At the government and private levels, Australia is so wrong to be in the game of selling off assets and companies into overseas control. We used to be a country identified as ‘Australia’ regarding asset ownership and management. No longer.
Increasingly, we have sold off segments of our birthright for cash advantage. Sadly, that cash is soon wasted, generally squandered on some ‘quick fix’ and wholly unsustainable project. We keep selling, and we keep wasting.
Increasingly, we Australians are tenants in a country owned and controlled by overseas principals. We have allowed ourselves to become bankrupt yet continue to sell off whatever bits of the farm remain.
What was added to the water when King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth ! were taking a bath? Were the baths for a long or short period of time?
Response:
In the time of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, bathing practices were quite different from today. The water in their baths was typically heated and might be infused with various substances such as:
Herbs and Essential Oils: Lavender, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs were often added for fragrance and potential medicinal properties.
Milk: Sometimes, milk was added to baths for its believed skin-softening qualities.
Honey or Oils: These were also occasionally added for moisturizing effects.
Regarding the duration of the baths, both monarchs typically bathed infrequently by modern standards. Bathing was not a daily ritual; it was more common to bathe once every few weeks or even longer. When they did bathe, the water was usually changed after use due to hygiene concerns, as allowing multiple people to use the same bathwater was common. The actual time spent in the bath would vary, but it would generally be for a shorter duration compared to today’s standards of relaxation and self-care.
We are blessed to live in Australia, but I suspect we are somewhat extravagant about our birthright. Over the following few entries, I thought to outline what we might do differently and better. This does not come from an expert, but rather from an aging Australian-born and raised citizen whose next ‘major’ birthday centenary will take me to the threescore and ten—getting closer by the year.
Older adults see things differently, possibly more reflectively than the young. We have experienced what is yet to unfold for them, albeit in a different world. The constant is that we all have youth and then grow older.
I worry about this country and will share some thoughts about it.
I am revisiting and extending my observations in 2026. Having just turned 80 gives me licence to revisit these issues.
Do ladies or girls with the name ‘Hettie’ have a greater propensity for tears than others?
The propensity for tears or emotional expression in individuals is influenced more by personality traits, upbringing, and individual circumstances rather than their name.
Considerations:
Cultural Influence: Names can sometimes carry cultural or familial significance, which may influence a person’s identity and behavior, but this varies widely among individuals.
Individual Differences: Emotional expression, including the likelihood of crying, can differ greatly regardless of name. Factors such as temperament, life experiences, and social environments play a significant role.
Stereotypes and Generalizations: There may be stereotypes associated with certain names, but attributing emotional characteristics to names can lead to overgeneralization and may not accurately reflect individual traits.
Conclusion:
There is no scientific evidence or research to suggest that individuals named “Hettie” have a greater propensity for tears than anyone else. Emotional responses are complex and vary widely from person to person.
Which place on earth has the coldest temperatures for the longest periods of time?
The place on Earth with the coldest temperatures for the longest periods is typically considered to be Antarctica, specifically at a high point on the East Antarctic Plateau.
Key Facts about the Coldest Place:
Location: The area known as the Dome Argus on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Extreme Temperatures: Satellite measurements have recorded temperatures as low as −128.6°F (−89.2°C) at Vostok Station on July 21, 1983, which is the lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth.
Coldest Months: The winter months (May to August) see the most extreme cold, with temperatures often remaining well below freezing for extended periods.
Long Duration of Cold: Due to the high elevation and the polar climate, parts of Antarctica can experience continuous cold for most of the year, especially during the long polar nights.
Other Notable Cold Places:
Oymyakon, Russia: Known as one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, with temperatures dropping below −50°C (−58°F).
Yakutsk, Russia: Often cited for extreme winter temperatures but not as cold as the highest points in Antarctica.
Antarctica remains the most extreme in terms of sustained cold temperatures over long periods.
Since the year 1 ad, had there ever been total worldwide peace for at least the period of a week?
The concept of total worldwide peace is complex, especially since the year 1 AD. Throughout history, there have been numerous conflicts, wars, and societal upheavals across various regions of the world.
While there may have been brief periods of relative peace in localized areas, it’s highly unlikely that there has ever been a week where the entire globe was free of conflict, given the continuous nature of human disputes and differing interests among nations, tribes, and groups.
Historically significant periods, such as the Pax Romana (27 BC to 180 AD) or the Pax Britannica (1815 to 1914), involved relative peace within certain empires or regions but did not eliminate conflict elsewhere in the world. Thus, finding a time frame of total worldwide peace, even for a week, appears improbable based on historical records.
Which is the most important invention and advancement in the field of communications and why?
The most important invention in the field of communications is arguably the Internet. Here’s why:
1. Global Connectivity
The Internet enables instantaneous communication across the globe, transcending geographical barriers. This interconnectedness allows people from different countries to interact, share ideas, and collaborate like never before.
2. Information Access
It serves as a vast repository of information, making knowledge accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. This democratization of information has transformed education and learning.
3. Real-time Communication
Technologies such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing have revolutionized how we communicate. They allow for real-time interaction, facilitating both personal and professional communication.
4. Social Media Platforms
Social media has changed interpersonal communication, creating new ways for people to connect, share experiences, and mobilize for causes. It has also played a critical role in shaping public discourse and social movements.
5. Economic Impact
The Internet has spurred the growth of new industries and economic models, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and remote work. This has significantly changed how businesses operate and engage with consumers.
6. Innovation Catalyst
It has enabled technological advancements in other fields, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and IoT (Internet of Things), thereby pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
While there have been many significant inventions in the field of communications, the Internet stands out due to its profound impact on how we connect, share, and collaborate in an increasingly digital world.
Which is the most important invention of all time and why?
Determining the most important invention of all time is subjective and can vary based on different perspectives. However, a common contender for this title is the wheel. Here’s why:
Importance of the Wheel
Fundamental to Transportation: The wheel revolutionized how people traveled and transported goods, leading to the development of carts, chariots, and eventually vehicles.
Catalyst for Trade: The ability to move goods over long distances more efficiently facilitated trade, which was crucial for economic development and the rise of civilizations.
Enhancement of Machinery: The wheel is integral to many machines. Its principles are applied in countless inventions, from simple devices like water wheels to complex machinery in modern manufacturing.
Cultural Exchange: Improved transportation enabled cultural exchange and interaction between different societies, contributing to the spread of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices.
Foundation for Future Innovations: The concepts associated with the wheel have influenced numerous other inventions, including gears and engines, ultimately shaping the industrial and technological advancements we see today.
In summary, the wheel’s impact on transportation, trade, and technology has made it one of the most transformative inventions throughout human history.
Listening to the Senate in Canberra this afternoon during question time, all I can say that this chamber of debate resembles and reflects a bloody awful mess of misplaced, patriotism, foolish and stupid questions, and quite inane answers. Not that anyone would hear the answers for all the squawking that is going on.
I have listened to this chamber before and it was a disgrace. It is always a disgrace.
