Kids want to stay
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I have a message for the Eurobodalla Shire Council – build, shape, grow and invest.
Too many of us kids had to leave because of the lack of jobs.
Andrew Breust
Fairfield West
Thanks for the care
A big thanks to Dr Gundi and staff at the Lighthouse Surgery, as well as the ambos, staff of Just Better Care, community nurses, Lynda Ord and Ashley Stanley, family, friends and neighbours.
Thanks for all of your loyal support and care during the long illness and death of our father Jim Wall.
Many heartfelt thanks.
Bernie Wall, Eunice Chaffen and family
Narooma
Attending the Gun Control Australia meeting
As a member of SAFE Inc. (Stop Arms Fairs in Eurobodalla), I attended the Gun Control meeting in Sydney on September 8, in order to give some publicity to the danger of the development of a gun culture in our beautiful shire as a result of the annual HuntFest.
Guest speaker at the meeting was the former Prime Minister, John Howard, who was interviewed by media celebrity Andrew Denton on the Port Arthur massacre, and the subsequent gun buy-back and regulations instigated and carried out by the then Liberal government, in spite of considerable opposition.
His wife persuaded him to wear a bullet-proof vest on one public occasion.
Walter Makic was an invited guest whose wife and two daughters were amongst those killed by Martin Bryant in 1996.
He addressed Howard directly when he said, “I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are people who are alive because of the result of those changes”.
Mr Howard expressed concern that the same gun safety laws which operated so effectively for a time, are being watered down now in response to political pressure exerted by gun groups including the Shooters and Fishers Party and David Lleyonjhelm.
He deplored the opening of some national parks to recreational shooters and the elimination of the 28-day cooling-off period in some states to allow for police checks to be made on the intended gun buy before he or she could take possession.
He said it would be “a huge mistake” if the government failed to ban imports if the Adler 110 rapid-fire shot-gun.
This gun, described as a “game changer” by gun enthusiasts can fire 8 shots in 8 seconds using a lever action.
The promoters claim it is tailor made for “fast and furious shooting” and that it should be made available to all shooters regardless of their level of expertise.
In spite of these alarming developments John Howard retains his belief in the common sense of the Australian people and faith in democracy to prevent dangerous liberalisation of gun laws.
He said “Don’t lose faith in the representative, democratic process. It does work. Earbashing your local member…can be effective”.
Our local member is the Hon. Andrew Constance, Member for Bega, PO Box 758, 2250.
Susan Cruttenden
On behalf of SAFEINC
Dalmeny
Amazing job by Jyothi
Many people in our town like to comment on the lack of jobs and things to do for our young people.
Last week I went into our local jewellery store to discover a newly installed workshop where two young women were working behind glass, showing what appeared to be amazing talent and skill.
When I asked what it was all about, the young girl behind the counter told me that one of the girls had just come second in the World Skills Day in Brazil.
Goodness, how amazing is that?
Even more amazing, apparently she came second by one point!
I know nothing of what the competition was or who was competing, but this young girl and her employer are deserving of acknowledgment, admiration and praise.
I believe her name is Jyothi Foreman and she works at Georgia's jewellery store. Congratulations and well done! I sincerely hope others will follow in your footsteps.
Narelle Davis
Dalmeny
Embracing the gift
Am writing to thank and acknowledge the very generous offer of the De La Salle Brothers. What an amazing gift to our community.
Hopefully these people —forced out of their own homes and country will be made welcome in Australia and our beautiful town.
I’m sure if we were in their position we’d be craving to feel wanted and welcome somewhere.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity of meeting and getting to know some of the people who have borne the brunt of all the violence we’ve had a part in helping to create.
Hopefully we’ll step beyond the fear we have been bathed in for the last 12 years and reclaim our great Aussie spirit of compassion and generosity.
Already I’ve heard the Red Cross and various groups of people are sussing out ways to be of assistance.
P. Delaney
Narooma
Mayor's say… A week in politics…
Not a truer word has been said of the last week than, “a week is a long time in politics!”
I’m writing this column on Sunday night and in a week, we have a new Prime Minister, a new Federal cabinet and last Sunday’s federal treasurer appears to be about to exit politics.
