THANKS
Dear editor,
Dan Purdie MP has a sign on the motorway, not far south of the roundabout traffic jams. It reads, “Thank you, Ninderry”.
Thank you for letting me swap my policeman’s lot for this happy one.
Thank you for the lifelong free ride that only a pension can provide.
Thank you for making my life at Moffatt Beach so much nicer.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Peter Baulch,
North Arm.
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VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING BILL
Dear editor,
I am waiting with the proverbial “bated breath” for our parliamentary representatives to cast their votes on the introduction of the law to introduce Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) and I do hope that the religious zealots occupying seats in their electorates will vote in accord with their constituents. Eighty per cent of which do support the rights of the terminally ill to end their suffering in as dignified a manner as possible.
As yet I have not received a response from my letter to our LNP MP, Dan Purdie. I informed our parliamentary representative that those suffering a terminal illness and/or ongoing pain, should be able to have friends and/or relatives with them at a time of their choosing when they make their exit.
Linese Norrish,
Coolum Beach.
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Dear editor,
Of Queensland’s population of 5 million, only 7% use public transport. The predominant demographics using public transport are young people: teens and young adults, seniors and pensioners.
Translink, is a taxpayer-funded Government institution. Most buses in regional areas run almost empty. Add to this financial fiasco: banning cash for tickets on buses, exploited by the shrewd. Translink transport inspectors are rare in regional areas and useless to contain the free-ride epidemic. The $300 fine doesn’t apply here.
Congestion on our road networks signifies our public transport is inefficient, alternatively forcing people into cars. Poor connections and unreliable buses exacerbate road congestion: a nightmare for commuters. More reliable and efficient “Busways” are uniquely a Brisbane system.
Generally, seniors relying on public transport use Go-cards to pay their way. The irony is: the Go-card system discriminates. Go-card users are fined for minor, inattentive indiscretions. They watch disheartened, as younger demographics exploiting the free-ride epidemic, move freely around the regions – NEVER subject to fines.
Translink colludes with our regional “Sunbus” service, condoning the entitlement to free rides with impunity. This is unethical and “grand theft”, through apathetic Government inaction. Too hard?
E. Rowe
Marcoola.
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STROKE FOUNDATION
Dear editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible work our health professionals do every day to save lives and support survivors to recover well after stroke.
We know their working environment has become more challenging amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but their dedication to the 27,400 people who will experience a stroke this year, never waivers.
I was heartened to see survivors of stroke and their loved ones around Australia also share their gratitude during Stroke Week (August 2-8), embracing the “United By Stroke” theme.
However, the reality is, we can have the best doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and the most advanced treatments for stroke, but time is still the critical factor. You must get to hospital quickly to access emergency stroke treatment.
After a stroke, around 1.9 million brain cells die each minute. In most cases, the faster a stroke can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a good recovery. Time saved equals brain saved.
I encourage the community to keep spreading the F.A.S.T. acronym all year round. Knowing the F.A.S.T message and sharing it with your family and friends can be the first step in saving a life and avoiding ongoing disability. It may be your own life or that of someone you love.
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.
Stroke is always a medical emergency. Please know what to do when stroke strikes. Think F.A.S.T. and act fast at the first sign of stroke.
Sharon McGowan,
Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Foundation.
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