What is happening in the middle of the world from west to east is horrible Terror rules and missiles are doing the talking. Peace has gone Armageddon is spreading across the globe. What a transformation; it is literally a case of hell on earth.
Given some of the places we had to shop during years of outback appointments, I consider us lucky to have the choice of either Woolworths or Coles in Darwin. We shop in both, but I confess—a swing in preference to Coles in the past few years.
While prices are comparable, Cole’s offers outstanding opportunities for customers to earn credits toward some quality kitchen and dining extras. Since 2024, Coles has offered credits (One credit for every $20 spentand with bonus crdit opportunities) for kitchen knives, stone glass containers, European glassware, and now kitchen aid cookware. I have been able to obtain some quality items that help support members of our family in their business.
These days, Woolworths offers incentives of a less durable nature (cards and things) with appeal to children, but nothing of a long-lasting and practical nature.
In terms of comparison, it is Coles every time for me.
The issue of school attendance in both remote and urban school situations is one continuing to attract attention. That has been so for the past 40 years. Solutions are proposed but often not followed up by authorities.
In 2009 the enrolment of school age children became compulsory. However, there are still many school aged children in the Territory who have never been enrolled.
For children in urban schools, absence for a host of reasons occurs during term time . A major factor is that of families taking holidays during school terms when airfares and accomodation are cheaper. Attendance can be a problem for all schools.
Lead from the front.
Principals, school leadership teams and school councils need to be proactive when dealing with attendance issues. One strategy that works, is to encourage students on term time holidays, to develop a travelogue covering their experiences. This helps reinforce the learning children do while on family travels. Using media (photos and videos) to embellish adventures, adds to the written word. Trip diaries can be shared with classes and may even attract commendation and awards from classroom teachers and principals.
With a little imagination and by recognising travel as providing learning opportunities, these times away from school can become significant learning journeys for children.
While some parents request holiday assignments and worksheets, these are often not completed. That does not justify the time and effort taken by staff setting up these individual programs.
More than legislation needed
Legislating to solve attendance problems can be pretentious. The Tasmanian Government has decreed that from the beginning of 2018, no family holidays during term time will be allowed. Families will be liable for penalties of up to $2000 if they fail to follow this attendance directive.
Tasmania could have learned from the NT. We have legislation about school attendance, but when tested in court it has had very limited success. Further, the many steps that have to be actioned prior to any court hearing, are both lengthy and onerous.
There needs to be some follow up for all students on this issue, including recognition of children with outstanding attendance records. Mention in school newsletters and the presentation of merit certificates are two ways of acknowledging conscientious attenders. However, absences which result from family circumstances ought not be punitively treated. Encouraging children toward educational enrichment through their travels is
Teachers, particularly Primary School teachers often wonder whether schools are schools. It seems that many including parents, politicians and the community at large think of them as creches. Accord hij ing to the Macquarie Dictionary a school is a place where instruction is given for children. A creche is a nursery where children are cared for while their parents work. It seems to many educators that parents and primary caregivers are muddled between the two.
I am not blaming parents for the social malaise of the early 21st century. Talking about parents, schools and children Jeff Wells (Weekend Australian 20-21 April 1991) wrote it is a sign of the economic times that many families have to offer their children to be brought up by institutions alternate the nuclear family because of economic imperatives.
Changes in Educational Perception and School Definition
During the past fifteen to twenty years, for instance, teachers and office staff have become increasingly the minders for sick children, They are sent to school when unwell because parents cannot afford the time off work to care for them. The phenomena of unwell children spending their days in school medical rooms is exacerbated by industrial relations laws that either don’t recognise or are unkind to the needs of parents. This is still the case, notwithstanding the changes to legislation that has lead to some apparent enlightenment and added employee entitlement under the Fair Work Act.This puts school staff into a position of being minders, with school too often like unto health centres.
Front and centre to this are children who will endure as much as they can when sent to school ill, because they fear consequences if parents are contacted by the school about their unwellness. Over my years as a school principal, I became all too aware of this phenomena.
It is during the past twenty odd years that vacation school care, outside school hours care (before and after school) homework centres, school extracurricular programs for sport and so on, have sprung up. I have the greatest respect for the support these programs offer, but make the point that their necessity has been occasioned by parents who are increasingly obligated to work and occupational commitment. The modern world and economic necessity have prioritised their time, largely taking family destiny out of their parental hands.
Expecations coming down from On High
Added to this role expansion (some would say distortion) are in-school imperatives increasingly driven by Australian Government compliance requirement setting detailed agendas which put a real squash on school, learning and teaching time. principals and teachers in schools are feeling the squeeze like never before. Be it wise or not, school based educators appear to be increasingly supplicant to these demands; rarely if ever is debate about the wisdom or otherwise of imposed agendas initiated at school or system level. Schools and staff are expected to ‘stretch’ and cover curricular demands.
I recall Jim Spinks, a prominent Tasmanian school Principal and ‘practical academic’ advising that if things are added onto the school curriculum, items have to be dropped off in order to enable sensible accommodation. This exhortation is rarely followed meaning that schools and staff members become overwhelmed by requirements.
Metaphorically, schools are like sponges, given more and more to soak up: The capacity to endlessly absorb responsibility is reaching toward a perilous end-point. Confirming this is both anecdotal and empirical evidence attesting to teachers leaving the profession in increasing numbers. There is only so much a body can take and there is a huge lack of appreciation offered schools and staff members.
Aspiration and Actuality
Caring educators believing in and practising quality education always aim to meet the needs of learners. However there is an onus on society, its governments and its institutions to make sure schools and educators are affirmatively recognised and appreciated. Meeting the needs of children and students will be more likely to happen if education’s key servants – teachers and support staff – are given support, credit and recognition deserved for they role they play in educational and developmental partnerships.
Where and when did Anthony Albanese purchase Toto or was she received as a gift?
Anthony Albanese’s dog, Toto, was not purchased but rather received as a gift. Toto was given to the Prime Minister by an acquaintance, and the adoption was highly publicized. The dog has since appeared as a beloved companion and has even been gifted items by various dignitaries during official visits, such as clothing and accessories from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Does Toto the Prime Minister’s dog eat at the table with the Prime Minister?
Yes, Toto, the Prime Minister’s dog, is often seen as a beloved companion and is allowed to eat at the table with the Prime Minister during informal meals. This practice highlights the affectionate relationship between the Prime Minister and Toto, demonstrating a more personal and approachable side of political life. However, the details can vary based on the specific circumstances or the preferences of the Prime Minister.
As the Prime Minister’s dog, does Toto receive a living allowance or any special benefits?
Toto, as the Prime Minister’s dog, is often regarded as a public figure and may receive special attention, but there typically isn’t a formal “living allowance” for pets in government roles. However, the dog might benefit from the following:
Care and Maintenance: The government may cover expenses related to the dog’s care, including food, grooming, and veterinary services.
Living Arrangements: Toto would likely reside in the official residence, where the expenses of maintaining that environment would indirectly benefit the dog.
Public Appearances: Being the Prime Minister’s pet could afford Toto media exposure and public affection, which can be considered a social benefit.
Security: There might be enhanced security measures in place for the well-being of the Prime Minister’s pet.
While these points indicate some level of indirect benefits, Toto does not receive a direct living allowance like a human official would.
Does Toto the Dog have her own special room at The Lodge?
Yes, Toto the Dog has her own special room at The Lodge. It is designed to accommodate her needs and is decorated in a cozy and comfortable manner. This room reflects her status as a beloved companion, ensuring she has a personal space to relax and enjoy. If you have any specific questions about Toto or The Lodge, feel free to ask!
Yes, Toto the Dog, who is Anthony Albanese’s pet, is indeed considered a beloved companion. Toto is a Cavoodle (a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) and has garnered affection from the public and media alike.
He is often featured in social media posts by Albanese, where he expresses a connection with the dog, showcasing their bond. The affection shown not only by Albanese but also by the Australian public indicates that Toto has a special place in the hearts of many, making him a popular figure as the Prime Minister’s pet.
For visual updates and interactions, you can follow Toto’s adventures and see why he is cherished as Australia’s “first dog.” For example, you can check out Toto’s official social media presence here.
Yes, there are several instances of couples celebrating their marriages in hot air balloons over stunning landscapes, including mountains and seas. Here are some notable examples:
Brisbane Hot Air Balloon Wedding: Couples can exchange vows in a hot air balloon, offering a unique experience that provides breathtaking views of the landscape below. More details here.
Jackson Hole Elopement: An adventurous elopement in a hot air balloon provides couples with the opportunity to exchange vows against the beautiful backdrop of the Teton Mountains. Read about it here.
Lake Tahoe Weddings: Couples can plan their wedding in a hot air balloon while floating above Lake Tahoe, creating an unforgettable experience. Explore options here.
Gold Coast Elopement: A sunrise wedding over the Gold Coast was captured as the sun began to rise, highlighting the romantic nature of balloon weddings. View the experience here.
Yarra Valley Weddings: Celebrate your love with a sunrise balloon ride over the Yarra Valley, providing stunning aerial views. Find out more here.
Breathtaking Elopements: A hot air balloon wedding in the Hunter Valley is highlighted as an unforgettable choice for couples seeking a unique experience. Discover this option here.
These examples illustrate the romantic and adventurous spirit couples bring to their weddings, celebrating their love in the skies.
Yes, there are records and experiences of individuals taking ice baths in very cold locations, including igloos and frozen natural bodies of water. Here are some notable references:
Ice Bath in Sweden: At the Lapland Guesthouse in Swedish Lapland, guests can partake in ice bathing in a hole cut in the ice of the nearby Lainio River during winter. This is a common practice in that region. Read more here.
Arctic SnowHotel: Guests in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland, can stay at an ice hotel where temperatures remain between 0°C and -5°C. While not specifically an ice bath experience, the environment reflects the extreme cold where similar activities can be done. Learn more about it here.
YouTube Experiences: There are personal accounts and videos documenting the experience of ice plunges in Finland, often combined with sauna culture as a form of cold therapy. You can find examples on YouTube that illustrate this cold exposure practice. See a related video here.
Personal Discussions: Platforms like Reddit and Facebook have discussions where individuals share their personal experiences and seek recommendations for ice bathing in regions like Rovaniemi, where cold exposure is a popular practice. Check out a Reddit thread about ice baths here.
DIY Ice Bath: On Instagram, users share their DIY projects for creating ice swimming holes, indicating a trend of ice bathing in very cold climates is becoming popular. View a related post here.
These examples highlight the cultural practices and personal experiences related to ice bathing in extreme cold conditions
As of 2023, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, is widely regarded as the most admired political leader in the world, with approval ratings reported around 70%. This places him at the top of global leader approval ratings.
On the other end of the spectrum, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, is frequently cited as one of the most despised political leaders, with disapproval ratings as high as 91% in various polls.
Additional notable mentions include:
Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, with significant disapproval as well.
In the U.S., Joe Biden has been noted for having relatively high disapproval ratings at around 52%.
To explore this further, here’s a relevant source:
I am told I have a grant or gift from SEDA to be delivered by FEDEX on receipt and confirmation a contribution of $1000 from myself. I wonder what this is about and have been told by others I know that they have received grants. Can you tell me more
It sounds like you’re dealing with a situation that may involve a grant or gift from SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency), which could potentially be tied to business se programs. However, the requirement to send $1000 before receiving the funds is a significant red flag.
Here are some key points to consider:
Legitimacy of the Grant:
Authentic grants typically do not require the recipient to pay any money upfront. Be cautious of any communications requesting money as a prerequisite for obtaining funding.
SEDA Background:
SEDA supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing resources and guidance. They do offer grants, but these are usually structured to avoid upfront costs.
FedEx Involvement:
The mention of FedEx suggests there may be a service to deliver funds or materials; however, it should not be tied to any payment from you.
Scams:
Be aware that there are many scams involving grant scams that ask for personal details or payments. If it seems too good to be true, it often is.
Next Steps:
Verification: Contact SEDA directly through their official website or hotline to verify whether you have truly been awarded a grant.
Documentation Review: Check any documents or correspondence you received for signs of legitimacy (official logos, contact details, etc.).
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, you can report it to local consumer protection agencies or the authorities.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following useful links:
The most expensive hotel in the world as reported is Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine Hotel with prices exceeding $250,000 per night. Other notable mentions include rooms at hotel chains like the Mandarin Oriental, which can cost around $43,000 per night.
As for the cheapest hotels, they can be found for as low as $14 per night in countries like Indonesia. This makes Indonesia one of the most affordable places for budget travelers.
There is a possibility and a more than remote probability that Toto the Dog will have its paw prints engraved into the tiles at the entrance to The Lodge.
There is a possibility and a 50% probability chance of the Aboriginal flag joining the Australian flag on the mast atop the House on the Hill.
There is a possibility and a strong probability that the Albanese Government will be returned for at least the next two elections.
Charles Darwin University did not experience antisemitic behaviour 25/2/26
It is to the credit of the Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman and the University Board that none of this antisemitic behaviour ever penetrated the Charles Darwin University Campus
It is probably true to suggest that the older children in the group would, by now, have formulated thinking that indulges radicalised ideas. Brainwashing can. It has an enormous impact on impressionable minds
Could I register a ‘go-fund-me’ page to support travel for the immediate members of a politican’s family as a registered charity?
Registering a GoFundMe page as a charity to support travel for the immediate family of a politician involves several considerations:
Steps to Consider
Establish a Registered Charity:
You must set up a non-profit organization (501(c)(3) in the U.S.) that meets IRS requirements.
Your organization should have a mission that aligns with charitable purposes.
Define the Purpose:
Clearly define how supporting the travel of a politician’s family aligns with your charity’s mission. This might not always be seen as a charitable purpose unless it serves a broader public benefit.
