, while the people who benefit most from his endeavors sit back and say nothing.
Nev Brady, Bermagui
Purpose or pleasure?
Thank you, Dan Field (Narooma News, Oct 12) for letting me know that the rules have changed for the Huntfest photo/DVD competition, sometime since the original event.
As the event was originally advertised as being about feral animal control I was most interested and wanted to participate. However, since the event has now been amended into an arms fair encouraging weapon ownership and promoting safari/trophy hunting, I find the event totally incongruous with the protection of our native species - something I strongly believe in. I find no pleasure in the killing of any animal or seeing a head hung on a wall. Firearms used for feral animal control and putting down sick or injured animals is done for a purpose - not for pleasure. The fact that Huntfest now encourages weapon ownership is incongruous with Australia's proud reputation of strict gun control regulations and its opposition to gun ownership.
Patricia Gardiner, Deua River Valley
Sharks need protection
Premier Mike Baird is now back-flipping on his Government’s promised science-based response to the risk of shark bites in NSW and it is bad public policy.
The Premier knows shark nets will not guarantee public safety, because bites have occurred on netted and un-netted beaches across NSW. He is guaranteeing dozens and possibly hundreds of turtles, dolphins, rays and even whales will be killed by nets. These nets will cull the marine life we love.
My heart goes out to those impacted by shark bites, but the ocean is the domain of sharks and when we go in there we must assume a degree of personal risk. The wildlife is a big part of why we love the ocean and coastal lifestyle in NSW and healthy oceans need sharks.
The role of Government can’t be to reduce all risk and we wouldn’t accept permanent beach closures or wall-to-wall netting from the Tweed to Bega. Government’s role is to fund research into shark movements and behaviors; to empower with information and resources to support community-based observer programs like Shark Watch, surveillance drones and elevated viewing platforms; and to support school-based and community education and shark awareness.
What we don’t need is either the Premier or the Labor Party using understandable community anxiety to look tough, while introducing measures that will kill the marine life we all love and pretending this is a silver bullet to keep people safe.
NSW Greens MLC Justin Field