Make Australia Fair
Just a comment on your “humble opinion that Australia is the greatest country of all” (Editor’s Note June 25) I would like to add that whilst this may be so, say compared to some of the war torn countries that we are all familiar with, there is room for improvement.
I have worked in Emergency Relief for a number of years (over 20 in fact), presently in the Sunshine area, where many folk are experiencing serious hardship. Homelessness, domestic violence issues, high renting costs, lack of language skills, inability to gain permanent visas, thus not able to work, or receive Centrelink benefits. Some of the ones mentioned in the category of not having work visas have been in this sad situation for 10 years or more. Added to this, is the fact many have school age children whose parents are faced with the high cost of sending their children to a state school eg; cost of uniforms, books etc. So when I read that some private schools are building sporting and other facilities whilst these same schools are receiving funds from the Government, my heart bleeds for those parents who struggle to give their children an education which in some cases they never had. Yes, we may be a great country, but not all are benefitting from this greatness. Rather being a great country lets aim to be a fair country for all who are fortunate enough to live here where the benefits are equally shared.
Bruce MacKenzie
South Kingsville
New Bus Loop needed for the inner west?
Anyone else reckon that PTV should create a Hobsons Bay ‘loop’ bus service?
One bus in each direction, driving this loop, would connect Millers Junction, multiple schools, multiple train stations, Williamstown shopping district, Altona shopping district, multiple childcare services, and multiple business/districts.
I’m just genuinely surprised no such bus service exists, and in fact all the buses in this area are pretty useless. (Especially the notoriously useless 432 service!)
Especially with all the new residential developments along Blackshaws Rd, such a service like this makes too much sense!
Gabrielle Williams Minister for Transport – please implement this!
Chadwiko Menendez
Can’t see the sport for the trees?
In the June Westsider Peter Ramadge suggests we should abandon parkland, football and cricket fields to plant them out with trees… I say what’s the point of living if you don’t have a life?
Local community sport, grasslands and even just somewhere to run around with your dog are one of Greater Melbourne’s most wonderful attributes, I’ve noticed people enjoying them when it’s 15, 25 or 35 degrees, so even a 2 degree average temperature increase (which let’s hope doesn’t happen) won’t as you suggest see outdoor pursuits abandoned – let’s not lose sight of the joys of living for the trees….
James Busby, Yarraville.
In response to Dear Westie (May Edition)
The concept of civil and civic responsibility to each other to promote common good has been lost. An example – though not a caravan – there is a large older model commercial vehicle parked in a residential street. It is not outside the owner’s home. They appear to live in another street. The thinking is they want it under a particular street light.
It’s driven briefly once or twice a month and thus avoids fines or accusations of dumping. But in the hottest parts of summer it reflected so much heat it burnt the nature strip lawn and affected gardens. I guess it would block light over the cooler months.
There have been trades with bulky equipment unable to access the homes it straddles from the street. Door knocking immediate neighbours to ask for it to be moved failed to locate the owner. There is nothing unlawful about what they’re doing, however they appear not to have considered anyone other than themselves.
This is the world we live in today, hoarding an unused vehicle and not caring about the impact it may have on others. What choice do those affected have but to live with the entitlement of others?
Jane Wong
