VOICE RESULT
Dear editor,
The result of the referendum though not unexpected, was nevertheless disappointing for the 80% of indigenous population and 35% of residents in the Fairfax electorate who voted Yes to the Voice.
Our Prime Minister’s promise to provide an opportunity for Constitutional recognition and a forum for open discussion from indigenous residents of remote communities as well as regional towns, was overruled by the divisive promotion of material designed to generate fear of “the other”.
It seems that the reputed fortune already expended on our indigenous communities has been a waste of revenue with no viable outcome and we must somehow move toward a more positive solution. Unfortunately, without the input that a successful referendum result would have provided.
Linese Norrish,
Coolum Beach.
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VOICE FALLOUT
Dear editor,
Margaret Wilkie “and friends” wonders what the rest of the world will think of Australians after the referendum result.
Well, I would like to take a stab at the answer. It’s really quite simple Margaret, the world will know, once and for all, that the vast majority of Australians do not want this wonderful country divided by race.
There you are, I hope this helps you and your friends.
Peter Bayliss
Peregian Springs.
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ADVERTISER PRAISE
Dear editor,
In this age of anti-reason, this era of discombobulation, this time where people’s notions are pitted in competition against each other there is a major shortage of grace. Grace is something that allows in any given situation for the most amount of benefit to be absorbed by the most amount of people. Grace is not naturally acquired it usually comes about by having the shoe on the other foot or putting oneself in the position of others. Grace cannot be formed in the vacuum of individual interests. It comes about by social interaction and discovery through discussion and time spent in the company of others from which knowledge emerges. The Coolum and North Shore Advertiser has a lot of grace in its position of informing and highlighting the comings and goings, achievements, and character of the local communities it represents. We all need to work towards grace. Otherwise, it will be an even more troubling world indeed.
Dylan White,
Coolum Beach.
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FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
Dear editor,
It is financially tough out there.
In my work as part of the Salvos Moneycare team, I see lots of people who have been weighed down emotionally by their financial situation.
I see the way the constant thinking about how to juggle expenses keeps us on edge. It’s not good for us mentally, physically, or spiritually.
Indeed, recent research from The Salvos shows that people’s mental health is the top concern for 73% of our clients across the country. Many Aussies are struggling to cope, and this cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of letting up any time soon.
That’s why we are here, to help when life is getting a bit too much. I get a bit sad when people think “a financial counsellor is not for me”, or worse “they’ll think I’m overreacting”. Because it’s just not true.
Financial Counselling is a free, non-judgmental service where a qualified person listens to your financial situation and works with you take control of your money.
We can work with lenders, utility providers and, most critically, with you to develop plans and skills to better navigate the path to financial well-being.
A community member who accessed Moneycare in Queensland told us, “I feel less stressed. I didn’t know there was this help available. I can’t believe how great you have been. I have a pathway to take away worry and concern.”
That is what we are all about here at The Salvos. By empowering you to get your financial well-being back on track, Financial Counselling can be a way to make anyone – yes, anyone – have the freedom to make choices to allow you to enjoy life.
This Anti-Poverty Week, I would encourage anyone who might be feeling the pinch financially at the moment to reach out to us on 1800 722 363. We are here to help.
Kristen Hartnett
National Head of Salvation Army Moneycare.
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VOICE WIN
Dear editor,
In any competition, there are winners and losers. However, in our modern society, losing with grace and dignity is a dying art. “All’s fair in love and war.”, only if you win, apparently.
The Voice referendum of 14 October 2023 had a decisive result that cannot be ignored. Virtually a 60/40 outright win was not what the promoters wanted or expected. But that is the irrefutable, democratic result. Australians have spoken. The umpires’ decision is final – No is No! Accept the majority decision and go forward.
Mature people learn the lesson early in life, that we don’t always win, but keep persevering. However, its result was so crushing for those with great expectations of an outright win, like the P.M. and his entourage, that in Queensland, our Labor Premier has granted public servants five days leave on full pay, to grieve.
Really, at taxpayers’ expense? What is this teaching our kids? Is this the way? Never mind, you are all winners, and you all get to take a trophy home, or you can have five days off school, with no homework. This is not real life. Disappointments and failure are life-long lessons.
I demand compensation for Queensland Labor’s State and Federal Labor’s wins since my party didn’t win those last elections. I’ve been grieving the outcome for years. Where are all our statesmen? These are only sore losers, leading by bad example. Is this the best we have going forward?
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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