Compliance and Oversight:
Ensure that expenditures align with the charity’s goals and are transparent.
Keep in line with local laws regarding fundraising and charitable activities.
Fundraising Platforms:
Choose a platform like GoFundMe that supports fundraisers for registered charities. Ensure the funds are managed correctly to maintain transparency and compliance.
Tax-Deductibility
Donor Deductions: If established properly as a charity, donations could be tax-deductible for donors under IRS regulations.
Legal Considerations
Consult Legal Counsel: It’s essential to seek legal advice to navigate regulations governing charitable organizations and ensure compliance.
Conclusion
While it is possible to create a charity that could support travel for a politician’s family, it requires careful planning, compliance, and transparency to align with charitable laws and ensure proper use of funds.
I will do anything I can to support the families of our Politicans who give up so much to support their spouses and parents who give unstubtky of their time and give up so much to pursue what is best for us all.
Charles Darwin University has undertaken a significant expansion of its campus, both interstate and overseas. Locally, academic and trades programs have multiplied, appealing to an ever-widening pool of students.
Suddenly, the university has been jolted by a spoke in the wheel of self realisation about course shortfalls. Sadly, that means many students have course requirements that need to be addressed, while key university leaders are lost in the necessities of redress.
I recall words of wisdom addressed to school leaders at a national conference held in Darwin in 1992. Frederick Wirt, the Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois (USA), spoke with delegates. His address was titled ‘Will the centre hold?’ Wirt lauded growth, development, and expansion, but cautioned that it should never be at the expense of consolidating and reinforcing programs already in place.
Our university was established on a solid foundational base. I hope that what has happened is a temporary aberration, with the CDU maintaining steady growth and development for all, and particularly our domestic students.
There is a possibility and a very strong probability that the Russian War on Ukraine might well turn into the 100 years war.
There is a possibility and a strong probability that in the Australian Rules Football upcoming season, West Coast Eagles will again ‘earn’ the wooden spoon.
There is a possibility and a strong probability that Chinese Navy flotillas will regularly circumnavigate Australia.
When discussing issues related to First Nations people, one has to be very careful to state the obvious without stating the obvious. When writing, especially in letters or comments for publication, the content of what is written – its purpose and meaning – has to be buried in inferential rather than direct language.
If you call it as it is, you are deemed to be racist.
The stability Australia once had and the predictable, developmental place it once was, made it easy to be patriotic. One flag, one people, oneness in purpose and spirit. That was in the pre-Whitlam era when obligation and responsibility were part of the equation.
The changes toward fragmentation of community and the tearing apart of the warp and weft of the Australian perspective were down to Whitlam – an out-and -out leftist – and the focus of his government.
(I was not devastated or surprised when the Whitlam Government was dismissed by Sir John Kerr. At that time, I was a young educator at both Warburtin Ranges in WA (1974/75) and at Numbulwar, NT from July 1975 onward.
In both communities, I saw firsthand what happened when PM Whitlam announced that Aboriginal Communities had to shift almost immediately from being managed, to owning and applying the principles of self determination and self management to their operations. Funding appropriations depended on this action.
Apart from staffing issues, the limited Warburton economy, based on cattle management, floundered.
At Numbulwar, a flourishing market garden, along with an established poultry industry—including 5,000 laying hens—went into immediate decline. Both enterprises had supplied market outlets from Groote Eylandt to Katherine. The market garden was left to be overrun by weeds, and the poultry industry completely collapsed.
[These are but two examples of the wanton run-down that followed the ‘enlightenment’.]
Whitlam Government policies at the time demanded an immediate ‘ownership’ being foisted on people who had not been readied or trained for these responsibilities.
Community ventures in many communities were lost to the forced policies of the Federal Government at that time. So much was lost because the government made ill-considered haste.)
Whitlam’s other major contribution was to open Australian borders to all and sundry who wanted to flock in. Discontinuing the White Australia Policy was a good thing, but the management of the multicultural infusion that has followed has become less constrained and more open to the point of ‘anything goes’.
In essence, we no longer control our borders. The dam wall behind which Australia was contained, has been blown asunder; regardless of their political affiliations and motivations for moving, anyone from anywhere is welcome at any time with few questions asked.
The foundations on which this country stood when I was younger have been jack-hammered and splintered. Australia is now an unpredictable and unstable country.
“The Australian” is an outstanding paper. I subscribe online and buy paper copies of some issues to send to my family in Nhulunbuy, NT. My only concern is that writing to the editor is a waste of time because very little gets through to publication. I can accept that because I am a very old man and not an important person in the scheme of things. I write a lot in online comments and am bemused at times by being ‘not approved’ when what I write is the absolute truth.
Duck hunters have an open season and closed season. The Russian President pursues Ukrainians 24/7 365 days a year and has done so for four years. it is always open season on Ukrainians
To people promoting peace when they are intent on war.
Seeing,
Macabre scenes without end on television about fights between Aboriginal people in rural and urban communities who expect authorities to sort their domestic situations – until the next altercation.
Knowing,
That countless reports, commissions, inquiries and examinations will yield recommendations that will never be actioned.
Understanding
That the world will continue its downward spiral confirmed at a futurist conference more than thirty years ago.
During the past three years, my wife has needed the support of the RDH – within the emergeency department and as a ward patient – on several occasions. When she is in the hospital, I spend the full visitor period allowed, with her. This has provided me with ample opportunity to observe process and procedure.
My coming and going both over time and recently, have broadened my awareness of the RDH modus operandi.
The staff, from doctors and nurses down to support and ancillary carers, do a very good job. The stretch placed on them at times is exhausting but is taken in their stride.
The most significant issue at RDH, across the ED and many wards, is the untoward behaviour of some patients, often heightened by some of their visitors. Conformity to a code of conduct that considers others is excused. Noise levels are bedlam and bed rest for many patients, an impossibility.
Royal Darwin Hospital administrators must address this issue if the atmosphere within the facility is to embrace the comfort and needs of all patients.
The court sends ripples That’s so sad. To counter Trump, That’s too bad, He will not rest, Appeal he must, In his decisions, We must trust, If we want Earth’s peace restored, Then I dare to say, We must be withTrump, All the way
There are two kinds of personalities in this world. Regardless of what we do when we go these personality types are with us. There are the “sayers” and the “doers”.
I believe it is very important as educators to be people who earn the respect of others
by “living” the statements that we make in the positions that we uphold to others. It is all together too easy to be somebody who commands and ask other people to do things and to act in particular ways. That after all is a part of the teaching and development of others. However we need to be prepared to live by the precepts we espouse. Unless we adhere in our lives to the things we ask of others we will not earn their respect.
“Do as I do” is very important in the teacher – pupil relationship. If students know us as teachers who live by this principle their respect will be enhanced. This applies to every aspect of that relationship.
