Welcome, everyone.
When a helpful person from Greater Shepparton Secondary College responded to my request to have a chat with executive principal Barbara O’Brien, I imagined that we’d have this for you, today — and I started some research. The first thing that gained my attention was the school’s vision statement.
To develop creative, curious and caring learners who actively contribute to making a better world.
I really like the inclusion of ‘curious’ because, to me at least, curiosity denotes interest — and it’s a vital part of learning — for us as much as for students. If we are not interested in anything, we are guaranteed to learn nothing. And, there’s no doubt in my mind that curiosity can be discovered, encouraged and grown, in the right learning environment. I have witnessed remarkable change in my own family.
In addition, I was aware that Ms O’Brien had many years of experience in, and around, our city. In fact, I first met her when she taught my youngest son. Later, I became aware that she was principal of Wilmot Rd and Grahamvale primary schools. Then followed a dozen or so years of more demanding positions before she accepted her current role. Even with her wealth of experience, her job is far from easy and I want to ask her about that.
The story I wanted to tell you could not be ready for this week; however, I’ll have more to tell you, next Tuesday, about the school’s achievements to date and the challenges to come.
Alice Springs
Then my thoughts turned to Alice Springs, where alcohol restrictions have been reintroduced after six months of deteriorating conditions in the town. Incidents of domestic violence had increased by 52 per cent, with alcohol-involved trips to the emergency department and home invasions meeting similar highs.
I understood why restrictions had been removed (despite objections from Elders) and I understood why payments from social security had been released, to allow people to withdraw whatever cash they wanted (despite pleas from elders to keep them in place). Everyone in this country wants, and deserves, freedom — and the governments in place want to allow their freedom. However, it didn’t work out well, and a Band-Aid arrangement is in place until something permanent can be sorted out. What is workable and what is not?
I don’t think any of us can answer that question. The federal and Northern Territory governments have tried — on and off — for more than 30 years (that I’m aware of) — spending copious amounts of money and sending experienced people in to help. Sometime in the late 1980s, John Howard was talking about sending the Army into the Northern Territory; I can’t remember whether or not it happened. And this thinking brought me to the next referendum.
The Voice
I have written about this in the past — and expressed some reservations because no-one will tell us how it will work.
If the government could see fit to tell us how the representatives will be chosen — and what the government’s first steps will be, if the Voice is approved by the people — I would feel much more relaxed.
They are saying that, if the details go into the Constitution, and something needs to be adjusted, it will be difficult to change. That’s inaccurate because the details don’t have to be on the ballot paper — just the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question.
But we would all go to the polls better informed. I saw an interview with Anthony Albanese where he was asked if the panel’s suggestions would all be approved by parliament. The Prime Minister said “it would be a brave parliament to turn them down”.
So, although I still feel uneasy, I’m voting yes, largely because I don’t want to say no to something that might help.
And because well-intentioned governments have failed many times in the past — and are failing still.
Mind you, the restrictions in Alice Springs apply to everyone.
They can’t buy takeaway alcohol on Mondays or Tuesdays.
On other days, bottle shops are open from 3pm to 7pm, with one transaction per person.
I’m not sure what happens in the liquor store or the supermarkets. It’s possible that, if these restrictions were nationwide, we could all live with them — with a bit of planning.
However, I’m not sure what overseas tourists would think of it!
And the earthquake
More than 33,000 people — loved and wanted, and special in their own way — have gone.
And the grief is shared worldwide.
In truth, there are no words to describe what has happened, but my first thoughts were for our local people.
Among our residents, there are about 260 people who were born in Türkiye and almost 100 born in Syria. It is not difficult to imagine their heartache, and their helplessness created by the tyranny of distance.
But it is the children who bring us all unstuck. Watching some of their precious little faces, as they were pulled from the wreckage, some now bewildered and nameless little orphans, was difficult. We are aware that this planet offers us many challenges but, dear God, look out for our babies!
I found it incredibly touching that Ukraine managed to send people to help. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is becoming the world’s hero!
Readers’ messages
A reader’s message regarding Tim and his tanks.
Tim Vibert and I took the mast off a yacht, nailed a board on the back of boat and attached an outboard so we could play dodgems with the 12-25 speedboats tearing around the Lake Victoria, late ’50s. I caught up with Tim after 60 years last year, in Wangaratta; still a fascinating friend.
Bill.
Thanks, Bill. It’s not difficult for me to imagine him getting up to mischief.
By the way, I watched Courage Under Fire (on Disney). I wanted to see Tim’s tanks and I wanted to know why the US Army refused to have anything to do with the movie. It didn’t take long to find out. The story was based around the Army’s upper echelon covering up incidents, which required investigation. It was also about bravery — courage under fire. I enjoyed it — particularly Denzel Washington!
A reader’s message regarding the first school day.
Hello Marnie.
My first day at school was way back in 1946 in Bendigo.
I was so excited wearing a brand new dress that Mum made. It was blue with toy soldiers printed all over it. Sitting on a mat that first morning, this very naughty boy named John sat and cried and screamed and kicked and put dirt all over my lovely dress. The only memory of the day.
Mum walked me the mile to and from school. She did this each day for the first couple of years until a bus route started. I enjoy your column.
Eileen.
Thank you, Eileen. My apologies for the delay in publishing your message. It brought back another first-day memory for me. We were also sitting, cross-legged on the floor — and next to me was a sad little boy. I didn’t know how to make him feel better. So I kissed his cheek. Everybody laughed and pointed at us; I think I made things worse!
Note: I have withheld his name because I think he’s still around — and, embarrassing him again is not my intention. I assure all of you that my five-year-old heart was pure!
Last Tuesday at my house
My husband was always a handy man; constantly improving, pruning, mowing or fixing things. These days of course, with his sight gone, most of his jobs are now mine — unless I can lasso a son. Last Tuesday, I sipped my morning cuppa, ashamed of my own home. I had been tied up for a few days — with tanks, travels, Hollywood and Denzel Washington. (In your dreams, woman!) The laundry, and my desk, looked like they’d been hit by a typhoon, the floors were grubby, the indoor plants were silently begging for attention. I’d just put on some washing when my husband told me that the en suite toilet was leaking and asked if I’d look at it.
Occasionally I have had some success at fixing things, about which I know absolutely nothing, by using whatever common sense has been allotted me on that occasion. On this day, though, I was definitely not in the mood for looking at toilets. However, unless I looked at it and fixed it or called a plumber, he would worry about it all day.
Dutifully, I looked at it; could see the leak; could see two things that looked as if they’d been separated. I put the two things back together and they clicked, contentedly. Job done! As I turned to confront the floors, my man suggested that he hire me out, to the neighbourhood, as a plumber. Not in the mood for nonsense, I impatiently replied “I don’t think so”.
“Is it because,” he was looking towards me with compassion, “is it because you haven’t got the overalls?”
Honestly guys, laughter has saved me from myself so many times.
Take care everybody and laugh a lot.
May it be easy, my friends
Marnie.
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish.)