Is a town in Scotland.

I have been to Teeth.

I lost a tooth but not in Teeth.

It was lost from my mouth

In a dentist’s chair.

If I visit Teeth again

It will be with one less tooth

Than I had

When last visiting Teeth.

Many are starting to think that with the ongoing palliating and diminishment of the Coalition, it may be that One Nation is far more representative of ordinary Australians than a bombastic – yet – placatory Labour Government, and an opposition more hell-bent on personal aggrandisement, than providing a synergistic response to policies gradually undoing our country and driving us backward.

“Hatred starts with language”.

Anthony Albanese’s utterance in recent days

Merry Christmas and the best of days to all bloggers. May the festive season bring you blessings and joy.

Political affinity

• There is a possibility, but zero probability, that Vladimir Putin and   Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy will be doing the hootenanny and dancing around the maypole this side of the New Year to celebrate peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Inner Feelings

• There is a possibility and are very strong probability that the outward facade reflecting happiness and joy is often an artificial cover for inner feelings of hopelessness and despair.

• There is a possibility and a very strong probability that the lack of security is eating at the very essence of the Australian Jewish Community.

• There is a possibility but very little probability that the majority of Australians will feel inner happiness and joy during the Christmas and New Year period.

EXCLUSIVE – GEOFF CHAMBERS JANET ALBRECHTSEN

From the front page of The Australian December 24 2025

Anthony Albanese and his senior ministers have been accused of “wilful blindness” in responding to warnings from security chiefs on anti-Semitism and ­extremism, as police, security and intelligence personnel fear they will be made scapegoats by the government.

Multiple security sources have told The Australian that the Albanese government’s “permissive” approach to the scourge of anti-Semitism, lack of urgency in response to extremist threats and failure to adequately resource security and intelligence agencies cannot escape scrutiny following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The decision by the Prime Minister to reject a royal commission and order a review into federal law-enforcement and ­intelligence agencies, led by ­respected former public servant Dennis Richardson, has angered under-pressure security personnel who are concerned the government is “throwing them under the bus” to deflect from its inaction on anti-Semitism.

The Australian can reveal that well before Islamic State-­inspired extremists murdered Jewish-Australians in the nation’s worst terrorist attack, the Albanese government was warned by security chiefs that ­existing anti-vilification and hate speech laws were too weak and that thresholds for prosecution must be lowered.

A senior law enforcement figure – who The Australian has called Morgan D to protect their identity – writes in The Australian: “Government leaders now speak as though the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach came without warning, as if there were no signs, no escalating threats, no atmosphere of danger – as if it emerged from nowhere.

“The truth is unmistakeable: the alarm bells were ringing long ago. The October 9, 2023, protest at the Sydney Opera House, the 300 per cent rise in harassment, threats and assaults against Jewish Australians; the arson and vandalism of Jewish businesses, schools and places of worship; the anti-Semitism on university campuses, the unchecked hate speech, the weekly protest marches calling for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people.

“And the repeated briefings, particularly to Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, from security agencies all pointed to a growing and foreseeable threat.

“There is a legal term for ignoring such warnings: wilful blindness, when someone deliberately avoids knowing the truth so they can later claim ignorance. It is about accountability for choosing not to see what is in front of them.”

Prominent national security figures told The Australian the Albanese government did not have a “real focus on national ­security” and that the security ­architecture and personnel had been degraded since the 2022 election, when Labor came to power.

Mr Albanese on Tuesday ­defended his relationship with law-enforcement and intelligence agencies after being asked about concerns in the national security community that the government was deflecting from its mistakes on anti-Semitism.

He would not confirm whether his government had enacted all recommendations made in Mr Richardson’s exhaustive 2019 review of the legal framework of the national intelligence community.

“I actually sit on the National Security Committee,” Mr Albanese said. “That consists of the leadership of the national ­security community, and we are working in lock-step with the ­national security leadership of this country. We provide every support for them and no one should undermine them.”

The Australian understands the terms of reference for the new Richardson inquiry will make clear that the review is independent and not controlled by the ­Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mr Richardson, who is known for his frank advice to governments, is not expected to be required to report to DPMC secretary Steven Kennedy.

The voluminous Richardson review of the legal framework of the national intelligence community, which included classified recommendations, was acknowledged by a Morrison government response in December 2020 but has not been fully implemented by the Albanese government.

Security sources said inadequate resources and the government’s failure to modernise legislation and give more powers to national security agencies in the digital age had heaped stress on federal police and intelligence officers. With security agencies and departments undergoing expensive digital transformations and systems upgrades, security ­insiders said funding was being shifted away from core priorities at a time when the threat environment was rapidly deteriorating and becoming more sophisticated.

Former head of the Office of National Intelligence and Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Nick Warner, last week told The Australian that “scapegoating the intelligence community is a cop out”. Former ASIO director-­general Duncan Lewis and Mr Richardson also called for greater resources for security agencies.

In the article published in The Australian, Morgan D writes that “the police investigation remains in its early stages and will require months of detailed work, in Australia and overseas, to establish the full sequence of events”.

“Only once the investigation is complete will we have the evidence necessary to identify any system or policy failures,” Morgan D writes. “Premature decision-making, in the absence of all relevant facts, risks undermining the integrity and effectiveness of any subsequent reforms.

“An inquiry into the circumstances leading to the Bondi ­attack is essential. It should not be a witch-hunt; if conducted independently, it can help shape ­evidence-based government policy and determine whether agencies are adequately resourced, whether current information-sharing protocols are effective, where operational improvements and capabilities are needed, and determine whether immigration settings are keeping pace with evolving global threat dynamics.”

Citing the core issue as being the “failure to recognise, confront and act decisively against escalating extremist ideology and anti-Semitism”, Morgan D criticises the political crackdown on gun laws and punishment of “law-abiding Australians”.

“This defies logic. It is the policy equivalent of confiscating the knives from the local butcher because someone was stabbed in the next town,” Morgan D writes.

“This issue is not about gun control. It is about leadership, anti-Semitism and confronting radical Islamist extremism – about successive governments and agencies avoiding hard truths, prioritising political optics over national security and failing to properly resource the systems designed to protect Australians.

“Any errors within these ­agencies should be recognised as organisational failures, not individual ones. The people working in these environments are ­dedicated Australians doing their best despite chronic under-­resourcing, underfunding and ­operating in a high-threat landscape where the margin for error is almost non-existent.”

The Albanese government’s move to strengthen anti-vilification and hate-speech laws following the Bondi terror attack came after advice was received from law-enforcement heads about deficiencies in legal thresholds being manipulated by ­extremists. The government was told that action against individuals engaged in anti-Semitism could not be progressed because existing laws did not reach the threshold required by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett said last week the “challenge has been around some of the thresholds and we certainly welcome the reform around the thresholds, which will allow us to apply the legislation”.

The Australian last week also revealed the Albanese government downgraded a network of “eyes and ears” across immigrant communities designed to identify problems that could lead to Islamist terror attacks. Home Affairs’ community liaison officers were removed from the department’s national security group in late 2022, and have been stripped of their role of reporting on emerging frictions in key diaspora communities since 2018.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said on Sunday that if ASIO was found to have made mistakes, “we will own them and we will learn from them”.

“I welcome scrutiny and ­embrace accountability, but some of the recent criticisms of ASIO have been unfounded,” he said. “The review provides an opportunity for us to refute claims such as we failed to pass on relevant intelligence, defunded and deprioritised counter-terrorism, and ‘purged’ our ­experienced counter-terrorism officers. None of these claims are true.”

ANU strategic and defence studies centre professor John Blaxland said he was not convinced the Bondi shooting could have been identified in advance, given the perpetrators were likely to have been conscious of being detected. “What’s happened is the detection thresholds are getting lower and lower – it’s got very, very difficult to detect these kinds of incidents in advance,” Mr Blaxland warned.

Former Defence Department deputy secretary Peter Jennings said the Richardson inquiry appeared “hasty”.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: JACK QUAIL

A shocking way to end the year

Reproduced from the Australian newspaper today December 24 2025

Morgan D*

As a high-ranking law enforcement professional, with decades of frontline experience in Australia and overseas within the Australian Federal Police, I cannot write this under my real name.

Strict secrecy provisions in the AFP Act force officers into anonymity, under threat of harsh punishment.

This is rooted in reputation and institutional protection, not the protection of classified information.

Government leaders now speak as though the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach came without warning, as if there were no signs, no escalating threats, no atmosphere of danger – as if it emerged from nowhere. Security and law enforcement officials repeat that they have the situation under control and are considering appropriate responses, but these assurances come far too late.

The truth is unmistakeable: the alarm bells were ringing long ago.

The October 9, 2023, protest at the Sydney Opera House, the 300 per cent rise in harassment, threats and assaults against Jewish Australians; the arson and vandalism of Jewish businesses, schools and places of worship; the anti-Semitism on university campuses, the unchecked hate speech, the weekly protest marches calling for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people, and the repeated briefings, particularly to Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, from security agencies all pointed to a growing and foreseeable threat.

There is a legal term for ignoring such warnings: wilful blindness, when someone deliberately avoids knowing the truth so they can later claim ignorance. It is about accountability for choosing not to see what is in front of them.

Can this government credibly claim it did not see this coming? That it required the largest loss of Jewish life since October 7, 2023, to acknowledge rising anti-Semitism and the threat of radical Islamist extremism? Australians are patient, but that patience is wearing thin as law-abiding citizens face consequences while the real dangers remain unaddressed.

