Better than Gonski?
Education Minister Simon Birmingham says he wants "a school funding system that is genuinely needs-based and is targeting the money where it's most required." If he can come up with a better system than Gonski, we await the details excitedly. But let's hear about it NOW, not two weeks before the election, so we can decide which is the fairer needs-based system on offer. We need some continuity of education funding to reap real results for our nation's disadvantaged children. Australia can't afford NOT to invest in a needs-based system NOW.
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Jesse Rowan.
Seven more years of HuntFest?
In December 2015 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for licences to conduct activities on council controlled public reserves, for five years from 2018, were called for. Interested parties in the first round had from December 10, 2015 until February 4, 2016 to submit. The final decision will be made at the March 22, 2016 Council meeting.
It was revealed at the previous council meeting that the HuntFest organisers had already applied for the use of this venue prior to these EOI’s being called for. This is the same council that did not consult with the community prior to the original approval and whose councillors did not foreshadow their support for this event prior to the last council elections. The same council that introduced this event to the community without any notice on their election advertising at the last council elections; did not consult with the community; has approved this timeline over the holiday period.
We cannot let this happen again! HuntFest already has two years to run on its current licence. This EOI for a further licence for five years should be presented to the new council after the next election. Voters will then have a chance to quiz potential councillors on where they stand in relation this controversial event and then vote accordingly. I urge you to contact the general manager and councillors and fill their email boxes and answering machines with your strongest messages.
Heather Irwin, Narooma
The Truth of the Matter
Are we content with local government and business interests controlling our water? Are we concerned enough to check out for ourselves the quality of such a vital necessity? It seems many concerned people throughout the world have taken the time to do just that. I wonder how many people, if asked, would be able to share with us exactly what’s in the fluoridation formula and for what it was initially used? Do we all feel our leaders are making the best decisions for us? Are they under external pressures? To what extent are they being swayed by 'the persuaders' in the employ of billion dollar international companies? If you want to find out more for yourself a Flouridation dangers DVD is available on line. It is also being screened at the EcoTel Motel, Narooma Saturday 7pm.
P. Delaney, Narooma
Back to school butterflies
For over 3.6 million students across Australia heading to primary and secondary school over the next few weeks there will no doubt be plenty of butterflies. For some children it’s particularly difficult as they face extra pressures like getting the best grades, or dealing with bullying, and others may be dealing with mental health issues like anxiety or depression. If you are a young person with something going on, or a parent with concerns about your child, you don’t have to handle things alone. headspace the national youth mental health foundation provides support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. General mental health and wellbeing resources can be found at headspace.org.au. For online and telephone support please visit eheadspace.org.au or call 1800 650 890, which is staffed by qualified youth mental health professionals.
Chris Tanti, CEO headspace