If we want children to be on time and say so, then we need to be on time ourselves. Everyone children to return promptly after recess and lunch, then we can’t avoid is teachers to be late ourselves. If we want children to wear hats out in the playground then as teachers we need to do the same. If we put it upon children to keep their desks and tidy tray is clean neat and tidy, then teachers’ tables and working benches should be kept the same way.
I don’t believe we should ask the children to maintain standards that we are not prepared to maintain ourselves. And example might be handwriting. If we ask children to take care when they’re writing in where books then we need to have the same set of standards that we maintain with written work. We might think the children don’t sense or understand what we’re doing but believe you me, they are very sharp and perceptive in that regard.
The principle extends to the way in which we approach our teaching tasks. The precepts or tenets under which we operate should not just be sets of empty words but reflective of vibrant teaching practices. In that way we earn the respect of our colleagues, the community and of course our students.
There may be occasions when we have to depart from the norm of usual operation. If that’s the case I believe it important that students and close colleagues understand why on the particular occasion the expected process can’t be followed.
Respect is a very important quality and in many ways the cement the binds those within an organisation together. It is a key value. If we earn the respect of others, self-respect also develops
Male teachers worldwide, especially in Australia and our Northern Territory, are a vanishing species. What has happened? In my opinion, there is a need to turn the situation around and increase the number of male teachers in our schools, particularly our primary schools.
One of the most satisfying periods of my teaching career was at Nhulunbuy Primary School, at Gove, in North-East Arnhem Land, 650 kilometres east of Darwin. During my principalship (1983-1986), the school enrolled 750 students from Transition through to Year Seven. A further 90 children were being readied for formal learning in our preschool.
The school had a staff of 52 teachers and ancillaries, which included nineteen male teachers (36% of our teaching staff). We men had our Touch Football team, which made up almost all of one of the local cricket teams, and we were a major contributing force to local rugby league, basketball, and other male-focused sports teams.
I didn’t appreciate it then, but a gender balance of that nature is a rarity. The ratio of male-to-female teachers in Australian primary schools is 1:27. At 1:9, in high schools, the situation is just a little better, but still, 90% of the staff are women. At Leanyer School, where I was Principal for 20 years, we had, at best, five male members of more than 30 staff. In some schools, the only male on the team is the janitor!
Where have all the male teachers gone, and why? Male primary teachers are an almost extinct species. Men in teacher training at all levels are rare. More and more qualified and practising male teachers are leaving for other less stressful occupations.
Historical Reasons
There are historical reasons for the perceived unattractiveness of primary teaching to men. They centre on the perceptions of salary, status, community regard and an inherent idea that men working with children run counter to the male psyche. The notion of ‘macho’ and children’s nurture seem somehow incongruent. This reasoning is somewhat mythical. Maybe it’s even ‘claptrap’! To hang the diminishment of the male teaching species on such ideas is illogical. However, it does nothing to ease the situation, as there are now very few male teachers, particularly in primary schools.
Men Under Siege
I do not doubt that male teachers in primary schools are under siege. Along with fellow educators, I study the media’s coverage of our profession. While the press is interpretative and accuracy sometimes skewed, it still reflects the perceptions generally held by the society of social institutions and its managers.
Diet of Male Dysfunctionalism
The community is fed a bountiful print, radio and TV diet of stories about male teacher dysfunctionalism. There has been and continues to be, a plethora of reports alleging interference with and abuse of children by male teachers. Sadly, some instances of infringement and violation against children and students are proven in court. However, a significant percentage of allegations leading to court action are baseless.
For those tried, ‘legal’ acquittal does not negate the associated moral perception and social resentment. Those found ‘not guilty’ by courts and those who never go to court because charges are dropped are left feeling tainted. In the minds of the wrongfully accused, the damage to their reputations is everlasting.
Children and students are increasingly aware of their rights to care and protection. ‘Stranger danger’, the ‘Kid’s Helpline’ and similar strategies are filling what, historically, has been an information void. Children must understand their rights and the respect that is due to them. Information from student disclosures, however, needs to be carefully checked before action is taken. If the information offered is accepted without verification, with allegations subsequently found to be untrue, then the accused is violated.
The Need for Human Warmth
Male teachers face a real dilemma. It’s no secret that primary children, particularly younger ones, often seek to be physically close to their teachers. Gripping the hands of teachers, giving teachers cuddles, and wanting to sit on teachers’ laps are manifestations of this deep-seated human need. Female teachers seem to be less at risk in this situation than males. Males may want to respond to children with human warmth and empathy but are warned off by a deep societal frown.
By contrast, middle-aged female teachers are often regarded as grandmotherly’. It seems much more socially acceptable for them to respond to the affection of children. A male teacher of the same age has to be much more circumspect, lest his actions be interpreted as those of a ‘dirty old man’.
The phenomena of single-parent families increasingly exacerbate the challenge. Single mothers often ask that, if possible, their children be placed with a male teacher for the sake of masculine role modelling. The scenario can become one that creates an acute conflict within the mind of the male teacher.
The Future for Male Teachers Is Not Rosy
There is an increasing focus on male teacher vulnerability, but tackling the issue has been, at best, oblique. Deflecting the problem is no way of handling its challenge. At some stage – hopefully sooner rather than later – a considered response to the issue by senior managers will be necessary. Ignoring the situation won’t make it go away. In an age where litigation is increasingly common, the threat to male teacher integrity will likely become more pronounced.
Many factors influence the issue of school staffing. Conversations with teachers reveal that the tension of being a vulnerable group weighs heavily on the minds of remaining male educators. I once had an excellent male teacher come to me saying he was resigning because of the weight of this perception. An outstanding teacher was forever lost to the profession.
The problem of the male teacher shortage will rapidly worsen shortly, given the ageing teaching profession and the imminent retirement of many existing male teachers. Unless something is done, primary schools will soon be staffed almost entirely by women.
Female teachers are valued educators and do a great job. However, there is a need for gender balance within schools to achieve organisational equilibrium. The worry is that we are sadly out of balance.
Once a week there was a round-robin flight from Darwin to Darwin flown by Connair that included every port on the Arnhem circuit. Included in this once-weekly flight were Borroloola and Numbulwar. The route was from Borroloola to Numbulwar.
There was some capital work needing to be done at Numbulwar. We were expecting two tradesmen on that flight. The plane arrived, but not the tradesmen.
A follow-up telegram revealed that the two men had gotten off the plane at Borroloola, thinking Borroloola was Numbulwar. They did not discover their mistake until the plane had left.
The following week, the tradesmen arrived in Numbulwar. Seemingly they found the fishing in the intervening week to be both relaxing and rewarding!! How they justified that to the boss of the company, I am not sure.
When out in communities one could never be sure if the plane was going to be on time or whether it was going to be delayed. The one thing you could generally be sure about was it if the plane was due to arrive on a particular day, it would arrive on that day. Occasionally there was a blip in that regard but not too frequently.
An issue at times was the worry people had if they were using Connair to get to Darwin, Katherine, Groote Eylandt or Nhulunbuy to connect with another plane. For the most part, however, things did work pretty reasonably.