The situation echoes the period between 2008 and 2013, when security and law enforcement agencies briefed successive govern­ments on the people-smuggling crisis. With clear evidence and analysis, officials insisted nothing more could be done to stop the boats, even with additional resources, and that only a policy change would be effective. Boats continued to sink. More than 1000 children, women and men drowned.

These deaths were preventable. A reasonable policy shift would have saved lives but inaction cost hundreds of them. Wilful blindness.

What happened at Bondi Beach should never have occurred.

Yet, once again, it appears state and federal policy is shifting the burden on to law-abiding citizens rather than addressing the actions of criminals and terrorists – individuals already known to security and law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, shootings continue almost nightly in major cities.

How many incidents involve licensed firearm owners using licensed firearms? The number is, by any reasonable assessment, close to zero. Where is the leadership, honest discussion and action needed to confront illegal firearms in the hands of criminal groups? The police investigation remains in its early stages and will require months of detailed work, in Australia and overseas, to establish the full sequence of events. Only once the investigation is complete will we have the evidence necessary to identify any system or policy failures. Premature decision-making, in the absence of all relevant facts, risks undermining the integrity and effectiveness of any subsequent reforms.

An inquiry into the circumstances leading to the Bondi attack is essential. It should not be a witch-hunt; if conducted independently, it can help shape evidencebased government policy and determine whether agencies are adequately resourced, whether current information-sharing protocols are effective, where operational improvements and capabilities are needed, and determine whether immigration settings are keeping pace with evolving global threat dynamics.

Key questions include: 

B● How individuals known for extremist views were allowed into Australia and the community.

● How they obtained a firearms licence despite security concerns.

● Why watch-listed individuals were permitted to purchase firearms.

● How monitored individuals were still able to carry out the attack.

● How the government can propose firearm reforms when the data held by police and firearms registries systems are inaccurate.

A serious question now arises as to whether state and federal governments have misled the Australian public by selectively shaping communications about anti- Semitism and radical Islam for political purposes.

According to reporting by Sky News, the AFP commissioner stated the Bondi Beach terrorist attack was “not motivated by religion”.

Most Australians will find that assertion difficult to reconcile with the facts, and those with experience in security or law enforcement agencies will likely be particularly surprised given the ideology underpinning such attacks is inherently religious, albeit based on a radical and distorted interpretation.

As a nation, we require a mature and candid discussion about how to address the minority of Muslims who subscribe to radical Islamist ideology, which is in stark contrast to Australia’s own values.

The AFP commissioner’s comments give rise to questions of political interference or preference, given her previous service in counter-terrorism. 

At the centre of this tragedy is the rise of radical Islamist extremism and violent anti-Semitism. Individuals who entered Australia, adopted or already held extremist ideologies and were known to national security agencies were nevertheless able to obtain a firearms licence and purchase weapons while not being citizens and while being monitored. Despite these red flags, they still were able to carry out a horrific attack on innocent Jewish Australians celebrating a religious festival. That is the core issue: the failure to recognise, confront and act decisively against escalating extremist ideology and anti-Semitism.

And the proposed response? Change the gun laws. Punish responsible, law-abiding Australians.

This defies logic. It is the policy equivalent of confiscating the knives from the local butcher because someone was stabbed in the next town.

There isn’t a licensed firearms holder in the country who would be comfortable knowing that individuals with extremist ideology were able to obtain a firearms licence and purchase weapons. Reviewing the regulations and protocols governing the issuing of licences is reasonable. What is not reasonable is the reaction driven by optics rather than evidence by governments to push through legislation without consultation with affected citizens or any stakeholder groups.

The number of licensed firearms in Australia is dubious. Data inconsistencies between police systems and firearms registries are common – a firearm still may appear on a licence in one system even though it has been disposed of and is no longer registered in another.

A single firearm may be recorded several times because of serial numbers being treated as separate entries. To support any meaningful policy or regulatory discussion, we need accurate firearm data.

This issue is not about gun control.

It is about leadership, anti- Semitism and confronting radical Islamist extremism – about successive governments and agencies avoiding hard truths, prioritising political optics over national security and failing to properly resource the systems designed to protect Australians. Any errors within these agencies should be recognised as organisational failures, not individual ones. The people working in these environments are dedicated Australians doing their best despite chronic underresourcing, underfunding and operating in a high-threat landscape where the margin for error is almost non-existent.

The consequences of these failures will fall on law-abiding citizens who have done nothing wrong. It is not fair. It is not democratic.

It is not Australian. It reflects governments scrambling for cover – because when you fail to act in the face of escalating anti- Semitism, radical Islamist extremism and hate speech, this is the outcome.

*This is an assumed name to protect the identity of the author

Bolding mine

Follicular challenge or follicular diminishment

I live in the corner of an increasingly busy T Junction.

Hoons and rev heads broggy around the corner, tearing along at breakneck speed.

Motor bikes are an abomination of noise.

Can I have a set of tyre spikes for Christmas?

Pro-Gaza ghouls’ insult to the victims as they chant ‘globalise the intifada’Anti-Israel protesters have gathered in Sydney and Melbourne chanting ‘globalise the intifada’ just days after the Bondi massacre memorial, prompting government crackdowns on hate speech

Too hot
Too dry
Too windy
Too humid
Too much traffic hooning
Too much bad behaviour at shopping centres.
Too much – much too much – domestic violence.
Too much threatening behaviour on public transport
Too many home invasions
Too much vehicle theft
Too much leniency for criminal behaviour.
Too much diminishment of traditional Australian values.
Too much tinsel and glitter – hollow learning – in schools
Too much superficiality.

Not enough genuine humanity.

I read recently that one should never hold a grudge. This is excellent advice, but for me, there are three exceptions. They were, or are, all politicians who thwarted the Marshall Perron Right to Die Legislation passed by the NT Assembly in 1996.

One of them, Kevin Andrews, has passed away. The second is Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. They were the mover and seconder of the private members’ bill, which was passed in the Federal Parliament to rescind and void the Marshall Perron legislation.

The third unforgivable is the then Prime Minister John Howard who persuaded the recission bill through the agency of this pair, overruling the NT because we were only a territory.

Fast forward three decades, and appreciate the dreadful situation in which these three ‘visionaries’ have landed us—still no VAD in the NT.

For me, they can never be forgiven

The coming together at Bondi after the terrorist massacre – tonight’s December 21 – will I hope lead to healing.

Sadly, terrorism seems to be here to stay.

Thank you Nigella Lawson for helping me to become so aware and discerning of fine foods.

.

I have been overwhelmed by fatigue all day and inertia and tiredness, ineptitude and the semi-thinking about negative things have burst my motivational balloon.

Just totally overwhelmed hot and feeling dead in body and spirit.

This is something I will have to think about carefully.

Donald Trump

Happiness is peripheral

• There is a possibility and are very strong probability that the outward facade reflecting happiness and joy is often an artificial cover for inner feelings of hopelessness and despair.

• There is a possibility and a very strong probability that the lack of security is eating at the very essence of the Australian Jewish Community.

• There is a possibility but very little probability that the majority of Australians will feel inner happiness and joy during the Christmas and New Year period.

Have a think!

• The Victorian opposition is acting like feral cats.

• “Lasso a column of smoke.”

        Credlin 24/6

• “I wouldn’t trust the coalition to do up its own shoelaces without tripping over.”

Chris Uhlmann on Credlin Sept 8

• “Looks like a boy lost in a lolly shop.”

Michael Danby on Anthony Albanese

• “Rolling hand grenade blowing up her own party on a regular basis.”

        Steven Conroy on the Indian                      and Community

• Anthony Albanese has taken a holiday from history.Greg Sheridan on Credlin 23/9

•  You can’t open an envelope in Victoria without a welcome to country. Peta Credlin 26/11.

Q

Thank you Nigella Lawson for cultivating my intense interest in food.

Tom Piper Braised Steak and Onions.

Tasmanian grown export quality cherries

Outback Backery bread and counter sale delicacies

Karma’s Panda takeaway bacon and egg toasted sandwiches.

Connoisseur brand strawberry ice cream

Life is much changed and a great deal different to the way I imagined it would be.

Some of it okay.

Much of it not.

I live in a disunited, fragmented, kaleidoscopic country where our leaders – federal government politicians – seem so focussed on the Gravy Train that little else counts.

That is the Australia of 2025

Thank you Nigella Lawson for your inspiration.

Is there a message in this picture – from The Ausrralusn News – of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen?

I think dead people who throughout their lives were good people, are lucky they no longer have to bear witness to the horrors of the world in which we now live.

I want to visit no cities.

I want to live in a place of quiet solitude of space of dark nught skies reflecting the stars.

Cities are not for Poor Old Henry.

What they say does not bother me.

I am me and I try to live a good life.

It is the action of living and doing that counts.

What is said is secondary.

POH thanks Nigella Lawson for her culinary guidance.

Now I lay some place to sleep,

I give thee Lord my soul to keep,

If Putin kills me ‘for I wake,

I pray thee Lord my soul to take.

My first diary was in 1970. It was a foolscap size diary with a page allocated to each day, and the first day of my full-time teaching experience turned out to be pupil free by accident rather than design. It was a day, now over half a century old, I will never forget.

Warburton Ranges School Headmaster Bruce Goldthorp, an educator with seven or eight years of teaching experience, was on his first day in the role of headmaster. A kerfuffle with beginnings outside the schoolyard quickly entered the school precinct as he lined the students up. One of the older students (1) had told another that her Father had snakes in his legs. Her Father had obvious and prominent varicose veins in his legs. This ‘observation’ was part of an altercation that had occurred sometime prior between the two students.

