Pushing the limit
What is it about speed signs on our roads that leads us to believe that no matter what is occurring ahead of us on the road, or beside it, that if the speed sign said 80kph, or 100kph, then that’s the speed we’ll drive?
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No matter there are children ahead on ponies, youngsters on bikes of scooters, or playing ball; the sign said 80, so 80 it is.
Today showed a perfect example of this lack of concern.
A friend was walking with his guide dog up Old Bundarra Road. He was walking on the grass verge (there is no footpath on this particular length of road).
Two cars approached from opposite directions.
“They’ll slow down”, I thought. I hoped. Instead, still travelling at least 80kph, they passed each other, and my friend with his dog, at the exact moment. There were inches to spare.
The dog, only a young Labrador, did not flinch or leave her responsibility-the guy with her harness in her hands.
Judy Bloomfield
Inverell
Positive for youth
I recently attended Rotary District 9650 Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) held in Inverell from May 15-17.
What a celebration of young Australians at their best; knowledgeable, articulate, compassionate and humorous.
In an age where our youth is sometimes perceived negatively, I feel that it is important to recognise the positives.
I also wish to acknowledge Rotary who support and foster such events, and to promote the eagerness of our youth.
Congratulations to all schools who participated and the happy band of helpers who kept things running smoothly.
Most importantly, I wish to congratulate Ms Josephine Kelly whose directional and organisational skills (not to mention that Irish humour) made MUNA 2015 a resounding success.
Julia Hay
Toowoomba
50 years for appeal
I am writing on behalf of The Salvation Army to let readers know that this year it is 50 years since we started knocking on doors for the annual Red Shield Appeal.
Australians have always been deeply generous to The Salvation Army. We thank your readers for the huge support offered to the work of The Salvation Army over these 50 years.
This year the simple fact is that the need for funds has never been more desperate.
The Salvation Army now helps more than one million disadvantaged Australians every year. People who are hungry, abandoned, abused, homeless or facing all kinds of crises.
Sadly for many individuals and families right now, hard times may literally be one pay cheque away.
We know that many Australians are doing it tough.
The Salvation Army does everything it can to help people in need.
In a typical week we provide 100,000 meals for hungry people, 2000 beds for homeless people, distribute up to 8000 food vouchers, provide refuge for 500 victims of abuse and much more.
We need funds to continue our critical work to help put lives back together. We need donations so we can continue to provide refuges for women and children in crisis, help people with homeless shelters, assist families in need and much more.
We are always focused on the word hope. The Salvation Army is an army of hope.
To donate to or volunteer for this year’s appeal, please call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or online at salvos.org.au.
You can also donate in person at any Westpac branch or post a cheque to Reply Paid 87088, Silverwater, NSW, 2128.
On the weekend of May 30 and 31, volunteers will be knocking on doors. It goes without saying we are deeply grateful for whatever support readers can give.
Bruce Harmer,
The Salvation Army
Is funding enough?
IT WAS pleasing to note the Abbott Government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reducing claim time targets for veterans in the 2015-16 budget.
A $10 million commitment to boosting the number of claims officers in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is also welcome.
However it does raise the inevitable question of whether it will be enough.
Over the past decade there have been numerous reviews, inquiries and commitments by governments of both persuasions.
Yet veterans have continued to experience long delays, red tape and stonewalling when seeking to have their claims processed.
More recently, staff cuts across the board have created delays.
While we welcome the modest increase in the budget a more meaningful step would be a move by the government to legislate timeframes for decision making on claims for DVA so that our veterans don't wait years for a decision.
Brian Briggs
Military compensation lawyer
Slater and Gordon