FAIR GO FOR FAIRFAX
Dear editor,
Apparently there’s a Federal election looming. You can tell by the number of roadside billboards popping up like Dicky Knees all over the countryside.
The current member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien is leading the charge with an interesting approach. He seems to be promoting the phrase ‘Fairfax matters’. However, just to set the record straight, ‘Fairfax matters’ is the name of the well-established community group that supports independent candidate Francine Wiig for the Federal seat of Fairfax in the coming election.
Confused? I’m not. Clearly the Federal member and his staff are either well aware of the group ‘Fairfax matters’ or they’re just not paying attention. Which means either they’re playing dirty politics to intentionally confuse, or they’re not very interested in the ‘safe’ Fairfax electorate. Both show a disappointing willingness to put party politics over people.
I’m supporting Francine Wiig as an independent candidate who prioritises integrity and puts the people and the community first rather than party politics.
Robyn Peters,
Yaroomba.
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FEDERAL ELECTION
Dear editor
Here we go folks, another federal election is looming, and the political class is stirring. It will be very interesting to see how well the already-announced independents fare.
The community group Fairfax Matters has a candidate, as has the group in Fisher.
A wise political activist once said to me “Never give a mongrel a name”, that is never name an opponent. So has Fairfax MP, Ted O’Brien kicked an own goal?
On his latest billboard, our local MP declares that he is delivering for Fairfax because Fairfax matters.
The voters of Fairfax will have the last say on whether he has been delivering or has he been too busy spruiking the opposition nuclear energy policy.
Many experts have disparaged the Liberal National Parties’ nuclear power plans as too expensive and undeliverable as there are too many hurdles to jump such as legal ones, environmental, and technological to have a timely impact on addressing climate change and certainly won’t reduce the cost of energy for decades to come.
But that has been O’Brien’s top priority for too long now, certainly not Fairfax or anything that matters to residents here in the near future.
Robyn Deane,
Nambour.
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SUNRISE LOVE
Dear editor,
I am blessed to live near Coolum at Point Arkwright – just a five-minute walk to the beach. I think Coolum with its bays is one of the most magnificent places in Australia… maybe even in the whole world! Every day I am grateful to experience the glory of dawn greeted by singing kookaburras as the sun awakens the natural elements. These connections are very tangible at Point Arkwright with its magnificent rocks and beautiful foreshore with native bush, birds and animals. I’ve seen kangaroo, sea eagle, various bird species, turtles, jellyfish, whales, dolphins and more.
Sunrises are always awe-inspiring. Even when it is overcast and the sun is not visible, its rays of red light are healing mind and body. Looking out across the expansive ocean watching the sun at the horizon is an unbeatable experience. You simply can’t capture the beauty of first light on a camera. Its golden orange pink glory has to be experienced with all the senses. The ocean, the sun, the clouds, the sky, the rocks, the sand, the freshwater creek and the dunes; it’s all here.
Coolum is indeed a wonderful place with its supportive, caring and environmentally engaged community. I feel very blessed to call this my home.
K. Maa,
Pt Arkwright.
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FAST FOOD
Dear editor,
With approaching holiday seasons, McDonalds and similar fast foods advertisements have bombarded our screens. They are relentless in brainwashing audiences with tempting food and drink varieties, appealing to a more relaxed spirit, in tune with holiday makers needing a break. The everyday consumption is becoming the norm.
What targeted audiences are not focussed on when hunger sets in, is that over 60% of Australians are classified as obese, including children. This puts huge pressures on our health system, especially with preventable diseases caused by regular poor nutrition. Adding to the fast-food addictions Australians seem to indulge in for convenience, is the high consumption of alcohol and alarming drug dependency, exacerbating the cost of running our costly health system, failing many. This is an escalating trend, considering generations of children are addicted to fast foods regularly, with parental consent. Fast food outlets are complicit in contributing to the high percentage of preventable diseases and obesity, in children, in particular. Then into adulthood, the occasional treat becomes a habit hard to break.
Governments in the past have endeavoured to reduce liquor advertisements, associated with and promoted at sporting events and the total elimination of tobacco advertising. However, persistence and “pester power” seem to win over impatient appetites, when fast food presentations are so appealing. This does not augur for future generations at risk of fatal diseases, impacting a struggling health system which we increasingly cannot afford.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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NUCLEAR?
Dear editor,
Is it true that the 18-year-old founder of ‘Nucula’ for Australia is sponsoring a visit by Miss America 2023 Beauty Queen to convince Australian women that ‘nucula’ power is good for humanity? Just asking for more details.
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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AUS OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Dear editor,
I love watching the Australian of the Year ceremony with nominees who have chosen to take the high road.
How wonderful to see Professor Georgina Long return with Professor Richard Scolyer who had no guarantees to survive his brain cancer with an Australian experimental treatment.
Richard spoke of the importance of feeling the support of so many Australians. Georgina said the essential ingredient for Richard and all of us this year is hope.
