Australia Day changes
I am the convener of the 2018 Australia Day Committee. We are calling for nominations for individuals, events and organisations worthy of recognition. Send your nominations to jenny@jmunro.com.au
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new format is that we are holding the awards ceremony and formal part of the celebration the evening before at 6pm at Club Narooma. The weather has been fickle over the past few years and our committee decided to avail ourselves of the facilities at Club Narooma and not have to accommodate last minute contingencies. The Surf Club and Lions are co-hosting the beach breakfast as per usual.
Jenny Munro
Narooma
Stadium squanderings
We can only rejoice in the NSW Cabinet's decision, in which our Bega MP and Transport Minister Andrew Constance was presumably contentedly complicit, to spend $2 billion plus on demolishing/rebuilding various under-utilised Sydney stadiums. A pittance - but it might have otherwise been squandered on adequate staffing in regional hospitals, maintaining school buildings, ensuring we have safe roads, public housing, ensuring our National Parks and adjacent farms are not overrun by weeds and vermin, investing in measures to take account of sea level rise on near-sea-level bridges, roads, sewage and other regional infrastructure – perhaps restoring some of the decent jobs ripped out as National Parks, State Forestry, Local Land Services, Department of Lands have been massively culled. All manner of fripperies of no interest to voters.
It is a most wise decision in the lead up to a state election. It is a decision whose benefits will endure down the ages - after all the Olympic Stadium is archaic - almost 20 years old, almost as as decrepit as the Roman Colosseum.
Stuart Cameron
Bermagui
Season of belonging
Let's make this the festive season of belonging. For many Australians, the festive season is one of joy and connection, where friendships and family are celebrated, food is shared and holiday plans are made. for others, that sense of togetherness, warmth and belonging will not be felt, and an acute sense of loneliness will take hold.
Christmas Day might be lunch for one, sleeping rough or spent with the paralysing uncertainty of not knowing where family is, after being separated because of war or conflict.
At Red Cross loneliness is not something to be ashamed of. We’re there for people who have nobody else: calling and visiting, driving them to appointments, offering one-to-one support to those struggling with mental illness, or giving a warm welcome to those seeking safety from violence or persecution.
Red Cross is calling on you to make this the Season of Belonging: be kind on social media, say hello to your neighbours, volunteer or check on someone you know is in trouble. A donation will help us continue to work with half a million of the most socially excluded Australians to build the vital connections they need. You can help: redcross.org.au/act.
Jody Broun
Australian Red Cross
Your old photos
Another photo from the Ian Grumley collection is published above, showing one of the first Model T Fords to travel down the coast when the Princes Highway went through Wagonga. The diff collapsed, requiring Wagonga blacksmith Peter Clow’s expertise. Joe Grumley is pictured on the right.
We’d love to share your old photos from the Narooma district. Drop them at the office or email stan.gorton@fairfaxmedia.com.au