This comment was relayed to her Father, who took umbrage at the deep insult. She took off into the school and up the classroom connecting passage, being chased by the offended Father and family. With his weapons to hand, he and his family came into the schoolyard, seeking retribution on the utterer of that comment.

The girl’s family, who had commented, became alerted to the dispute and began chasing after the offended family with appropriate weaponry (no firearms were involved).

The result of this situation was a scatter of all students, first as spectators to the event, which rapidly moved from the schoolyard into the community, thence into the distance. There was no school that day: Our first school day of 1970 at Warburton was the second day of the school year.

(1) Names and identities withheld.

Has there ever been an aeroplane designed and used for passengers which allowed for passenger urine and excrement to fall from the plane onto the ground or ocean below?

Response:

Yes, there have been instances in aviation history where aircraft, particularly older models, had waste systems that did not effectively contain human waste. Instead of being stored in tanks, waste was often expelled directly from the aircraft when the toilets were flushed.

Examples:

1. Early Aircraft: Some early passenger aircraft, like the Douglas DC-3, had simpler waste management systems where waste could potentially be released directly into the environment during flight.
2. Older Jets: In the past, some early jets also had systems that were prone to leaks, leading to waste being expelled while in flight.
3. Regulations: Modern regulations and aircraft designs have changed significantly to ensure that all human waste is contained in onboard tanks that are emptied safely after landing.

Current Situation:

Today, all commercial aircraft are equipped with sophisticated waste systems that collect and store waste until the aircraft lands, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring passenger safety.

Did this motivate the invention of hard hats and tin helmets?

Nigella Lawson inspires Poor Old Henry

Nigella Lawson is the major influencer whom Poor Old Henry credits with his interest in cooking and food preparation.

U

I consider myself a protege of Nigella Lawson

STAGE… Infrequently.

Genie in the lamp, Wee Willy Winke, The Mad Hatter, Olly the Octopus, Ceaser the Emperor. All between 1981 and 2011.

LECTERN

Countless hundreds of times. From 1964 until 2022. As a lay preacher, youth leader, club president, principal, organisational leader, toastmaster …

 Never hold a grudge I just read 

Great advice and for me there are only three exceptions. One of them, Kevin Andrews, is dead. The second is Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke – to me “Mr Glib”. They were the mover and seconder of the private members bill which was passed in the Federal Parliament to rescind and void the Marshall Perron legislation, passed in the NT Assembly in 1996 to enable Voluntary Assisted Dying. 

The third unforgivable is the then Prime Minister John Howard who persuaded the recission bill thriufh the agency of this pair, overruling the NT because we were only a territory.

Fast forward three decades and appreciate the dreadful situation in which these three ‘visionaries’ have landed us.

No, for mine, they can never be forgiven

Question to AI

How many meetings is a leader likely to attend through a 30 year leadership life?

Response:

Estimating the number of meetings a leader might attend over a 30-year leadership career involves several variables, such as the frequency and duration of meetings, the leader’s role, and the type of organization.

Here’s a rough breakdown to consider:

1. Meetings per week: If a leader attends approximately 5 meetings per week (this can vary widely based on the organization and industry), that’s about 260 meetings in a year (52 weeks).
2. Duration of leadership: Over 30 years, this would amount to: [
   260 \text{ meetings/year} \times 30 \text{ years} = 7,800 \text{ meetings}
   ]
3. Adjustments for vacation and holidays: If we factor in vacations and holidays, which might reduce the number of weeks worked each year, a more conservative estimate might yield around 200 to 240 meetings per year.
4. Total meetings:

• For 200 meetings a year:
  [
  200 \text{ meetings/year} \times 30 \text{ years} = 6,000 \text{ meetings}
  ]
• For 240 meetings a year:
  [
  240 \text{ meetings/year} \times 30 \text{ years} = 7,200 \text{ meetings}
  ]

Conclusion

A leader might attend anywhere from 6,000 to 7,800 meetings over a 30-year career, depending on their specific circumstances.

This is a broad estimate, and actual numbers can vary greatly based on the individual’s leadership style and the organization’s culture.

Noone on their deathbed felt sadness at having missed a meeting here and there.

The moon once shone brightly on our lives,

But no more, 

Alzheimer’s in its chariot of destruction,

Has swept past,

And reduced what was,

To what now is.

We are shells of our former selves,

One with a brainbox,

Of creeping, vacuous blue

The other battling with uncertainties,

Never knowing what is around,

The next corner.

Switched as it were

From the straight and true,

Eyre Highway traversing the Nullarbor,

To the uncertainties,

Of the twisted, winding,

Raindrenched slipperiness,

Of the Karunda Road.

I am the uncertain driver,

An oft distrusting navigator,

Enveloped in penumbric gloom

Driving it seems blindly,

Into the darkness of uncertainty

Feeling the confidence 

Of someone entrapped,

In a boghole of shit.

The way I feel today

The moon once shone brightly on our lives,

But no more, 

Alzheimer’s in its chariot of destruction,

Has swept past,

And reduced what was,

To now what is.

We are shells of our former selves,

One with a brainbox,

Of creeping, vacuous blue

The other battling with uncertainties,

Never knowing what is around,

The next corner.

Switched as it were

From the straight and true,

Eyre Highway traversing the Nullarbor,

To the uncertainties,

Of the twisted, winding,

Raindrenched slipperiness,

Of the Karunda Road.

I am the uncertain driver,

An oft distrusted navigator,

Enveloped in penumbric gloom

Driving it seems blindly,

Into the darkness of uncertainty

Feeling the confidence 

Of someone entrapped,

In a boghole of shit.

The way I feel today

The Sundowner Syndrome is one of the worst manifestations of that way this mind-altering scourge manifests itself. A loved one in the daytime becomes an enemy of the dementia sufferer at night and must be kicked out as an abominable person trying to impersonate the carer or loved one.

That happens to me on a regular basis and it is hard to sustain.

And tonight is the eighth time I am not me but someone with inveighing intent.

How can this be!

The doctor was singing

The doctor was dancing

The doctor was off to the bank

For helping make me

The world’s richest GP

You wonderful Goveites I thank

The doctor was clapping

His voice loud and shrill

Yeehaaing adnauseum

As money clinked into the till

Bursting bankbooks confirm his wealth so great,

Gove has delivered his affluent state.

Simple and nutritious.

Swearing

Sweating

Singing

Shaking

Sobbing

Snoring

Snapping

Sniffing

Sneezing

Would be good for Poor Old Henry.

PART TWO

I am lost in the despondency

Of a life unravelling before my eyes,

Of a person cast adrift on a raft of uncertainty,

Changing her by the minute, hour and day,

Where I am loved one hour,

An outcast pariah

A nothing, a nobody the next.

For me a carer

Things are right, then wrong 

Good then bad

Recognised and loved

Unknown and distanced

Welcomed within ‘our house’

Then cast outside ‘my’ house,

To go home to ‘your’ house.

At times lost in a labyrinth of despair,

A maze of uncertainty.

Whatever happens 

I must be resolute, strong, empathetic,

Focused on supporting the love of my life

The mother of my children. 

Through the uncertain patches of dark road

She is now sentenced to navigating. 

And for a time in the stillness of the evening

Shared in quiet but uncertain companionship

We can reflect together

Sharing memories

By words or sometimes in non-verbal communication.

Where I write and reflect and try 

To allay the mindquake,  

I so often feel.

Part One

Ever more frequently,

I lay on our bed

Of sit in a recliner,

Wondering 

What the purpose of my life has become.

Very rarely does the sun energe.

Optimism and joy 

Stay in penumbric shroud,

Their greyness

Envelopes my heart, soul and mind,

Like a cobweb.

My picture of life,

Is evermore kaleidoscopic,

The jigsaw pieces confused.

I am getting to the point

Of wondering at the wisdom

Of trying,

To instil

The vigour of breath

Into the limp, dragging

Mainsail of my life.

Why are liberal politics in Australia failing so badly?

Response:

The challenges facing liberal politics in Australia can be attributed to several factors:

1. Changing Voter Demographics

• Younger voters tend to lean more progressive, focusing on issues like climate change, social justice, and income inequality, which may not align with traditional liberal policies.

2. Environmental Concerns

• Climate change has become a top priority for many Australians. The liberal party’s past reluctance to take strong action on climate issues has alienated environmentally conscious voters.

3. Economic Disparities

• Rising cost of living and housing affordability have created discontent. Voters are more concerned about economic equity, which often favors more progressive parties.

4. Leadership and Image

• Perceptions of leadership can significantly impact political success. Controversies or perceived incompetence within the leadership can damage public trust.

5. Party Division and Unity

• Factions within the party may lead to inconsistencies in policy and messaging, confusing voters and weakening the party’s stance.

6. Social Issues

• Issues such as immigration, healthcare, and education have seen divisions between the liberal party’s traditional platform and the evolving values of the electorate.

7. Opposition Strategies

• The strategies employed by opposing parties, particularly in leveraging social media and grassroots movements, have successfully mobilized support against liberal policies.

8. Global Trends

• The rise of populism and the implementation of more progressive policies in other democracies can influence Australian voters and politics.

Conclusion

In summary, the liberal parties in Australia face a complex landscape shaped by demographic shifts, public sentiment on key issues, internal party dynamics, and broader socio-economic trends. Addressing these issues effectively will be crucial for their future success.M

Success is a long way off.

A HEADLINE GRABBING TOWN FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS.

The death of a person and the tabling of their will, so often turns people from respectability into vultures clawing for ‘their share’ of the estate and into ‘jackals’ scrounging at what might be described as the dead carcass, to snavel out every possible vestige of personal gain.

As a dementia carer to my wife of almost 57 years – and the lady who is the love of my life – I feel that I am never off duty for the need for care is constant.

Dementia has caused so many changes in her patterns of thinking and recall.

Her dementia seems to cause her to be hot one minute and cold the next. Usually, I am Henry but I cab suddenly become a figure of suspicion, an inpster who has spirited Hebry away. Our children’s names are often confused or they are back with us as developing children from the 1970’s and 80’s. Or we gave to go back to teaching or working because we are running out of money.

Hour after hour and day after day.

It is the way things are and always will be.

Interesting.

But it was rising above the clouds so we could not see it.

I have seen many of the four legged variety

Lions

Tigers

Leopards

Wild cats in the bush

Wild dogs

Screeching, screaming, scratching monkeys

I have seen and heard much about the two legged variety

Stealing cars

Maliciously injuring

Committing deliberate acts of manslaughter and murder

Practising paedophilia.

Crashing vehicles at drug and grog infused break neck speeds

Smashing into homes and ram raiding businesses.

Fighting with guns, machetes, torching vehicles, businesses and homes

Torching churches

Racially hating and slurring others in hostile aggeession

The list goes on.

There are four legged animals

But

There are far more wild animals of the two-legged variety.

.

Why are liberal politics in Australia failing so badly?

Response:

The challenges facing liberal politics in Australia can be attributed to several factors:

1. Changing Voter Demographics

• Younger voters tend to lean more progressive, focusing on issues like climate change, social justice, and income inequality, which may not align with traditional liberal policies.

2. Environmental Concerns

• Climate change has become a top priority for many Australians. The liberal party’s past reluctance to take strong action on climate issues has alienated environmentally conscious voters.

3. Economic Disparities

• Rising cost of living and housing affordability have created discontent. Voters are more concerned about economic equity, which often favors more progressive parties.

4. Leadership and Image

• Perceptions of leadership can significantly impact political success. Controversies or perceived incompetence within the leadership can damage public trust.

5. Party Division and Unity

• Factions within the party may lead to inconsistencies in policy and messaging, confusing voters and weakening the party’s stance.

6. Social Issues

• Issues such as immigration, healthcare, and education have seen divisions between the liberal party’s traditional platform and the evolving values of the electorate.

7. Opposition Strategies

• The strategies employed by opposing parties, particularly in leveraging social media and grassroots movements, have successfully mobilized support against liberal policies.

8. Global Trends

• The rise of populism and the implementation of more progressive policies in other democracies can influence Australian voters and politics.

Conclusion

In summary, the liberal parties in Australia face a complex landscape shaped by demographic shifts, public sentiment on key issues, internal party dynamics, and broader socio-economic trends. Addressing these issues effectively will be crucial for their future success.

Henry’s conclusion: The Liberals are stuffed.

I often wish I had remained in the simpler, less complicated times of the past. There were challenges, and I must be careful not to succumb to the rose-coloured glasses syndrome. But things were quieter, less materialistically oriented, more focused on people, and more focused on brainwork, book study, and cognitive development. 

That has all but gone by the by. 

Handwriting, spelling, UNDERSTANDING language and literature and being cognitively aware of science and mathematics have all gone.  These days gadgetary gets you the correct answers BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW WHY THEY ARE RIGHT. 

Deep learning and substance appreciation are out the door, and rip, rush, tinsel, and glitter are the order of the day.  

And in architectural terms, lovely and steadfast old buildings with character are knocked down to be replaced by multilevel structures alive with hideous creation and reflecting creative tatt.

Insurance costs, particularly for homes and contents, have been rising alarmingly. Rate increases mean a growing number cannot afford continuing coverage.

I have been with the same insurance company since we purchased our house. We have never made an insurance claim. Looking back over past records is illuminating. Regarding house and contents, the policy for the 2006 fiscal year was $1224.60 or $47.10  per month in premium plus stamp duty and GST.

Come 2025, and the base premium is $7793.66. GST ($779.37) and stamp duty ($857.31) increase the twelve-month total due to $9430.34. That is an increase of $970 over 2024. Australia-wide, insurance costs are exploding. For far too many, properties and contents are uninsurable because of eye-watering premiums. 

It seems to me that governments should waive both the GST and stamp duty components of premium costs in the interests of supporting our Australian population. That could well enable some to maintain their premium payments. The thought of no insurance in the face of disaster is awful to contemplate.

When Cyclone Marcus, Category 2, hit Darwin seven years ago, two realisations dawned on the community, and promises were made to address key issues. The government resolved that above-ground power lines needed to be progressively moved underground due to frequent, lengthy power outages caused by falling or fouled overhead lines. The second was the need for local and territory governments to be aware of the need to trim trees to avoid contact with power lines. 

Underground powerlines quickly stalled due to cost. The project was de-prioritised. The risk of branches contacting power lines has never been addressed.  

As for trees that might fall over in strong wind due to instability based on both height and the angle of main trunks – forget it. Governments get an ‘A’ for planting trees and an ‘F’ for care and maintenance. Once planted, trees grow wild and free.

Cyclone Fina has revisited the inconveniences, hardships, and massive clean-up costs we confronted following Marcus – only this time, more severely and drastically.  Will prevention priorities be revisited?

I saw a man in shorts and t shirt walking around last night. The resplendidness of his tattoos have added at least $20,000 to the value of his body.

As each day passes I feel ever less confident about the future of the world and the essence of Australia.

The country is in steep decline with key ministers in Canberra – Chris Bowen an antagonistic respondent to reality and Tony Burke more of a soothsayer than pragnatic Politican – in charge of the steering and the rudder.

What hope have we got!!

It weights me down

It is a burden seldom lifted

I would like it gone.

Their hearts entwine in love so pure,

Rock solid, their love will endure,

From downers, to heady times so high,

Now, always, until they die.

The Lodge is now a nest of love,

O’seen by olive bearing dove,

Peace within, each day serene,

The Lady of Shallot his Queen.

Everlasting times they’ll share 

Toto will be their Humphrey Bear,

One and one and one make three

Albo, Toto and Jodie.

Once I was told that there are two parts to every 24 hours, day and night.

I need both.

As sure as day follows night, night follows day.

I couldn’t live with one without the other.

Much food is good

But I would be sad

If denied meat

That would be bad

I like beef

And I like like lamb

But please no chicken

And not much ham

All that aside

I do love cherries

And wolf down

Curried cackkeberries.

If

Dr Nitsche

Came through the

Door right now and

Offered me a life ending

Injection, I would lay down and

Extend my right arm for the needle

Insertion and gladly close my eyes and wait

For the healing of death to translate my tortured

Mind into a void of empty nothngness but lifeless space.

And then they all want to placate Putin.

The world has gone mad

December 1 2014 was the worst day of my life. On that day police came calling and I was accused of a horrendous crime allegedly perpetrated by myself some 15 years earlier.

If ever there was a day I was thankful for the way I kept written diaries, that was the day. I was able to confirm from reference to my diaries that the allegations made against me were spurious.

The proof I offered was accepted after verification processes and I received correspondence from the NT Police to that effect.

Imagine my feelings when a day or two after this clearance – a copy of which was sent to the NT Department of Education and Teacher Registration Board, confirming the board had decided to investigation the allegation – of which I had been cleared.

You would not believe the trauma that confronted me or how black and negative I felt about this whole issue.

In the wash up, what added to the matter was the fact that there was no come back on the false accuser.

While I feel and relive the scenario on this black anniversary day each year, I think to of people who gave been falsely accused, have been convicted, had their careers ruined and have done jail time – only for the falsity of accusation to come to light months and even years later. With the accuser(s) of course, home free.

On this day I also relive appreciation for my family and those few professional support people who gave me strength during this awful time.

Engage constructively in Australia’s national interest.

Suffered damage during Cyclone Fena. Brick facade collapsed off wall and tumbled through a roof onto ground floor area.

Cut and serve. Another of Poor Old Henry’s yum yum creations.

Socks

Shoes.

I have had some hard decisions to make in my life, both personal and professional.

But my hardest decision is yet to come.

I am getting old and remain reasonably well but as a person within mere months of becoming an octogenarian, it concerns me that in the NT, we are denied the right to die under the terms of voluntary assisted dying legislation.

If I become very ill and want to avoid encumbering others with the burden of my dependent life, I will have no option other than suiciding.

That will be a hard decision, but one I will make. If VAD is not in place within the NT, I will commit suicide.

Australia is often referred to as the mythical promised land

Certainly more myth than fact these days

‘Promise’ has left this land.

So interest rates will not fall. They will almost certainly rise again before they fall.

Victoria.. The worst state in Australia, where 1% of First Nations people, in essence, set the agenda for the other 99%.

Victoria, where the interest paid on its ballooning debts costs the state $29,000,000 a day.

Victoria is leading the way and pulling Australia into the deep depths of sub-Antarctic existence.

Where has the countzry gone.

It is even more lost.

There is today

Tomorrow the next day, week. month, year, and so on

Ad infinitum.

But today,

There was yesteday,

And before that,

NOTHING/

We do not need a reas view mirror.

For it is not used.

Nothing special

Just as it comes

Just what we can find

Nothing exotic

As plain as possible

Really you can’t go past

Roast lamb

Scotch Fillet

BBQ Sausages

Part One

Ever more frequently,

I lay on our bed

Of sit in a recliner,

Wondering 

What the purpose of my life has become.

Very rarely does the sun energe.

Optimism and joy 

Stay in penumbric shroud,

Their greyness

Envelopes my heart, soul and mind,

Like a cobweb.

My picture of life,

Is evermore kaleidoscopic,

The jigsaw pieces confused.

I am getting to the point

Of wondering at the wisdom

Of trying,

To instil

The vigour of breath

Into the limp, dragging

Mainsail of my life.

Should a carer tell a dementia sufferer about the things that are skewing their thinking and perception?

When caring for a person with dementia, navigating conversations about their distorted thinking and perception can be delicate. Here are some considerations regarding whether a carer should address these issues:

1. Focus on Reality Orientation:

• It’s often beneficial to gently redirect or orient the person to reality rather than directly confront their misperceptions. For example, if they believe someone is an intruder, it may help to reassure them about their safety rather than discussing their misinterpretation directly.

2. Assess Their Emotional State:

• If a person is anxious or upset, addressing skewed thinking may escalate their distress. In such situations, focusing on calming techniques or providing comfort is usually more effective.

3. Validation:

• Instead of correcting their perceptions outright, validate their feelings. For instance, if they express fear or confusion, acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance without arguing.

4. Choose the Right Approach:

• If they are open to discussion about their thoughts, you might guide them gently. However, it’s crucial to gauge their responsiveness and avoid any approach that may lead to frustration or distress.

5. Creating a Safe Environment:

• The goal should be to foster a supportive and safe environment. If their beliefs cause them distress or lead to unsafe situations, discussing these perceptions may be more appropriate.

6. Professional Guidance:

• Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as a doctor or a psychologist, can provide strategies tailored to the individual’s condition and needs. They may also offer insight into communication techniques that can be effective.

7. Remember the Individual:

• Every individual with dementia is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Tailoring your approach based on their history, personality, and current state is essential.

In summary, while it may be necessary to address skewed perceptions in some contexts, sensitivity and careful consideration are vital. The priority should remain on the emotional well-being and safety of the person with dementia.

No wonder why carers can crack up

Asked of AI

Why would a person with Dementia suddenly not know the carer – a spouse – and kick them out of their home locking the door behind him?

A person with dementia may suddenly not recognize their spouse or carer due to several reasons related to the progression of the disease:

1. Memory Loss: Dementia often results in significant memory impairment. As the disease progresses, it may affect short-term memory, making it difficult for the person to recognize familiar faces, even those of close family members.
2. Confused State: Dementia can cause confusion and disorientation. The person may not understand their surroundings, leading to misinterpretation of situations or people, including a spouse who has been their primary caregiver.
3. Fear or Paranoia: Individuals with dementia might experience feelings of fear or paranoia, especially if they feel threatened or believe that something is wrong. This can lead to defensive actions, such as kicking out the caregiver.
4. Lack of Recognition: Some forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, can impair the ability to recognize faces (prosopagnosia). The person may not be able to process the information to understand who the caregiver is, even if they see them frequently.
5. Changes in Routine: If there was a change in routine or environment, it could lead to increased confusion and a feeling of insecurity, prompting negative reactions towards caregivers.
6. Emotional Response: The person might be experiencing a strong emotional response that isn’t directly related to their carer but may manifest in a misunderstanding of the situation.
7. Delusions: In some cases, individuals with dementia might develop delusions or false beliefs that can lead to irrational behavior, including perceiving the caregiver as a threat.

Understanding these behaviors is essential for caregivers, as they often reflect the stress and confusion of living with dementia rather than a conscious choice. It may be helpful to seek professional advice on managing challenging behaviors in dementia care.

If I didn’t need sleep I would sit on a chair inside our front gate and guard the house.

Along Darwin’s Esplanade.

WHAT IS ON YOUR MIND

A lot.
Much of it
Wondering about where we
Are headed as a country
And as a territory within Australia
One thing is for sure and certain
Our Federal Government is high on hyped vision
But can that translate into sustained and actual reality?
The sad thing is that if things go
Belly up and we are left floundering
In the mire of consequent outcome
They will sigh and say
Oh well we tried
And just made
A bad
Mistake.

They will walk
With pension and plenty
We will be left bankrupt
With their sad and awful mess

Today I have been feeling really down, deflated an depressed.

I knocked together a lunch of cold corn beef and lettuce.

Net Zero a Fiction

Please Chris Bowen
Please don’t shirk
From the reality that
Net zero won’t work.
Not now, not ever
We’ll live to wail
For Net Zero is
A phantom trail,
A dream with mystic
That will send
Us to the wall
With tragic end

Bowen’s Illusion

There was a minister named Bowen
Whose energy policy has shown
It may be so wrong
But it will go on and on,
Until our economy’s blown

What happened when a section of roof at the Royal Darwin Hospital collapsed into a ward.

That happened when a brick facade collapsed onto the roof.

Purchasing opportunities

• There is a possibility but only a minuscule probability that furniture retailers will caution prospective customers to make do with their goods and save their money for future needs.

• There is a possibility but a microscopic possibility only, that retailers will discourage purchasers from saving until they can pay cash for goods.

• There is a probability but only a limited possibility of advertisers offering the plain truth – without exaggeration or embellishment – of goods they have for sale.

The threat of nuclear war.

The lack of Australian defence readiness.

The diminishment of serious Australian intellect.

The hardness and lack of appreciation by many immigrants of the chances they are being offered.

Braised steak and onions

Sausages and fried eggs

Bali bread

All good and all loved.

HENRY MEETS WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

History Re-visited

There’s so much that’s fascinating about history and about people who have made up what has gone before but I find it very hard indeed to choose somebody I would like to meet – there are so many.

If it comes down to one single person I would very much like to meet William the Conqueror and talk with him about what he left, why he decided to invade the United Kingdom, what his plans were, if in his opinion he succeeded in his commission or not, and what he would do differently if he were to revisit the past in these modern times.

I would like to talk to him about strategies, battle plans, weapons, and how he found the people of England reacted to him coming from abroad to civilise and conquer.

There are many people from the past I would like to meet but there are certain parallels between what happened when the country of England was invaded.. I would find it fascinating indeed to have a conversation with William the Conqueror

It works well in helping to remove stubborn stains or ingrained dirt from tiles after vacuuming.

Mop by foot and then discard the used wipes into the bin. Repeat as necessary.

Keep your balance steady, using the spare hand can help the balance provided by the crutch.

Take care.

The system works well and also exercises leg and foot muscles.

There once was a lady named Markle,
Won Harry with her sweet charm and sparkle,
They moved to live overseas,
That makes for princely unease,
Can he reverse what became a debacle?

If these three components mashed together and presented as cooked pancakes, would that be better?

AI’s response:

Mashing eggplant, grapefruit, and soursop together to create pancakes could potentially enhance the meal’s appeal, especially for children, for several reasons:

Benefits of Cooking Them as Pancakes

1. Improved Texture:
   • Combining the ingredients might create a softer texture that’s easier for children to eat.
2. Enhanced Flavor:
   • Cooking can mellow out the bitterness of eggplant and blend the flavors of grapefruit and soursop, making the dish sweeter and more palatable.
3. Versatile Serving Options:
   • Pancakes can be served with various toppings like yogurt, honey, or syrup, which could make them more appealing to kids.
4. Fun Presentation:
   • Children often enjoy foods that are shaped or presented funnily, such as pancakes, which can encourage them to try new flavors.

Nutritional Considerations

• Retaining Nutrients: Cooking can diminish some heat-sensitive vitamins, but the overall meal would still retain a good amount of nutritional value.
• Adding Ingredients: You could add flour or oats to improve the structure and give it a pancake consistency, along with eggs or a binder for better texture.

Conclusion

Overall, transforming eggplant, grapefruit, and soursop into pancakes could be a creative and appealing way to present these foods, potentially making the meal more enjoyable for children while still providing a nutritious base.

I am looking for a child who would like to be a guinea pig

A child was given eggplant, grapefruit and soursop for lunch. Would that have been a wonderful meal?

AI’s response:

A meal featuring eggplant, grapefruit, and soursop can indeed be quite interesting and nutritious, but whether it would be considered “wonderful” by a child depends on their personal taste preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

Nutritional Benefits

1. Eggplant:

• Low in Calories: It can be a good low-calorie option.
• Rich in Fiber: Supports digestive health.
• Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.

1. Grapefruit:

• High in Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system.
• Hydrating: Contains a high water content.
• Unique Flavor: The tartness might be appealing or off-putting to some kids.

1. Soursop:

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Especially Vitamin C and B vitamins.
• Unique Flavor: A combination of strawberry and pineapple, which might be enjoyable for children who like sweet flavors.

Considerations

• Taste Preferences: Not all children may enjoy the bitter or tart flavors of eggplant and grapefruit.
• Preparation: The way these foods are prepared can make a big difference (e.g., roasted eggplant is often more palatable than raw).

Conclusion

While this meal can be nutritious, its enjoyment depends largely on the child’s taste buds and the preparation method. For some children, it might be a delightful and novel experience, while others may find it less appealing.

You be the judge.

Transverly cut an apple scroll into thin slices.

Add butter and lay on snack plate.

Political issues

• There is a possibility but very little probability that Anthony Albanese will invite President Putin on a state visit to Australia.

• There is a possibility and a quite strong probability that Toto Albanese will win the Champion Canine Award at the 2026 Sydney Royal Show.

• There is a possibility and a growing probability that all federal, state and territory coalition leaders will soon be women.

A delicious smoked turkey , lettuce and cranberry sauce sandwich.

May

Is the

Best month for

Me and more to

The point the first day

Of May is my favourite day –

Because it is The day

That is furthest away

From the start

Of cyclone

Season.

What is the simplest, mist nutritious meal in the world?

Response:

The simplest and most nutritious meal is often considered to be a bowl of oatmeal with fruits and nuts. Here’s why it stands out:

Nutritional Benefits

1. Oatmeal:

• High in Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Rich in Nutrients: Contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

1. Fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, or apples):

• High in Vitamins: Provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Natural Sweetness: Adds flavor without processed sugars.

1. Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts):

• Healthy Fats: Good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protein and Fiber: Aids in satiety and muscle maintenance.

Preparation

• Simply cook the oats in water or milk, top with fresh or dried fruits and a handful of nuts. This meal is quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking skills, and is easily customizable based on personal preferences.

Conclusion

This meal is not only simple and nutritious but also versatile, being suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

No wonder Oliver Twist wanted seconds.

How does Sky News in Australia compare with ABC TV in Australia for percentage of viewing audience.

Can you do a comparison of each year from 2016 to 2025.

Thank you

Response:

Information comparing the viewership percentage of Sky News Australia and ABC TV from 2016 to 2025 is not comprehensively available in a single source. However, here are some insights based on the data collected:

Sky News Australia vs ABC TV Audience Comparisons (2016-2025)

1. General Trends:

• Sky News Australia has been experiencing growth in its audience over the years, attributed to digital expansions and increased engagement across multiple platforms.
• ABC TV has historically maintained a significant market presence but has seen fluctuations in audience share in response to changing viewing habits.

1. 2016-2020:

• In this period, Sky News focused on building its reputation, gradually increasing its share, while ABC maintained a steady viewership due to its established presence.
• Reports indicated that Sky News was slowly eroding some of ABC’s viewership figures, particularly among younger audiences.

1. 2021:

• By 2021, Sky News reported substantial audience growth; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on news consumption favored news channels, including Sky News.
• ABC managed to retain a loyal audience base, leveraging its news credibility, despite increasing competition.

1. 2022-2023:

• In 2022, Sky News announced a 21.5% audience growth over two years, engaging around 11.1 million Australians monthly across platforms.
• ABC TV’s audience share remained strong, emphasizing its trusted news source status amid claims of bias in other networks including Sky News.

1. 2024:

• Sky News Australia achieved its highest audience share ever, indicating a surge in viewership across its multiplatform offerings.
• ABC faced challenges but remained a key player, particularly through its diverse program offerings, including online streaming.

1. 2025 (Forecast/Projections):

• Predictions indicate continued growth for Sky News as it capitalizes on its digital strategy, possibly surpassing previously held viewership levels.
• ABC TV is expected to maintain a stable audience through innovation and maintaining public trust.

Conclusion

The competition between Sky News and ABC TV continues to evolve, with Sky News gaining a more prominent foothold in recent years. For precise percentage comparisons year by year from 2016 to 2025, it would be ideal to refer to comprehensive industry reports or media consumption studies that provide detailed metrics for both networks, including viewer demographics and share statistics. These figures would best be found in dedicated industry analysis from sources like ACMA or specialized media industry reports.

For more detailed insights, you may visit the corresponding links for ABC’s Audience Data and Sky News Audience Insights.

WHERE TO FROM. HERE?

It’s so awful,
It’s so sad,
That men are tarnished,
And deemed bad.,

It seems not right,
No not at all,
That ‘one’s’ evil acts,
Create a pall,
Of apprehension, indeed fear,
That creates blind panic,
When men are near,
To infant children,
In their care
‘Lest their sweetness is strippled,
Replaced by despair.

And so it is,
That from today,
From childcare, all men
Should keep away.

We are blessed by good government.,
From near and afar
People applaud and clap us,
Say how lucky we are

Albo is my hero,
I’m sure you’ll agree,
We should salute,
And to him bend knee.

I am an old man,
He may well be the last,
Australian PM.
Before I breathe my last.

Old cars are good.
New cars are not.
I love my old car,
The car that I got,
Decades ago and it runs so well,
New ones cost heaps
And are like empty shells.
New fangled ideas,
Leave me stone cold,
That’s why I love,
My car oh also old.

France turns a blind eye
When boats arrive
To pick up the people
Desperate to skive
Across the channel to England
Where safe on the shore
And where in spite of the rhetoric They’ll stay evermore.

Think of France if you can
It shoudn’t be hard
As a country that serves
As a marshalling yard
They come in their thousands
In their efforts don’t shirk
To jump on a vessel
And relive Dunkirk.

This sort of thing could only happen in Australia. Especially in Victoria.

I am Henry
I am a man
But from now on
I will change – and I can
Just go to a bureau
And confirm my sex change.
There couldbe nothing
More easily to arrange

Would you believe that is how it is

A couple  

With hungry child,  

Approach the checkout.  

In their trolley,  

Are basic necessities.  

Nothing elaborate,  

Every item one of need.  

They consult the plastic,  

Enter digits,  

Hoping to God   

For the green numbers.  

STRIKE ONE   

“Please re-enter”   

Demands that soulless terminal screen.  

Embarrassing the couple,  

Exposing their shame,  

To fellows winking,  

Thinking,  

“We’re better than them”.  

“Sometimes the card sticks …   

Have another go   

OK?”

Transaction re-entered.  

STRIKE TWO   

Declined again! … then again.

STRIKE THREE!!    

You are out.

Derision haunts the couple,   

Shoppers laugh behind their hands.   

The sad pair,   

Buy meagre items,    

With a handful of coins,    

Loose, forlorn in a bag.  

Biscuits, milk.    

The forlorn child   

Hurriedly tears the packet,  

Gnawing the nourishment,    

Like a hungry rat.   

Whither now?   

God only knows   

Toward what end     

Their forlorn destiny will lead.    

They wander from the precinct,    

Into the nether regions,   

Of near distance.   

Rain falls,   

Lightly from the sky,   

How they wish   

It was manna from Heaven.  

The spirit of Ukraine is indomitable, but there has to be an endpoint.

Where to from here?

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

in short, I want people to know that my mission statement is a mirror of my life, that it is lived, practised and is not an unloved text of empty rhetoric. I want people to know it is a a lived and practised focus.

“ To fulfil and be fulfilled in organisational mode, family, work and recreation.

To acquit my responsibilities with integrity.

To live with a smile in my heart.”

Pain is painful

It’s a drain

On our psyche

As we sustain

Outlook on life

And going forward

May we be assured

By the word

Of those who know

And those who care

Sending the Lord

A soulful prayer.

That those who ache

In pain do squirm

Will be blessed with minds

That hold them firm

May their pain reduce

And go away

Rendering them

A blessed day

FOR THE TERRITORY THIS IS A CRITICAL ISSUE.

The older I get,

The faster the week goes.

Days merge into each other.

They whizz by in whirlpool style,

Sucking me from one day to the next,

With dizzying speed.

In my days of ages past,

Things moved slowly.

My career beginnings moved ponderously

Magnified by isolation.

But the years have rolled,

Now I look back on a time that has gone

From morning, to noon to late in the day.

I know not how long,

Will be the period of my requiem,

My reflection.

I reflect on challenges

And opportunities that came my way.

Hopefully

I will be remembered

For good.

So the whirlpool

Of my latter years

Spins ever faster.

From dust I came

And to dust

I will return.

What endures

Will be the memories

Of my life,

Left for others.

May they be blessed remembrances

I confess to a change

Posted on November 11, 2025

For many years, I have resisted the idea of becoming a Facebook member.

That had largely to do with the fact that so many people connected to social media accounts had endured a great deal of stress related to bullying and snide, awful comments on social media. As a school principal, I became aware of just how damaging social media can be and how it can be manipulated and used to cause great upset to others. 

I have not changed my mind about the damaging and deleterious impacts of social media. Still, my decision now to use this platform has been influenced by the need to access information about a key medical issue that can only be accessed by creating a Facebook account. 

I look forward to reacquainting myself with people I know from our time in education and through community involvement over the years.

At the start of the day I felt light, optimistic and potentially anticipating a great day.

As the sun sets, I gave been degraded to feeling like a leaden sky scudding over a whole sourdough landscape.

It indeed is a sharp tack.

Oops.…. Wrong picture!

Yes

Once but

No longer as

He has retired and

Vacated the stage for others

To take the reigns and move

Into the wings that others should lead

Every leader has their time in the sun

But the time comes to an end

And the spotlight moves

From the old

To the

New.

Child care staff

Mired and stained by the behaviour of a few who absolutely ruin this profession and the reputation of providers for the vast majority.

• Blowflies in Darwin are more persistent than Chinese jet fighters doing exercise manouvres over the Taiwan Strait.
• Scammers are proactive, and law enforcement strategies are always reactive.
• First Nations people or descndabts of First Nations poople in Australia are regarded as beibg far more important than the rest of the population.

We are living in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world.  Safety and security are paramount issues and frequently the centre of conversations.  

Terrorism is increasingly global and no country or region is guaranteed as safe from its impacts. The Christchurch massacre on March 15 showed that to be the case.

Questions about safety and the uncertainty of security affect both adults and children. For children, one of the most significant impacts has been the requirement that schools develop lockdown policies. Policies are periodically drilled for the sake of awareness so that if schools are under threat they can be safely implemented.

Children of all ages are very aware of what is happening in the world. ‘The good, the bad and the ugly’ elements of life are constantly brought to their attention through media and by listening and contributing to conversations. 

Sarah Parry and Jez Oldfield  wrote that  “While adults often have enough life experience to … take a long-term perspective toward such disasters, children can face different challenges.” ( How to talk to children about terrorism, The Conversation, June 5, 2017.) Events such as the Christchurch massacre cause children to “… experience much higher levels of distress than usual. … this can include aches and pains, sleeplessness, nightmares, … (children) becoming very snappy … withdrawn … not wanting to be separated from their parents.” (Op cit)

Shielding children from confronting reality does not work and is an unhelpful strategy. Parry and Oldfield write that “… young people today are exposed to anxiety-provoking information like never before. Rather than shielding children from inevitable stressors, we need to focus on arming them with balanced information, compassion, hope and the chance to develop their resilience.” (Op cit)

Rather than hiding the horror of terrorism from children, frank discussion, including answering their questions, is a wiser approach. Parry and Oldfield suggest the following strategies.

• Ask children how they feel about what they have seen or heard. Then address their feelings.
• Remind children that helpers of those distressed are the real heroes. Discuss their bravery, decency and morality.
• Be conscious of the need to “ … enhance children’s confidence, sense of bravery, ability to problem solve and develop their moral compass” through empathetic and understanding parental support.
• Sorting the truth from myth and misinformation that circulates after tragedy, helps children keep things in perspective.
• Be conscious of the need to reassure young people about parental and adult care for their safety. Parry and Oldfield (op cit) offer wise words. “ Being able to reassure young people that they are safe, loved and cared for can make all the difference.” 

These considerations are paramount in helping children during uncertain times.

And those uncertainties are more apparent than ever.

A lot has been said and written about the need for teachers to be professionals who meet an expanding raft of the  developmental needs of students. Educational expectations held for teachers seem to be constantly expanding. 

Teaching is more minutely inspected by the community than any other profession.  It seems greater responsibility for the bringing up and development of children is  placed on teachers and schools rather than on parents and homes. It has become the done thing for some parents and primary caregivers when things go wrong for children, to vent their displeasure on teachers.

The bullying of teachers by a cohort of parents is an issue of growing concern. The Sunday Territorian (Teachers’ bullying crisis, January 27 2019) confirmed that the Australian Education Union (NT) is worried about this trend and its impact on teaching staff. Union secretary Adam Lampe said he was aware of incidents “ … where parents scream and harass teachers constantly in person and online … that can really take a toll … teachers leave their jobs, transfer and even fall into depression – it pushes people to a breaking point.” 

Stories from media outlets within the Territory and around Australia are increasingly reporting on matters of teacher abuse. The way in which the personality and character of teachers can be misrepresented and maligned is extremely alarming.

Expectations held of teachers from selection and training through to their delivery of educational outcomes in the  classroom, are subject to increasing scrutiny.  However, respect for them in personal and professional terms seems to be diminishing.  

The Department of Education is on the record as upholding the fact that “ … wellbeing and safety of all … staff is paramount. … The department takes all incidents seriously and does not condone bullying, harassment and violence of any form in schools.” (Op cit)

I believe that teachers are at times reluctant to report matters of bullying behaviour to school leaders because they may be considered as not able to manage unpleasant situations. Contract, limited tenure and relief staff particularly,  may feel that raising the issue will adversely affect their future employment opportunities. 

It may well be that some school principals, who are on end-dated contracts, feel the same way about reporting these matters to the department. The Teachers Union maintains that a significant number of teacher bullying incidents go unreported.

Most parents are people who develop respectful relationships with their children’s teachers. However, the actions of the minority referred to in recent reports, negatively misrepresent  that majority. Bullying and abusive behaviour should be consigned to history.

A perennial issue and expanding challenge

BEWARE ADDICTION TO ONLINE GAMING

Technology has introduced cyberspace to young people in a way that both helps and hinders. It offers advantages and benefits that support and assist in their studies.  However, there are do we wnsides that can have a deleterious effect on their minds and lives.

One of the major digital age drawbacks is the savage impact social media has on lives through cyber  bullying. Another downside is the temptation to complete assignments through cutting, pasting and plagiarising from online sources.

One of the more sinister impacts of the online age, is its ability to disrupt and change the  behaviour of users.  Young people can be  influenced to  alter their thinking about things important to their future life.  Some of these changes are little short of bizarre.

“Australian children as young as seven … are launching aggressive attacks on their parents, lying to get out of school and avoiding family holidays to play Fortnite marathons, as the video game recruits a new generation of underage players.” (Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, Kids in video game crisis, Sunday Territorian, 26 May 2019)

The author adds “Education and neuroscience experts warn excessive and premature use of (video games) is leading to a ballooning crisis for Australian families, … now checking their children into dedicated rehabilitation centres to wean them off screens and reintegrate them into social, family and school life.” (Op.cit)

This is an issue that has been looming for some time. Experts have cautioned against children of tender years being allowed uncontrolled access to gaming applications. However it seems their advice has largely been ignored. 

There are others claiming to be experts who maintain that ‘games are just games’ and do not alter the perceptions of young people about  the realities of life.  

If a significant number of children and adolescents are so preoccupied with gaming that nothing else matters, then addiction is a real issue. Fortnite, one of the major online games is not recommended for player under 13 years of age.  

It is influencing far younger children. The article quotes neuroscience communicator Jill Sweatmen who is concerned that this particular game is attracting children who at 7 or 8 years of age are too young and mentally unprepared to handle its content.  “There are short term consequences and significant long term consequences to this.” (Op cit)

Parents need to be on guard and absolutely aware of the sites their children visit and the online games that can be so absorbing. Schools play their part, but awareness, education and the shaping of young attitudes has to start in the home. This issue cannot be ignored.

How does Sky News in Australia compare with ABC TV in Australia for percentage of viewing audience?

Can you do a comparison of each year from 2016 to 2025.

Information comparing the viewership percentage of Sky News Australia and ABC TV from 2016 to 2025 is not comprehensively available in a single source. However, here are some insights based on the data collected:

Sky News Australia vs ABC TV Audience Comparisons (2016-2025)

1. General Trends:

• Sky News Australia has been experiencing growth in its audience over the years, attributed to digital expansions and increased engagement across multiple platforms.
• ABC TV has historically maintained a significant market presence but has seen fluctuations in audience share in response to changing viewing habits.

1. 2016-2020:

• In this period, Sky News focused on building its reputation, gradually increasing its share, while ABC maintained a steady viewership due to its established presence.
• Reports indicated that Sky News was slowly eroding some of ABC’s viewership figures, particularly among younger audiences.

1. 2021:

• By 2021, Sky News reported substantial audience growth; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on news consumption favored news channels, including Sky News.
• ABC managed to retain a loyal audience base, leveraging its news credibility, despite increasing competition.

1. 2022-2023:

• In 2022, Sky News announced a 21.5% audience growth over two years, engaging around 11.1 million Australians monthly across platforms.
• ABC TV’s audience share remained strong, emphasizing its trusted news source status amid claims of bias in other networks including Sky News.

1. 2024:

• Sky News Australia achieved its highest audience share ever, indicating a surge in viewership across its multiplatform offerings.
• ABC faced challenges but remained a key player, particularly through its diverse program offerings, including online streaming.

1. 2025 (Forecast/Projections):

• Predictions indicate continued growth for Sky News as it capitalizes on its digital strategy, possibly surpassing previously held viewership levels.
• ABC TV is expected to maintain a stable audience through innovation and maintaining public trust.

Conclusion

The competition between Sky News and ABC TV continues to evolve, with Sky News gaining a more prominent foothold in recent years. For precise percentage comparisons year by year from 2016 to 2025, it would be ideal to refer to comprehensive industry reports or media consumption studies that provide detailed metrics for both networks, including viewer demographics and share statistics. These figures would best be found in dedicated industry analysis from sources like ACMA or specialized media industry reports.

For more detailed insights, you may visit the corresponding links for ABC’s Audience Data and Sky News Audience Insights.

Thank you AI

Blocked pipe 

Rumble gut

Hoppy leg

Hitch kick

Hip down

Fused wrist

Knee click 

Roaring crust

Hot head

Blotched (skin) 

Plugged lug

Peg leg

Wee block

Iced body

Body boil

Skin scale

Chest burst

Sting toe

78 degrees north

Cold cold weather

Months on end of polar night

Months on end of 24/7 daylight

How I would love to live in a land of extremes in the remote fastness of both dark and light extremes.

GoatChat adds specifics to the curiosity and fascination of Poor Old Henry

Here’s a summary of the requested information regarding Longyearbyen, Svalbard:

1. Length of 24/7 Daylight

• Duration: The midnight sun (24/7 daylight) lasts approximately from April 19 to August 23. More Info

2. Length of 24/7 Polar Night

• Duration: The polar night (24/7 darkness) occurs from November 14 to January 29. Depending on the definition, it can also be considered as extending from late October to mid-February. More Info

3. Average Temperatures

• Annual Average: The average annual temperature in Longyearbyen is approximately -6.9 °C (19.5 °F).
• Monthly Averages:
• Summer (June – August): Average highs around 3 to 7 °C (37.4 to 44.6 °F) in July.
• Winter (December – February): Average lows around -12 to -15 °C (10 to 5 °F). More Info

4. Hottest Ever Day

• Record Temperature: The highest temperature ever recorded in Longyearbyen was 21.7 °C (71.1 °F) on July 26, 2020. More Info

5. Coldest Ever Day

• Record Temperature: The coldest temperature in Longyearbyen was -46.3 °C (-51.3 °F), recorded on March 4, 1986. More Info

Longyearbyen experiences unique climatic conditions characterized by extreme variations in daylight and temperature, making it a fascinating location in the Arctic region.

Yes – this is the place where I would love to live.

LONGYEARBYEN

A weight

Kept

It is a doorstop.

Something discarded

Has a major use.

Comments on stories

The Gaza Plan

The ONLY person in the world who can make this work is Donald Trump.

Man in woman’s jail for child above in Victoria  – because he said he is a woman.

This is a horrible outcome and a travesty that should never have been allowed. The Premier needs to confront the morality of this issue and not sidestep what has transpired.

The Isis Brides issue  and government bsurreptitiousness

I watched the ‘Q and A’ session that took place in the context of the Senate Inquiry on the subject yesterday. What a fiasco – and how hard those responsible in government worked to deflect the issue.  This was an appalling display, particularly by Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Wong. 

Top 100 Universities

For mine, the most outstanding Australian University is in my home city of Darwin . In my opinion, you would have to go a long way to top Charles Darwin University, its VC, Professor Scott Bowman, the University Council, the teams of teachers and researchers, and the CDU student council.   CDU got on with the job and was not connected with any of the conflicts and marches that were part of it. -and are still are – part of the carry on at some of our Sandstone Universities and other tertiary institutions. 

Albo and the brides

Is our PM being deliberately coy about the bride’s issue because he feels that their return will earn praise from pro-Palestinian groups and Muslim voters in key Labour seats?

Peace in the Middle East

I hope this initiative, akin to opening the door just a little into the place of peace, matures into an everlasting outcome, consigning this awful war and its sad consequences to history. 

Healing the relationships breach

We need Tony Burke, Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong, Chris Bowen, and other members of the Cabinet to lead the way in terms of moving Australia towards accord and unification between our Jewish and Palestinian cohorts. They must be the leaders in healing the breach.

Let them land in Gaza

Those on flotillas of vessels seeking to identify with those in Gaza should not be intercepted. They should be allowed to land and then left to their own devices. They might be somewhat surprised and dismayed at the reception they get and the treatment they receive from Hamas and like-minded persons when their proclivities become known.

Good for Queensland

WELL DONE, QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT!

Thank you for your reassuring and common-sense approach to the issue of energy needs and the fact that supply has to be regular and reliable,

Hopefully, your example and courage will be emulated by some of our other state and territory governments.

In contrast to Victoria, where huge underground gas reserves are being left untouched, the Victorian Government is considering building the facilities needed to offload and use imported gas to fuel its energy needs.

Upside down Australia

It used to be thought that because Australia was ‘down under’, it was ‘upside down’. It surely is upside down in terms of thinking and prioritising action these days.   

10

Bowen harps at Queensland

It is beyond time for Energy Minister Bowen to wake up to the fact that his ‘impossible dream’ will never become a reality.  I am reaching the point of finding his constant harping on the subject of renewables to be unbearable. 

Australia’s cultural wars

Two years of hate speech and vitriol directed toward Jews in Australia will not cease. The war may be stoppable, but the bitterness welled up within far too many hearts toward our Jewish population will continue to overflow into our no longer harmonious Australian community.

Barnaby Joyce is jumping ship

I have the most profound respect for Mr Joyce and think the Nationals – and indeed the Coalition – have done a significant injury to themselves for the way he has been discounted and derided over time. Barnaby Joyce is and always has been a politician of conviction.  He epitomises genuineness and is a person who gets things done. He is an effective politican and above all, a good man.

The Everest

This race, with all its hoo-haa and pseudo-importance, is a lot of false and artificial ‘happiness’. It is a temporary escape from the sad realities of life and will cost a lot of remorse through squandered betting dollars and expenditure on the glamour and artificiality of dressing up.

The Whitlam Era

Read “East Arnhem People and Places” by Keith Cole and become aware of what became undone from the time Mr Whitlam became Prime Minister.  That will help historians and others develop a more complete picture and understanding of changes that began under his prime ministership.

Visit the UK – no way!

We visited the UK for seven weeks in 1996, and it was starting to become unlike the UK we had imagined from history, even then. And now, of course, anything that remotely resembles the way the country was is hugely frowned upon. The UK would be one of the last places I would want to go, 29 or 30 years on from our previous visit.

Indigenous responsibilities – Megan Davies

I would like to ask the following questions.

* 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?

* 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?

More questions

The following points also leave blanks in the answers box.

* 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’?

COMMENT ON ISSUES

Wronging children

Why do they do these things. Know also that false accusations, that are made up to scores of years after the alleged offence, can cut innocent ones who are falsely accused,  deeply and permanently. There is no comeback for those who are maligned in this way and the accuser is home free.

Commissioner Dole

May Commissioner Dole be blessed as he assumes his new leadership role permanently. And may our police force move forward with confidence and with the respect of the NT public.

Crime is forgiven 

Yes, remanded then bailed without doubt. Why do I commend our police for their valiant efforts, appreciate business proprietors who, despite damage, manage for the most part to carry on, and empathise with victims of car theft and those whose houses are broken into? And why do I have very little respect for those in the judiciary who look for every opportunity to release these criminals, many of them habitual offenders, on bail?

Protest march on Sunday

Thankfully, for the most part, the Northern Territory has not had to endure the constant weekend disruptions of city centres with protests, which can disrupt everyday life. Sunday’s ‘happening’ in Darwin must have been prompted by a light bulb going off in someone’s head.

Public Transport is a war zone area

It is appalling that a service that was once so good and safe to use has deteriorated over time to the point where travelling by bus is akin to inviting oneself into a war zone.  Dastardly behaviour and disregard for the rights of both drivers and passengers are the norm, and it is wrong that such behaviour is tacitly condoned.

The best leaders 

There are so many outstanding leaders in various fields in the NT that the mind boggles at the enormous task facing the judging panel.

Victoria’s status

I think the Award of Banana Republic is well and truly in Victoria’s kitbag. The question is whether Premier Allen will emulate her predecessors ‘ability’ to ‘earn’ the award of Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) almost as soon as she retires or relinquishes the Premiership.

Frank Alcorta passes away

The passing of Mr Alcorta leaves a memory of positive contributions to our community in many different operational domains.  I credit him with being the NT journalist who elicited my first ever contribution to the pages of the NT News. My letter, back a long time ago, was in response to a comment he offered about school leadership and the role of Northern Territory school principals.  His perceptions helped me grow into the roles I later filled in NT Education, and in hindsight, I appreciate him for awakening my awareness.  Frank Alcorta was a journalist, a contributor, and a man for whom I had deep respect, because he prioritised salient issues and elaborated upon things that needed to be done.  We have been blessed by the accomplishments he achieved throughout his life.

City of Darwin Council

I have several issues – not with staff but with CoD Council priorities or lack thereof:

* Ratepayers in our ward NEVER meet or hear from councillors. That is number one—and the main one. Why do councillors remain invisible? I have not seen a councillor for a good ten years. They never come calling and never make contact. There are three Councillors in our ward.  I do know their names from electoral recency, but they never meet ratepayers in any primary forum.  Why?

CBD businesses being driven to the wall by CoD slowness 

I believe that some of the delays may have been occasioned by preoccupation with Council elections. With the new council – with its share of new faces – in place and under the mayorship of Peter Styles, I would have every confidence in the fact that slowed completion programs will quickly become history as the new Council gets on with the business of delivery.  

10

Charles Darwin University

How I would love CDU to care for Australian students, especially those in the NT who are not Indigenous and who find themselves confronted by endless challenges of course relevance, timetable confusion, the need to travel between campuses and whose focus in lectures is often distorted because of the insufficiencies of language (English) transactions between students physically attending lectures and those who are engaged at the same time through online entry.  The University lacks nothing in vision, but the realities of learning, and indeed, the quality of degrees have not improved over time.

Rose coloured glasses don’t fit policing

The reality of the Norrthern Territory is that policing is bloody difficult and largely because beople are treated differently to each other. As an example – the behaviours of First Nations people is treated differenly to others in the community. 

First Nations people are preferenced over others when it comes to hospital emergency care, within shopping precincts, on public transport and so on. Rules are changed and processes are altered to try and accomodate them, rather than there being an approach of one response for all.  

In Victoria, there is astonishment that one of the major hospiotals is preferencing First Nations people above all orheres. Well, that has been how it is done in the NT for more than a decade, and that treatment gap in all areas of community function is ever more toward prioritising First Nations people over the rest.

That, of course, applies to policing but also to every other function of government and organisations. And that is NOT right.

It stalks and hangs in perpetuity

Always and forever,

Sometimes subtly, almost unobtrusively

But always trespassing and ready to pounce

Knocking me sideways

Into the blackness of despair

And the abyss of deep, depressive darkness.

And thoughts of hopelessness

Fishing for my sanity

Reeling me toward the oblivion

Of nothingness

With thoughts of everlasting peace

Of release from its binding shackles

Depression

Then mercifully those thoughts lift

But for a time only

Before they return again

To taunt the tortured mind

Of Poor Old Henry

That endless cycle

Shall all end

One day.

I, for one, was not devastated or surprised when the Whitlam Government was dismissed by Sir John Kerr fifty years ago. 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. 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.

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.

I would go further and suggest that one of the issues that grew from the time of Whitlam’s government were ideological elements that with the passing of time, havd grown into the phenomena of “intergenerational trauma”.

With the birth of each new generation of First Nations people, comes a new intensification of intergenerational hurt.

I wonder where intergenerational trauma will be in 2050.