LOCAL KINDNESS
Dear editor,
Recently at our local shops, after leaving my husband at the chemist, I walked up to the Bli Bli Bakery to buy a couple of bread rolls for lunch. As I approached, I noticed a sign outside about the benefits of shopping local – better service than at the big shops, locals employed and money staying in the local community, etc. Of course I had to agree, what I also didn’t realise is that it can be the setting for a random act of kindness.
My husband was to pick me up when he was done. What I hadn’t realised was that he’d had to use all the cash in my purse to pay an account. So, I told the shop assistant that I’d be back in a few minutes when he came.
To my surprise another customer offered to pay. I said there was no need, and I could have used my card, but it didn’t seem worth it for such a small amount. She insisted and offered to pay the lovely woman behind the counter who said not to worry as she handed me the bread rolls!
It certainly put a spring in my step as I went to find my husband. The rolls seemed extra delicious that day, many thanks to the two kind women.
Robyn Deane,
Bli Bli.
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WHO VOLUNTEERS?
Dear editor,
Australia runs on volunteers. Fire brigade, CWA, Farming aide organisations, op shops, environmental groups, surf lifesaving, the list is endless. Without our volunteers so much just wouldn’t happen. But who are the people who volunteer? From my experience, most are people who have lived in Australia for quite some time. Looking about I don’t see many new Australians volunteering. Why is that? Do we inadvertently not include them? Perhaps they are reticent for some reason? Or are they not interested in being part of our community? We need to make an effort to include them and let them witness first-hand how things are done here. We help each other.
Name supplied.
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FARE EVASION
Dear editor,
In South-East Queensland’s public transport, a network of Translink’s fare inspectors roam randomly to check commuters’ go-card credit or paper tickets, travelling on buses and trains.
However, fare evasion continues with impunity, considering that two or three inspectors working together cannot be in multiple vehicles at once. They either warn fare evaders of their responsibility or fine them. Children are not fined. Teenagers are considered children on school days.
It is usually the regular elderly commuters who pay their way. During weekdays fare evasion is rare. However, after school and on weekends, the practice is rife, usually by teens and young adults avoiding payment, arrogantly walking on board with a sense of entitlement.
Bus drivers do not challenge fare evaders. The system is set up for drivers to record fare evasion on the bus computer. Those who do pay watch this daily, on almost every bus. Inspectors fail to catch the regular fare evaders, who use social media to contact one another, with information as to the movements of inspectors.
This data Translink is well aware of, but with no change to fare evasion repeated daily. It is less common the closer travel is to Brisbane from Caboolture south, and in Brisbane, where it is not tolerated.
This is theft, a crime, and should not be tolerated. It is the taxpayer subsidising public transport, due to the infrequency of Translink’s fare evasion inspectors, seemingly not a priority. It is unconscionable to allow this to continue. The State Government’s lackadaisical ignorance is robbing Queensland taxpayers continually, by inaction.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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OZ DAY AWARDS
Dear editor,
The council made a decision to end a 64-year tradition of presentation of Australia Day Awards.
I was advised that Council wanted a different set of awards to celebrate the region’s status of a UNESCO Biosphere hence the ending of Australia Day Awards. Hardly justification for ending 64 years of history.
Making the change at a workshop without community consultation was justified because that’s the way the decision was made 64 years ago. Fortunately, the way things were done in 1960 does not justify the way things should be done now.
The use of the title “Biosphere Awards” is not appropriate for the Citizenship Awards or other Australia Day Awards. Australia Day awards system recognised the outstanding Service of Australians, groups and organisations and celebrated the diverse and remarkable contributions of extraordinary Australians since 1960.
The new awards are supposed to show examples of sustainability to our ecosystem.
In 2018 at the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards, The Citizens of the Year Award for the Sunshine Coast recipients, Denise and Bruce Morcombe provided plenty of Criteria for a couple who provided outstanding Service and contribution to Sunshine Coast residents as well as children everywhere. They would have failed to provide examples of the continued sustainability of our ecosystems in our biosphere. In the awards of 2024.
In a blink of an eye it’s no more. Tradition and the honouring of the most exceptional Australians is gone forever
The reasons given for lack of participation and cultural issues should not be the basis for cancellation of these awards and 64 years of history of this region.
We wish to lodge a strong complaint on how this was done, the reasons for the decision, the justification of the decision and the obvious cancellation of 64 years of Sunshine Coast History.
Colin Caudell,
Coolum Beach.
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VOTE FEMALE
Dear editor,
Let us address the gender disparity within the Sunshine Coast Council without delay. Since 2020, our council has been predominantly comprised of men, with just one woman among the decision-makers. It is evident that a more balanced representation is necessary to ensure diverse perspectives and better nurture our community’s needs.
Fortunately, for Division 8, we have Kathryn Hyman poised to bring about this necessary change. Having campaigned with Kathryn during the Sekisui Yaroomba Beachfront Development and Twin Waters West proposals, it is obvious Kathryn possesses a profound understanding of Council affairs and has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to our community. Her expertise spans various domains, encompassing other social and environmental concerns.
Kathryn’s commitment is genuine and steadfast, driven solely by her sincere concern for our community’s well-being. As the opportunity arises for her to assume the role of our local Councillor, she is primed to continue her exemplary advocacy efforts.
Our community can only be enhanced by Kathryn’s leadership, recognising the invaluable contribution she is poised to make to our region. So, when voting please consider the current gender disparity and vote for a woman who is well experienced to do the job.
Julie Failor,
Yaroomba.
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VOTING IN DIV8
Dear editor,
Ten men and only one woman have been the policymakers for the development of this region for too many years. We call for the most worthy candidate, Kathryn Hyman, to be elected at Saturday’s Council election and help correct this imbalance.
We know Kathryn, have worked with her, and she is passionate and highly experienced in the problems that affect our area.
She is the only Division 8 candidate who has been at the forefront of community campaigns for eight years, including President of Twin Waters West & Surrounds and is the driving force behind the fight against development on the flood plains.
Kathryn works in aged care, runs a small business, manages the Mudjimba Community Centre and is Mum for her two children.
Kathryn holds those in power accountable, bureaucrats and politicians, through intense research of detailed documents.
She is the only Division 8 candidate to send submissions to Council against the Sekisui development and the proposed Stockland development in Twin Waters.
Kathryn is a true independent, has cut no deals and has no political party affiliations. She has done all this for free because she cares. Now is her time to be elected as our local Councillor and continue her excellent advocacy work. Our area needs her.
Estelle Blair,
Yaroomba.