Invitation for youth
For this year’s International Youth Day, I am inviting young people across the Bellarine to write to me detailing their ideas, their values and what’s important for their futures.
This can take the form of a speech or a letter.
By participating in this opportunity, young people in the community will have a chance to showcase their talents, express their opinions and make a real impact.
I will select the winners and read their ideas to the Victorian Parliament, having it preserved in the record.
I look forward to receiving contributions from local residents, celebrating their unique perspectives.
Submissions can be sent by Friday August 25 to alison.marchant@parliament.vic.gov.au
Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine
Why say ‘no’?
A recent visit to WA’s Fremantle prison and Rottnest Island’s museum was a stark reminder of the abject cruelty experienced by many aboriginals in Australia’s history. Ten percent of those imprisoned on Rottnest over many years are buried there, and until recent times a tourist camping area was placed over the burial site.
Why do Dutton-inspired NO campaigners emphasise the lack of a universal language and percentages of blood as major issues regarding our indigenous people? Why don’t they ever mention our history of persecution and neglect? The eight year gap in life expectancy between white and indigenous Australians? Why don’t they highlight an indigenous suicide rate which is twice as high as ours? Why do they never list the numerous preventable diseases our First nations people have to endure due to the lack of medical services and care?
Surely these are some of the major issues needing to be addressed? The Voice, as a legislated but ADVISORY body to parliament (another factor never emphasised by NO campaigners) will raise these issues if the result of the forthcoming referendum is successful.
What a great opportunity for us to put matters right, once and for all.
Peter & Cathy Coghlan, Drysdale
Ratepayers Inc keeps watch
As the costs of living goes up, so do our rates. But councils are not listening, only 0.01% of hardship claims are approved.
Ratepayers Geelong Inc is very concerned for those in distress and is keeping watch.
Join and make our voice louder. Contact Antonia on 0413-241 991.
The cruelty of councils has been the subject of the state media, but our local media has been silent. They should too join our voice.
Andrew Senia, president Ratepayers Geelong Inc