Connair was a vital lifeline for us during years of poor (if any) outback road connections and during years preceding telephone and internet connections that these days keep people linked.
Ex Premier of Victoria who was awarded the Gong “Companion of the Order of Australia” for his deep and unswerving leadership of Victoria during turbulent COVID times and for his dedicated and focussed concentration on the betterment of his state.”
I dream of rolling out the red carpet in front of his every footstep.
Our daughter has given me the okay to share her thoughts on the inroads into life that can be caused by the number one – known but not talked about – killer in Australia. Dementia.
She shared it with me, and what she wrote moved me into a world of pain and understanding because dementia has not been for me ‘on the outside looking in’ but rather has engaged me directly, in the early stages, without knowing, since its impact on our lives.
Dementia is often mentioned lightly, almost in passing, and without many people knowing or understanding its consequences. I believe many think its mention is a shame job; in the same way as cancer used to be regarded. Dementia is also a scourge that many are reluctant to acknowledge and more than willing to dismiss as not an issue or a concern.
It is for this reluctance that I would posit that there are far more people sufferingfrom dementia than the number of 450,000 that is suggested. It may well be that the actual number of sufferers is closer to the 1,000,000 mark of people predicted to be inflicted by dementia in 2050.
Funding for dementia programs and support is light on compared with research into other clinical areas. In Australia, funding for dementia programs is solely in the hands of the Federal Government, with no recognition or contribution from state or territory governments.
The impacts of this deleterious condition are eating into the brains of ever increasing numbers of people.
Please read and contemplate what our daughter has written.
Sincerely
Henry Gray
February 14 2026.
__________________________________________
Outside Looking In
My parents are Margaret Rose Gray (nee Martin), born May 28th, 1945, and Henry Maitland Gray, born February 24th, 1946. Their stories are not mine to tell, but I will say they did not have the happiest of childhoods and they both grew up having complicated relationships with their mothers. This led them to moving our family to the remotest areas of the NT when my brothers and I were young.
As parents they were ahead of their time. They seldom yelled or shouted, even more rarely used corporal punishment. Domestic labour and mental load were very evenly divided. We grew up secure in their love for us and for one another.
Things have changed in the last few years. Looking back with the benefit of hindsight the first signs I saw were at my 50th birthday party; nothing so wild that I couldn’t shrug it off as just “weird”.
Mum has dementia. A blanket term used to describe any number of conditions, much the same way cancer is. All with different causes and triggers. Genetic, physical, mental factors, lifestyle influences, environmental conditions. A treatment for one has no effect on another. One person will develop it; their identical twin will not. It has no rhyme, no reason, no mercy.
There are a lot of stats, fact and figures about dementia to be found with a simple google search. The scariest being that it is now the leading cause of death in Australia, that there are no truly effective treatments. Some things might slow the progression of the disease in some people; that is as hopeful as it gets. My father is now Mum’s full-time carer. Trying to find his way in a role no one would ever choose or want, but that has been thrust upon him by cruel fate.
I love both my parents. Respect and admire them more than I can say. They are the kind of people we should all aspire to be. As a person, a spouse and a parent I find myself following the example they set for me. Watching as this disease insinuates itself into every nook and cranny of their lives is an emotional and often overwhelming experience. I am on the outside looking in. I cannot bring myself to imagine what it must be like from the inside looking out.
My Mother
I am blessed to have been one of only a handful of people to truly know my mother. She has always been a deeply private person who hid her wit, her humour and her profound intellect. Now she does not need to hide as she becomes more and more a prisoner in her own mind. The portals that connect her to the world are narrowing; some seem to already have closed. Her eyes and ears collect the stimuli from The Now, but somewhere they become lost and so her mind sends her back to the past or into dream and figments of imagination. At times the dreams become waking terrors, and she sees, feels and hears people and events that are not there and never have been.
On good days she is HER; all the many facets that make up this woman who I love above all. My mother, the grandmother of my children, the wife of my father, the teacher, the mentor, the cook, the seamstress, the confidant, the pianist. All the roles she embraced and made her own. She was shaped by tragic events in her young life; the eldest child of a cold and unloving mother she was parentified from a very young age. Giving all to her younger siblings, especially the sisters favoured by her mother, to allow them to shine. Despite this, my mother was kind and loving. She seldom strayed outside her social comfort zone, but she saw everything around her and those of us fortunate enough to know her would cry with laughter at her stories. Growing up I would spend hours talking with her, often about nothing much at all. By listening to her I learned so much about life and the world and small ways we can act to make them better.
I miss those conversations. Now it can be so difficult to talk to her. She can jump from topic to topic, confuses who I am, how old I am, where we are. I can see her frustration at trying to process and understand what is said to her. There are long pauses and endless stilted silences. And there are so many rules around talking to a person who is trapped within their own mind. Never say “remember”, don’t say “you just said that”, or “you told me already / I told you already”, or “no, that never happened”. I sit and smile and rub her hand and nod and feel like I’m treating my strong, smart mother like a clueless child. Parentified in her youth and now infantilised in her old age.
During the bad moments the conversation is agonisingly restricted and circular. Like a goldfish swimming endless circles around an overly small bowl. Swim, swim, swim …. Oh wow! A rock! …. Swim, swim, swim ….. gosh! A plant! ….. swim, swim, swim …. Look! A rock! …… Even worse is when there is no sound. Mum sits or lies, mostly lies, and stares off into a distance no one else can see. Her lips vibrate, her eyes flicker, her fingers tap together; those seem to be reflexive movements of a body whose mind is both kilometres and decades away. When this happens, I wonder where she is, what memory or dream her mind is playing on its internal screen. Is she happy or sad in there? Sometimes tears run down her face; she doesn’t; cry or sob but the tears run freely and unchecked. If you ask her what is wrong, she doesn’t know, doesn’t realise she is crying.
Mum knows she has dementia, knows what that means. She tells me her mind is “all messed up” and she feels lazy and worthless. She wants to get control of her thoughts back, wants to DO things but doesn’t know how to take the first step. She wants me to tell her (boss her) and make her do things; I can’t tell her how many times I have tried. That Dad tries every day. There are so many diseases that turn the body against itself. Dementia is so much worse. When your brain attacks your mind, ripping and destroying and turning it into a tangle which is then locked inside.
I am scared for her. How hard it is for HER to fight her way to the here and now. How exhausting and terrifying and lonely that must be.
My Father
My father’s world has been turned upside down, shaken, set on fire and the ashes scattered in a storm. He is no longer an equal, a partner, a friend. Now he is a carer. Learning a new vocation, one no one would choose, as he neglects his own needs and wants to care for the woman, he has shared his life with for 60 years.
He can not leave her alone for long lest she needs him or believes she has been abandoned and forgotten. At times Mum resents the interests that steal some small part of Dad’s attention away from her. When she knows his thoughts are elsewhere or he is making arrangements that do not involve her. Then she can be childish and petulant. Her words lash at him to make him feel the pain she carries. Adults protect their loved ones from pain and hurt, children broadcast it until something is done to soothe them and make it go away.
