The whole story
For weeks now, I have been asking for the truth about the approximately 500 per cent increase in burial fees.
I couldn’t understand why the conservative parties were silent — given that I had been told, by someone I thought would know, that this increase was statewide. The reason for this is now apparent; the increase is for the Shepparton Public Cemetery only, and our representatives in the Parliament were informed, as you and I were, by this newspaper.
I was also surprised that I hadn’t heard from Wendy Lovell, our long-term, experienced state Member for Northern Victoria. On Saturday, August 3, Wendy called my personal mobile. She had left two messages for me on the phone number I included at the end of Town Talk. We have since discovered that the number is not working, and as a result, I didn’t receive them.
No caller has ever received a warmer welcome from me; I was so glad to hear from her. She had, of course, been doing everything she could — including raising the matter in the first sitting of parliament after a break. Her speech was strong and detailed, as was her communication with the responsible minister.
The whys of it all
The Shepparton Public Cemetery – the only one affected – is run by a small team of volunteers. Quite frankly, I don’t think this city would be the Shepp we know without our wonderful volunteers, and I am certainly not criticising them.
They were perplexed because incomings weren’t meeting outgoings, and they needed to increase fees, which hadn’t happened for some years. So, they contacted the Minister for Health and Infrastructure, asking for advice. The advice was that they should be increased by around 500 per cent. The minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, is obviously lacking empathy and, to my mind, common sense. The emails to her were polite, but she has yet to reply to either Wendy or me as I write.
Prices are supposed to increase with CPI, and I have done all the calculations for which I am capable. Working on averages, I suggest that the CPI has increased by around 150 per cent in 10 years. The current price hike for an adult burial is closer to 500 per cent.
Please, everybody. You know I’m not an expert in anything and that there are people much smarter than me involved with this. But surely, I can’t be that far out. Surely, an increase of 150 per cent would have been more than enough. So, where did the additional 350 per cent come from? Where could it have come from except Ms Thomas’ office?
My apologies
I was expecting the conservative leaders to jump on this, but I was wrong. This is not a statewide problem, it is ours and ours alone. It is the people of Shepparton and our representatives who need to do the jumping.
So, I do apologise — particularly to Wendy Lovell, who had to try three times before setting me straight about her activities on our behalf.
What you can do
There are people in Shepp who can’t afford food right now, and they don’t deserve to be treated in this manner. There are also pensioners who can’t afford this increase — and I have heard from some of them. I care, and I’m sure you do too. Here is Ms Thomas’ email: minister.health@health.vic.gov.au
Safe places
Last week, when I was writing about the Girl Guides, I asked Girl Guides Victoria for a definition of guiding, a mission statement if you like. In their reply, they mentioned guiding as a ‘brave place’. This caught my attention. I had thought previously about the ‘safe’ places in my life: the places where you are free to be completely yourself — where there is no fear, places where you learn and grow into yourself.
I can only write about this from my own perspective. But I do hope it gives you an opportunity to think about the safe and brave places in your life — and, perhaps, how they changed you.
Home
There is no doubt in my mind that home was always a safe place for me. However, I’m aware that, unfortunately, it isn’t for every child. Too many children are faced with violence of some kind in what should always be a safe and happy environment.
School
School was not a safe place for me, but, somewhat ironically, the classroom was because I found learning exciting. However, there was a repeated embarrassment for me — inside my safe place. In those days, after any test or exam, the teachers would read out the marks — from top to bottom. The only children comfortable with this were the ones in the middle. It was a horrible thing to do, and I hated it. Thank God, this is no longer inflicted on young people.
My marriage
Our marriage was, is and always will be a safe place. It shook a little when I went back to study. We had been married for about 20 years, and my man felt threatened. He said I was going places without him, and as I still loved learning, I didn’t want to give it up; however, that sorted itself out with my next safe place.
Shepparton Theatre Arts Group
My husband was in Turaton and was pinched from there by Joyce Dawber. STAG needed men for their next production. He was cast the following year also, and I was feeling left out. So, I apologetically called Joyce, who I had known and loved for almost 30 years. I should have auditioned like everyone else; however, she needed dancers, and that was all I had to offer anyway. There was such a warm, hugging welcome — perhaps because they liked my husband so much. I felt very much at home and safe. Our marriage benefited enormously from this joint interest, more than an interest, rather a passion for the theatre. Our boys also developed an interest and all played roles — in different shows — including The Sound of Music, The Little Tin Soldier and Aladdin. The eldest also played in the orchestra for the latter. STAG was a safe place for our entire family.
McPherson Media
I willingly gave up my studies when I joined this newspaper and, less willingly, gave up STAG. There was so much to learn. I had been employed as an advertising consultant, which meant selling, and I didn’t know if I could.
This newspaper offered challenges in abundance, but it quickly became a safe place. And I clearly remember how that happened.
There was a week’s training initially, although the opportunities to learn were ongoing. In the first week, we were taught how to make print advertising effective. It is not simple, but it was well taught, and I felt comfortable that I knew enough to begin with. This was followed by sales training. During this course, we were told, ‘If you think the advertising won’t work — don’t sell it’. Now, I could live with this. It was fair, and I was definitely in a safe place. I followed this guideline and later taught it to every new salesperson for around 10 years.
My safe place became a bit shaky when, about 35 years from the beginning, I began writing this column. Out of my familiar place, I walked the floor at night, trying to think of something you might find interesting. Why did I keep trying? Because I didn’t want to let anyone down. Eventually, you began to respond, and I realised that I can’t please everyone all the time, but I can interest some of you occasionally.
Example: this week, I’m sure I’ve lost the gentlemen who met at the Sherbourne hotel. “What’s this safe place thing she’s talking about?”
Your safe places
Come on now, tell me. Some have never given it a thought. But, for most of us, life has been a bit of a challenge, and there have been highlights. Despite our equality, women remain much more in touch with their emotions than most men, so please tell me. Call if you don’t want to write — and tell me if you don’t want anything published. I genuinely want to hear — and I’ve been upfront with you.
If a fella responds, it will be a surprise to me, and I’ll buy him a coffee — or a beer.
So, why are you looking at a photo of a restaurant in Disneyland?
Because, a photo of the cemetery won’t brighten your day — and not even for you, am I including a photo of myself. I look like a witch in the photos. Fair dinkum!
I don’t know the full story behind the dancing photo except that my great-granddaughter and her parents were dining at a Disneyland restaurant in Paris. For some reason or another, Willow was taken to make-up and wardrobe. I’m betting that her mother wasn’t around when the dress was chosen!
Perhaps she put her hand up because, for Willow, the entire world is her safe place. I pray that it stays that way.
How to contact Town Talk
The phone number I’ve included now comes directly to me — so you can text or call. Please understand that there will be times when I will need to call you back. However, you are definitely welcome to call. I love hearing from you.
Take care everyone — no more nine-car collisions. And may it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. The News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187