Pope Francis has designated 2025 as a time to renew ourselves as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. In an age of uncertainty, local Anglican churches are pursuing a Year of Hope reaching out to their wider community.
This year’s Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher, offers hope by saying “Imagine what we can achieve when we take small steps to make a difference and work together.”
Warren Buffet who is donating most of his $150 billion in wealth to worthy causes has said, “Take the high road it’s far less crowded.”
As a community, our challenge is to pursue the high road avoiding the distractions of fear mongering and nay-sayers on the low road which is becoming choked.
Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, urges us to turn hope into action by being the change we want to see in the world.
Garry Reynolds,
Peregian Springs.
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HUMANISM
Dear editor,
Congratulations on 35 years at The Advertiser! I would like to talk about ‘humanism’. Humanism encompasses many things. Stories, emotion, prevailing over challenges, but it is anchored in three things- humans are inseparably fated to the health of the natural environment. Humans must have respect for diversity, equity and inclusivity. And most of all, humanism is a project of elevation. To elevate all humans always everywhere. This is done through the dissemination, without barriers, of knowledge.
But with respect to correspondent Mr Reynolds and to quote Madonna “… It’s a material world and I am a material girl (person).” A person’s spiritual and physical health is directly related to their material circumstances. Kindness is great, awesome, but a system that ensures material safety nets for every human ever to be born is something else entirely. There is enough wealth for the collective endeavour of humanism to be enjoyed by ALL.
Shout out to Mrs Treichel! A magnificent humanist English teacher.
Dylan White,
Coolum Beach.
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SALVOS CHRISTMAS THANK YOU
Dear editor,
With the start of a new year, 2025 offers us a chance to reflect on the year that has passed, and also look forward to the new beginnings offered in the year ahead.
For The Salvos, looking back on 2024 means reflecting on the one person every seventeen seconds that we helped throughout the year. It is a privilege to stand alongside Aussies doing it tough and provide them with support and hope.
It also means reflecting on the generosity of you, the Australian public who help make this vital work possible. So, from all of us at The Salvation Army, and on behalf of all those we support every day, to the Australian public we say thank you.
Thank you particularly for your generosity towards our Christmas Appeal, which helped provide a special Christmas to those who would have otherwise gone without.
If it wasn’t for your support, kids would have gone without presents under the tree, families without a special Christmas meal and many without hope and joy during the festive season. For this, we say thank you.
Now, as we look towards 2025, The Salvation Army wants to make an encouragement to those around the country.
While some Australians were in the position to give to The Salvos during Christmas, many others found it to be one of the most financially crippling times of the year, particularly as our nation faces a cost-of-living crisis.
To anyone who found themselves in that position, and now may be facing debt, financial hardship or stress about money, we want to let you know that there is hope at the start of this year.
The Salvos Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling to thousands of Aussies each year, helping them to get on top of their finances. There is no better time than the start of a new year to take a fresh look at your finances and get on top of your financial situation.
Please don’t wait until it is too late. Reach out to Moneycare today by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363.
Colonel Rodney Walters,
The Salvation Army
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ADVERTISER THANKS
Dear editor,
Congratulations on the Coolum Advertiser celebrating being part of the local community for 35 years.
Thank you for publishing my letters and I will keep endeavouring to provide honest thoughtful well researched contributions.
Garry Reynolds,
Peregian Springs
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PRAISE FOR CHRISTMAS
Dear editor,
Thank you for such a beautiful article on Coolum Hearts. Your ongoing support is very much appreciated, and we love your work.
I look forward to each edition of the Advertiser – life in our little pocket of heaven would not be the same without it.
Best wishes for a brilliant 2025.
Barb and Clive Holden,
Coolum Hearts.
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HEART HEALTH THIS FEB
Dear editor,
As REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month, approaches this February, Heart Research Australia is urging all Australians to come together and take action to safeguard both their heart and brain health. This year, we are shedding light on the crucial link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function and sharing effective day-to-day strategies to support both. It’s crucial to understand that what supports the heart also benefits the brain.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and its effects reach far beyond our hearts. Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can not only cause damage to the heart, but can also increase the risk of cognitive decline, and the development of dementia. By 2054, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to double. So, protecting our heart and brain health now is more vital than ever, not only for our own health and wellbeing, but to reduce the pressure on our health system as it braces for the impact of an ageing population.
In our communities, the impact of heart disease and dementia are deeply felt. We see it in our families, friends, and neighbours. The path forward begins with simple, actionable steps. Heart Research Australia’s 4-M Approach—Meals, Movement, Measurement, and Mental Wellness—guides us to take small, meaningful actions today, which can protect both our hearts and our minds.
This REDFEB, we are asking Australians to come together to wear red, raise awareness, and contribute to the vital research that will change lives.
To learn more about Heart Research Australia’s 4-M approach and support Heart Research Australia’s critical research, please visit www.heartresearch.com.au.
Nicci Dent,
CEO, Heart Research Australia.
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