Dad answers Mum’s questions, responds to her comments, explains what is happening and when and why. Over and over and over. He bites back his frustration when she accuses him of holding information from her, schools the expression on his face and the tone of his voice. Soothes, reassures, calms, loves. Above all, he loves.
Dad spends most of his waking hours sitting close by, not so close that Mum might think he is hovering or interfering, but always there when she needs him. He reads and writes and keeps busy, but mostly he keeps watch. Ready to answer her questions, fetch what she needs, help her move to another spot. Dad is a vibrating bundle of suppressed energy, when I’m there I can feel it coming off him. Always on edge and never at rest. He also wants to go out, to see, to converse, to learn, to teach, to laugh. But he stays. Every hour of every day he chooses to stay.
Dad is the strongest, bravest person I know.
Me
I rage at how unfair all of this is. Mum and Dad have lived their lives for others. Both have worked hard since childhood. They gave my brothers and I the very best lives and have done their all to make sure our children enjoy the same. These years of retirement should be about THEM. Living in peace and harmony, pursuing their interests and spending time with one another and family. The first few years of retirement were like that, but now it has become a prison for them both. The iron chains of dementia keep them isolated, even from one another.
It is s unfair for anyone to spend the last years of their lives tortured by mental decline and self-diminishment. It is unfair that anyone must watch a person they love turn inward and become lost in the tangled web of disease that withers their brain. And I am angry! Angry that such a hideous disease should even exist. Angry that science has extended the quantity of our years but can’t maintain the quality of the lives we live in them.
I am ashamed to admit, I am also so, so angry at my mother. The life she has led in the years after her retirement are a “How not to avoid dementia” handbook. No social interactions (she even stopped talking on the phone), no exercise, bad diet. One by one she dropped her activities and hobbies. The piano which we had since forever was packed up and given away, the sewing machine sits dusty and the books are unread. She stopped driving, gave up editing dad’s papers and articles, was no longer interested in the news or quiz shows. If I were granted one wish, I would go back 10 years and do my very best to divert her from the path she so blithely walked down.
I am angry at the rest of us, the immediate family. Myself and my brothers and my father. We let her make these choices and did little to dissuade her. Our family has always been about respect, accepting that the others have the right to make their own choices. Even if we don’t agree. Mum and Dad have always been a team, united, synergy. So forcing choices on mum is not something any of us would have done, it’s not something any of us feel happy about now. Maybe nothing would change, but maybe I would also feel that at least I tried.
For now, we have a lifetime of memories to share and preserve. As many quiet talks, hugs, held hands as we can. Some memories still to make. I have heard of dementia being called The Long Goodbye. Saying goodbye to our loved ones one small piece at a time as the portals between their mind and the world close.
I love you, Mum. You ….. the amazing, complicated, kind, loving, brave, intelligent, hilarious woman I know as my mother …. You will be always in my heart.
Angus is a good man And it is plain to see That if he wins the Liberal spill What a great leader he will be He is a man of substance With acute political brain And as opposition leader Will cause Albo substantial pain On his feet in parliament Acute questions will he ask Forever keeping government focused on its tasks. He is the person who could take (And that is plain to see) A. rejuvenated coalition To electoral victory!
COMMENT ON AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2021 GRACE TAME’S TANT OVER THE RIGHTS OF INTERFADA AT RALLY PROTESTING ISRAELI PRESIDENT HERTOG’S VISIT TO ASUSTRALIA FLLOWING BONDI MASSACRE.
What a let down. What a slight on Australia. What an awful demonstration on un-Australian conduct. What a sad example to young people
As the carer for a dementia patient I confirm absolutely the integral and important role filled in supporting people suffering from dementia, by the Northern Territory Memory Clinic situated in the Casuarina Plaza Building.
At the moment the Memory Clinic has a staff quotient of one full-time Doctor, 1.5 trained and practice nursing staff and some clerical support. The Dementia program in the Northern Territory, including the Memory Clinic, is fully funded by the Commonwealth Government in Canberra. No contribution is made to these important programs by the Northern Territory Government.
I have been given to understand on good authority that from 1 July 2026, Commonwealth funding for Dementia programs in the northern territory will impact upon the Memory Clinic in a very negative fashion. The full-time doctors position will be reduced to a .5 position. The 1.5 nursing positions will reduce to one position only. I believe also the clerical support will be curtailed
If this is the case, then I am very alarmed for the consequences that will flow and the support that will be lost to people desperately needing support.
Currently, the waiting time for attention at the Memory Clinic after referral is around six months. That cannot be extended to a period of even further delay.
Either the Commonwealth government must be persuaded to increase and not decrease funding; in the alternative the Northern Territory Government through its Health Budget needs to provide financial support for this critically important support program.
The dementia groups are the biggest and fastest growing in Australia where dementia is now the number one scourge. That said, it is downplayed and overlooked by Government big time.
Recent reports on how AI is beginning to overwhelm academe and supplant students’ complete cognitive understanding fill me with deep unrest. Have a question or a problem? Ask AI. The clear and distinct danger is that people will make decisions without understanding WHY those outcomes are correct.
Years ago, our daughter passed Year 11 with distinction. Imagine our surprise when she asked to repeat Year 11. She explained that while excelling, she did not understand why she was succeeding; that something was missing within the cognitive equation and learning process. She repeated year eleven, gained the insights she had been missing earlier, was very successful in year 12, then went on to earn excellent tertiary qualifications in the fields of science and education.
Over-reliance on AI to provide solutions that are not in line with the questions asked will lead to an explosion of mediocrity in understanding among professionals and skilled workers. That will be a catastrophe.
It is one thing to give the correct answers and another to understand why.
My wife who has dementia, was admitted to RDH recently after spending 14 hours in ED.
She was admitted to a four-bed area in Ward 7a. This is the renal ward. She was in the ward for six days.
It was for her a horrible time of incessant bedlam and noise, shouting, demands of staff, patient resistance to staff effort and entreaty and unpredictable behaviour by patients 24/7.
She was not shifted to a more suitable situation and when discharged it was without her medications which ‘caught up’ when collected 18 hours later. I visited every day from 10.00 am until 7.00 pm when visiting hours finished.
It took Margo three days to start resetting and for her the whole experience set her back – all without her major medical matters being finalised.
Note please that my concerns are NOT about staff and care but rather that a particular patient cohort is able to demand so much time and attention often generating from awful to behaviour. The week was one of the very worst we have ever experienced.
It is getting down to the pointy end of my life. I am 80 this month. They can say what they like and pooh, pooh the notion of age until the cows come home – but I am old and the more I reflect upon the future, the more uncertain and precipitous the world seems to have become.
On my birthday, February 24 2022, the most recent chapter of the Russian War on Ukraine started. I was 76.
Should I live to 81, on 24 February 2026, that conflict will be entering its fifth year. By then China will be in effect en route to Taiwan while the Middle East will be wracked and largely wrecked by conflict.
The world is tearing itself apart.
I feel my vitality withering on the vine of life starved of moisture and feel my spirit drying up inside. I am increasingly overcome by the thickening veil of hopelessness and the world is closing in on me.
I often wonder how far I am from a break: The break that comes at the end of life’s cycle.
In the classroom In the yard, 2026 teaching It’s so hard, KPI’s are all the go, “And what would teachers REALLY know”, Cheeky kids Who have no care, Deliberately wilful, Tear at the hair, The very soul, Of every teacher, Now treated like, Some nasty creature, Give it up ‘Tis the only way It’s gone to pot Says Henry Gray
It is hard to go past the days leading to my retirement in December 2011 after 20 years at Leanyer School. They were days and weeks of nostalgia and reflection, of challenge and celebration. In so many ways, never better.
A friend of mine raises a question we should all consider.
I agree with and share her concern
Hello😊
Wouldn’t it be nice if parents actually taught their kids that we’re not all the same and that it’s actually ok to be different. Children with special needs are not strange!
They want what everyone else wants, to be accepted and happy!!!
Come and help us stage Australia’s premier cultural event!
Volunteer applications for the 2026 Garma Festival open on Monday 16 February, through GoodCompany.
We’re looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to assist with transportation, ticketing and reception, merchandise, campsite infrastructure and operations, site management, administration and more.
You will also be helping the crew to set up and pack down the site before and after the event, so physical work is involved.
Volunteers need to organise and fund their own travel arrangements to and from Nhulunbuy, and be available to arrive on Saturday 25 July, and depart on Wednesday 5 August. You must be available for all 11 days.
You will also need to do a criminal history check, and obtain a clearance to work with children from NT Worksafe.
Come and join an incredible team of like-minded individuals for an experience like no other. Applications close on Tuesday 31 March.
The restorer and rebuilder of America, the cater abd the protector of all that is dear to the heart of every patriotic American, the man whose pure and faultless example relights the flame of hope in each spirit and revamps every soul.
Except for a few standout players like Ashleigh Barty, Alex de Minaur and Naomi Osaka, tennis is made up of exceptionally self centred, selfish and opinionated players.
The Emergency Department of the Royal Darwin Hospital is the scariest place in the world to visit.
I would and do go only IN THE MOST DIRE OF CIRCUMSTANCES. It is awful with the time taken to have matters attended often taking until the next day.
The place is often overrun by impossible patient behaviour with those shouting the loudest deemed to be ‘priority’, meaning that others are pushed down the queue and sometimes all but forgotten.
Not good – well that is more than an understatement!
On a mission for the betterment of the Northern Territory. How blessed we are to have the university, in many respects, marching forward, onward and upward. Dogged determination and fierce positive purpose in every stride.
My wife was discharged from Royal Darwin Hospital late yesterday afternoon after six of the worst days of our lives. It was exhausting, draining, and quite awful for someone who, as a patient, does not yell, scream, remonstrate with staff and incessantly demand attention.
When we arrived home, both of us were so drained and exhausted that we collapsed on our bed, and that has been it for the past 12 or 13 hours.
I have learned a lot about medical management in the past week, and very little of it has done anything other than make me shudder.
These are questions I have asked in various forums from time to time. I have asked them about those who post on LinkedIn. Often, I hear nothing back from those to whom I have replied, with those replies being a response to people who decry the fact that the treatment of and regard Indigenous Australians is insensitive and harmful.
The strong inference is always that fixing the issues has to come from the government, agencies, or a change in attitude by those held accountable by writers.
In this context, my questions were pertinent to ‘The Voice’. There was an assumption that if the Voice was passed into our constitution by the referendum, then all the issues raised around the questions I had – and still have – would somehow be corrected: That without the Voice, there could be no fixing.
I was involved with Aboriginal Education in both WA (1970, 1974/75) and the NT (1975 – 82) as a school leader. With staff, I initiated many programs that greatly benefit children of young ages. I worked to ensure school attendance and had the support of communities.
I have also undertaken formal studies in the field of Indigenous Education.
I add this chronology to point out that my questions are not from someone unaware.
Why are parents and primary caregivers not looking after their children? Why are parents and caregivers excused from the m looking after their children?
Why are Elders now apparently powerless when it comes to the management of children and youth within communities?
Why are non-Indigenous persons deemed wholly responsible for issues about the health and welfare of Indigenous youth and adults?
Why don’t people take responsibility for their health; why do they blame the health department and other agencies for poor health and illness when a great deal comes from their chosen behaviours? mn
Why are parents and caregivers not responsible for ensuring their children attend school?
Why are teachers and the education department blamed when children leave school as functional illiterates when that has been and is the result of them not attending school?
Why is it deemed racist when issues are raised, and the need for self-responsibility is pointed back to families from where the problems arise?
Why do some mothers in our country who are pregnant drink alcohol while pregnant, with this leading to FASD issues?
Why are Indigenous people coming into towns from communities not responsible for their accommodation?
What happens to those who are victims of crime when it comes to damaged premises, stolen cars and so on?
Is the need for welfare support occasioned by the expenditure priorities of parents and caregivers who should be providing for children?
What should happen in the many cases of children and young people roaming the streets and getting into trouble because they feel unsafe at home?
If agencies take children from unsafe homes, are they not faced with ‘double jeopardy’ because of accusations of stealing children from parents?
Are responsibilities that should belong to parents being passed to government instrumentalities, with parents and caregivers shrugging and inferring that various government agencies should pick up their commitment?
Should ANY responsibility for the upbringing of children belong to parents?
Why is the role parents should play in raising their children at best infrequently raised; are parents excused from any responsibility?
Do many young people act disruptively because they feel a sense of entitlement because Australia is a country where its First Peoples were first? Do they feel ‘owed’ by being ‘first’?
I would buy a hospital where patients could recover in peace and quiet, rather than being subject to the constant babble of noise and disquiet that is a part of hospitals these days.
Hospitalisation these days is closer to hell than to healing.
I would give it all to some aged care mogul to guarantee space and care in one of his aged care homes in exchange for meals and accomodation until I went dead.
A sudden upturn in medical awareness and a downturn in the expectation of the ongoing routines in life, can have a sudden and dramatic impact upon us all.
Our realisations are pulled up with a sudden jolt.
One Nation on the upswing – and building on a strong foundaton
The reckoning is over, calculations done. Without any doubt, the Liberals have gone, Jumped with conclusion and without hesitation, Voters give second place in their preference, to the rising One Nation
Across the top of Scotland from John-o-Groats to the west coast. That was in 1996. The road was a very narrow bitumen strip with passing places every few hundred metres so cars going in opposite directions could pass without collision. The most picturesque road I’ve ever navigated.
Australian Government. – approved then not approved
The Australian government’s humanity, empathy, and support for those from the Middle East is wonderful. How lucky we are to be governed by an impartial and focused group of outstanding politicians who shun any notion of favouritism toward one group over another.
EDUCATION, A LIFE FORCE 