Politics is a certainly brutal game and I am mindful of the impact on those who have lost positions and their families. The past week is a reminder for anyone taking part in a political life - always expect the unexpected!
On a brighter note I’m personally delighted to see that Malcolm Turnbull has recognised the talented women in the ministry, with Australia now being represented by its first female defence minister.
Incoming defence minister and NSW Senator Marise Payne is an extremely capable member of parliament and I am sure she will be a success in her new role.
Kelly O'Dwyer is the new Small Business Minister and I look forward to her advocating on behalf of our business owners in the Eurobodalla.
In particular I look forward to her addressing the crippling penalty rates that I know from personal experience, and from listening to business owners, are restricting profitability and employment opportunities in the service industry.
I am happy that Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss have kept their portfolios as I have worked closely and built strong relationships with them to support our area.
Minister Truss is still responsible for our airport funding application and we are hoping for a positive announcement on this in December.
I extend congratulations to our local member Peter Hendy on his elevation to Assistant Minister for Productivity and I look forward to catching up with him soon to discuss how we can work together in this new political environment.
While still on politics, on Monday this week I caught up with John Balilaro Member for Monaro and NSW Minister for Regional Development, Skills, and Small Business at the Batemans Bay Chamber breakfast along with our local NSW member and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance.
John spoke passionately about industry skills development opportunities, small business owners and entrepreneurs, and regional growth and both ministers generously answered questions from the audience on a range on business matters.
Later this week I will be meeting Andrew Barr Chief Minister of the ACT along with other mayors in our region and we will be seeking his support for the regional growth initiatives.
Advocating for a better deal for Eurobodalla and its residents is a mayoral responsibility and one of the most important functions I carry out. I am proud of the positive outcomes and financial support we have achieved for our community during my term as mayor and I will be continuing to knock on doors in Sydney and Canberra with the aim of seeing some more great results later this year.
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.
Clr Lindsay Brown
Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire
Uniting town endeavour
Word has quickly spread that the De la Salle Brothers have offered the use of their motel to house refugee families.
What a wonderful gift to a few families and to our town. We have been given the opportunity to support this generous offer in ways as they open to us.
When homeless and forced to leave our homeland such an offer would be pure gift.
It would surely move us deeply with no limit to our gratitude. What is more basic than being provided safe shelter and care for our family?
There is always fear of the unknown, uncertain, the different, what takes us out of our comfort zone but we can put these aside and come from concern, care and compassion for desperate folk in need our kindness.
This can be a whole town endeavour, uniting us and putting into action our very best.
What a big difference we can make with our loving support: “Narooma a Town of Beauty and Bigness of Heart”.
Noel Davis
Narooma
Belowra RFS station
Belowra Valley seems set to be the proud recipient of a brand new RFS shed. I hear it will be well over $200,000 and state of the art.
It seems overkill when there are only 13 properties in the valley and only three of those properties have permanent residents.
As one of the permanent residents and the neighbour of the property where the RFS shed is to be built, I should have been informed directly instead of hearing on the grape vine.
I would like to know how much money the Eurobodalla Shire Council will be forced to contribute to this facility.
Considering the valley is surrounded by NPWS, who have done the lion’s share of fire fighting and fire prevention work, it would make more sense to spend whatever resources there are in supporting them.
Superintendent John Cullen has been asked to justify RFS spending in the past. I am offering him the chance again here.
James Thomson
Belowra
Dementia Awareness Month
During Dementia Awareness Month this year, which runs throughout September, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is calling for the community to help create a dementia-friendly nation, where people living with dementia are respected, valued and supported to maintain a good quality of life.
It starts with each of us and by making small changes we can make a big difference.
In the Bega electorate there are an estimated 1,600 people living with dementia. That figure is projected to increase to about 3,540 by 2050.
Too often people with dementia experience social isolation, partly because people are unaware of the symptoms and unsure how to respond to the changes in a person that they have always known.
The onus is on all of us to become dementia-aware. Find out more about dementia, increase your understanding of the condition and its impacts and help spread the word. I encourage your readers to find out more by going to www.dementiafriendly.org.au.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW also has a range of events and activities planned throughout the State as part of Dementia Awareness Month. To get involved, visit nsw.fightdementia.org.au.
The Hon. John Watkins AM
Chief Executive Officer
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW