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A bit of a Face Book  message discussion with Ruth during the morning concerning my ‘friend’ in the Ballarat Hospital. I guess Ruth guessed!! Meanwhile, I was kept up to date with progress, and by early afternoon, the operation was over and Heather was out of recovery and into her ward, feeling rather miserable and ‘away with the pixies’ to quote her daughter.  I the meantime, I decided to get some flowers delivered – via White’s Florist in Ballarat, and I later learnt they arrived a few hours afterwards!

Throughout the day, I was kept updated on the recovery phases of Heather after this morning’s operation, by her daughter. In fact this evening, while I was eating, Heather rang me herself – just a brief chat, as she was rather hard to understand, sounding very groggy and tired, said she couldn’t stay awake, but she was clear enough to mention the flowers had arrived J  Told her I would be there tomorrow.

Other matters took a bit of my attention today, surprisingly – a visit to the Sunbury Library, where I met up with three other Family History Society committee members, and the George Evans Museum curator, Sue Sutton [a former member of the Society] to discuss the archiving of a number of boxes of old Shire of Bulla papers and records, which went back to the late 1800s. A mammoth job for a small group of volunteers but it seems like we are going to take it on. We also discussed some initial arrangements for a genealogical exhibition to be held in August within the Museum surrounds [which is located at the rear of the municipal library]. This would be followed up by the general members’ meeting tonight which included a speaker from the Commonwealth Bank, giving us a bit of a rundown on the kind of archives held by the Bank and/or it’s successor, the former State Savings Bank of Victoria. Quite interesting, and also short – which for me, meant an early night – not feeling that well, and would have preferred initially to have not had to go out. Also had to find time this evening to check the spelling etc, of yet another of my son’s university assignments!! The things I agree to do!! Haven’t finished the audit of those church accounts as yet however!!

On a different subject, there was I thought an interesting Editorial in today’s Age newspaper concerning the need for Australia to consider it’s role in a US military build up. I won’t comment on it, but include it here for the information and interest of readers.

‘JUST in case the Gillard government thought China had decided to overlook the deployment of 2500 US marines in Darwin, Beijing this week issued advice to the contrary. When the announcement about the marines was made during President Barack Obama’s visit to Australia in November, the response by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman was diplomatically phrased: ”It may not be quite appropriate to intensify and expand military alliances and may not be in the interest of countries in the region.” But Foreign Minister Bob Carr evidently received a blunter assessment during talks with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, and other officials in Beijing. Their view, Senator Carr said later, was ”that the time for Cold War alliances had long since passed”.

Few Australians expect or want this country to repudiate its alliance with the US, which is not only based on strategic necessity as it was understood during the Cold War and, earlier, during the war against Japan. The alliance also reflects deep cultural affinities, including, most importantly, shared democratic values. Acknowledging these things to be so, however, is not the same as saying that Australia’s national interest lies in closer military integration with the US as it shifts its global projection of power away from the Middle East to an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific.

In the context of that shift, the basing of US ground forces in Australia for the first time since World War II can only be seen in Beijing as a provocation. And the language used by Senator Carr to explain the marine deployment – ”an American presence in the Asia-Pacific has helped underpin stability there” – can only seem like weasel words.

The Gillard government likes to talk of the 21st century as the Asian century, and to portray Australia as especially well placed to participate in this global reorientation. Thus far, however, its actions have rarely been consistent with that rhetoric, for its inclination has not been to act independently as a middle-ranking power in the Asia-Pacific region. This government, like its predecessors of both political persuasions, has preferred Australia’s historically comfortable role of doing the bidding of a powerful protector.

No nation in the world can ignore the rise of China as a great power, and potentially a superpower. But China’s increasing reach, economically and strategically, holds different consequences for Australia and the US. For this country, China is the industrial giant whose demand for Australian raw materials has been the chief driver of growth. It would be naive to assume that this demand will continue indefinitely, but neither can Australia pretend that economic exchange is not fundamental to its relationship with China.

For the US, matters are more complicated. China is both the low-wage economy that has come to dominate global manufacturing and the expanding military power whose new assertiveness means the Pacific is no longer an American lake. And, China’s resistance in international forums to interventions aimed at protecting human rights in third countries is a constant reminder of its obsession with preserving its own creaking, authoritarian system. In all these things lies the possibility of conflict. Yet the fortunes of the reigning superpower and the contender are also entwined, for China is the biggest holder of US debt. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said, ”How do you talk toughly to your banker?”

When the marines’ deployment to Darwin was announced, The Age argued that if a military build-up in the Pacific by the US and its allies results in a new Cold War, the Obama administration and the Gillard government will have seriously miscalculated. Mutual hostility will not easily bring about a more open, less suspicious China, let alone a democratic one. This week Mr Carr got a chance to learn that directly.’

 

I had my usual Wednesday morning phone in to Ron at the radio station this morning [6.45 am] with some local sports results. But before that, a slightly earlier rising, so that I could give Heather a ring before she went into hospital. Daughter Vonda was to collect her at 6.40 am for the short drive down to the Ballarat Base Hospital, where we were all hoping that this time, the surgeon would agree to proceed with the knee reconstruction operation required to her right knee.

By the time that short conversation was finished, I think my friend was more upset, than the nervous state she had woken with this morning, after a restless night with not much sleep. Her big fear was that the surgery would be deferred, again as it was 12 months ago because she had a minor infection at the time.  Around 7.30, I received a more cheerful message [obviously pre-op prep time from within the hospital] from Heather, and I took it from that, things were going to proceed as planned.  An hour later, at 8.30am, a message from her daughter – ‘Mum has just been taken off to surgery – I’ve been told it will probably take 3 hours for surgery and recovery..’.  So that first step had been passed, actually getting to surgery this time.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope [Lady Bird Johnson]

The flowers take the tears of weeping night, and give them to the sun for the day’s delight [Joseph Cotter]

A couple of early morning text exchanges with Heather – more blood tests and other medically related factors she had to get through today, wished her well in all of those things!  Personally, I could have done with a sleep in this morning, but Susie had signed up for a first aid course in the city today, and asked me to drop her off at the train station. That suited me, because shortly afterwards, I took my car to the local Ultra Tune service station for a bit of a check up. I had undertaken a few more trips in it than previously anticipated, and wanted to have a few items checked out. First time I’ve had to pay for a car service [my own car, that is, ignoring the ‘kids’ I’ve helped out] for five years, and today’s little venture will no doubt not be without some cost!!

Decided to walk home rather than catch the bus – but stopped at the Jolly Miller café for a cappucino & toasted ham sandwich along the way. Interestingly, a young lady in the café – reminded me instantly of a young Shirley Clyde [now French] of 40 years ago – a wondered if she had a niece down this way, the girl just looked so familiar!! I’ll ask her one day. Meanwhile, the walk from Sunbury township, up past the high school to Fisher Court – well it was a little tougher than I recalled, and was uphill virtually all the way!!

Rest of the day at home – a cold overcast day, busy at the computer, etc, and awaiting phone calls, principally regarding a pick up time for the car – had a couple of those concerning items that had been found and a fix up was advisable  – each phone call, I could see the dollar $$$ signs getting bigger!!!  During the afternoon, another awaited message came through from a nervous Heather  – her operation, to her knee, was set for first thing in the morning, she was first on the list, now all she had to pray for was that the surgeon would not find an excuse not to go ahead, as happened twelve months ago. I must admit to a little concern about the state of mind this girl would be in if such an event occurred! Positive thoughts required here! In the meantime, mail, two days in a row from this friend, almost makes collecting the daily mail a pleasure, never know when there will be a surprise there.

Meanwhile, the mail in my inwards box included the weekly message from the ‘Coaches Box’, Brett Ratten, coach of Carlton. This should be interesting, following last night’s ‘performance’!!

‘Dear Bill
Behind closed doors in the aftermath of last night’s 24-point loss at Etihad Stadium, the players and I homed in on the drop-off in intensity from the first three matches as opposed to the next block of games.  There is obviously a discrepancy there. The fanaticism shown in getting after the ball and the man is not quite at the level we’ve seen of this team.  We also discussed that little period of time towards the end of the third quarter of last night’s contest where it looked like we were beginning to get our mojo back in that vital area of the game. Clearly we need to get it back for four quarters, together with our ball use going inside 50 and the drop of the ball in our back half. The opposition got 11 inside-50s for eight shots on goal in the first quarter and that’s hard to live with.
Obviously we’ve been faced with two scenarios this season where we’ve been behind and on both occasions when we’ve been up against it we’ve also kicked inaccurately. In the second quarter of this game we kicked 3.5 so the simple lesson learnt is that when you’re trying to claw your way in you need to be able to kick goals. In saying that, while we did have to deal with some structural issues in the fourth round match at the MCG, last night was more about our intensity or lack thereof. Put simply, it was about our inability to roll up our sleeves. Some have questioned the pressure of expectation given the significance of a victory in the lead-up to last night’s match, but I suspect that’s a scenario that plays more into the hands of the opposition. Perhaps the opposition players thought “Gee, are they looking more at the final siren rather than the first bounce?” and maybe that afforded them a little more energy. At the end of the day we had a fair bit to play for, although nothing was said about it going in. There was no need to talk about the outcome – it was more about how we were going to win – but we were beaten by a more aggressive, intensive group who got in our faces and didn’t allow us to dictate terms.
Talking of intensity, our next opponent Adelaide presents a massive challenge in what is a short turnaround time to next Sunday afternoon’s game. The Crows are at the top of their game right now and we’re faced with some massive challenges as we seek to regain that intensity we on show through rounds one to three. Once again Etihad provides the backdrop for what will hopefully be an ample turnout of Carlton Members, and it’s to all Members I offer my sincerest congratulations for smashing our all-time Membership record last week.
Despite last night’s loss we feel we’re continuing to build something special at the club – and through the course of this week those of us on the coaching staff and in the playing group will be feverishly working the phones through Wednesday and Thursday to help drive our membership towards 50,000.
Kind Regards

Brett Ratten  [Member #1018372]

That was the word from the coach, whom I to some degree, critised in last night’s summary. Perhaps in the above, I might have liked to see him admit to some fault, but then that would obviously come over as a major negative. Best left unsaid!

On a local matter, a bit of attention has been directed in the media to one of our local schools in Sunbury – the Sunbury Downs Secondary College [which school Jodie attended, on I was a member of the School Council, included a couple of years as President]. I became a bit annoyed at some of the biased comments and unfair generalizations, on the basis of a couple of individual students not having the ability to fit into the school’s culture,  that were directed towards the school as a result of this, and responded accordingly on the Face Book page. The story itself appears in this week’s local ‘Sunbury Weekly’ newspaper, written by Tara Murray.

‘SUNBURY Downs College has defended its policy of compulsory parent-teacher interviews despite having apologised to the family of a student with a learning disability who was suspended. Last week, year 12 student Brendan Mason was suspended by a vice-principal after his non-attendance at two detention sessions imposed after he and his parents failed to attend interviews. Brendan’s father Andrew said he was disappointed by his son’s suspension. “As Brendan has a learning disability and [has] a learning aide, we speak with them regularly about his progress; so it’s not like we don’t have contact with the school,” he said. “We were away for those couple of days when the interviews were conducted … it’s the first two days I’ve had off in eight months.” School principal Brett Moore later apologised to the family, saying it was a misunderstanding. Mr Moore said that because of the regular meetings between Brendan’s parents and his integration aide and teachers, they weren’t required to attend the interviews.  “It was a misunderstanding and Brendan shouldn’t have been issued with the detention in the first place.” Mr Moore said parents and students were aware that they were required to attend the interviews. The school newsletter states students who don’t attend the interviews will face two detentions. Mr Moore said the two previous schools where he worked had similar policies and they worked successfully. “The school works hard to communicate with students and parents,” he said. “We are the only school in Sunbury that has two orientation days at the end of the year and another at the start of the year. We have a great reputation for being supportive of our children.” Mr Mason said his family was pleased the suspension had been lifted, but he was disappointed with the handling of the situation. “Brett was good and, as I expected, he was unaware. But there is no excuse for the rudeness of the vice-principal, who hung up on me. We achieved what we wanted, which was for Brendan to return to school. “I don’t think it will happen again.” He said he didn’t agree with the school’s policy. “The child should not be penalised because of parents’ action. “It is up to the parents if they have an interest in their child’s education.”’

Obviously, this policy has come into the school since I lost contact, as I don’t it been enforced in the nature referred to a few years ago, but there were certainly at the time, a number of parents who did not attend parent/teacher interviews in those days, when it was a preferred option, though no penalties were applied. In my own case, I think from memory that I attended all such interviews at both Primary and Secondary level – but I did so either alone, or occasionally with the child in question. I don’t ever recall Shirley attending!  My comments on Face Book, were along the following lines, and were partially a response to the comments of a parent whose child for whatever reason, couldn’t fit into the school’s requirements, was withdrawn, and obviously did better at the subsequent school, yet the original school has been blamed for that child’s problems ever since, without any consideration that perhaps the fault lay with the child in their younger years! Maturity was beginning to set in at the time of the second school. Whether that is a fair or unfair assessment [my myself], my gripe here is with the constant unfair and biased degradation of the school’s value because of one unfortunate situation, and here we see the same type of thing happening. Anyway, my major contributions were that:-

·         Don’t judge a school on the actions of one, a poor judgement was made and has been apologised for. The news seldom reports on the achievements of a place, those kind of things are not what people can be bothered reading about these days!

·         From someone else -[I think it depends on the child and I really don’t think Brett Moore deserves all the negativity he is getting. If it is so bad why have enrolments nearly doubled? Obviously some people still think it is an ok school and going in the right direction].

·         There’s been a constant vendetta and unwarranted criticism against Sunbury Downs by some people for years, and as a former SC President, I consider the school was getting close to the equal of SC when I left and some wonderful advances have been made under Brett. So yes, let’s get on with life and not retain personal grievances!!

I picked up my car late this afternoon, after it’s service  – cost not too bad, although any money spent on car servicing is painful, and the bad news was that it was considered I needed 3 new tyres. I had been concerned a little about one of them, but from my perspective, I would not have considered them close to been unroadworthy!! Such is life!  That was followed by a ‘long’ wait at the station for Susie’s train to arrive from the city – a more painful wait for her, almost an hour at Sunshine station, while police and other emergency personnel dealt with a person threatening to jump from an overhead in front of a train!! This delay did not improve Susie’s view of the convenience of public transport!!  Meantime, she had gone to the city today to do a short First Aid Course, think she is going to do some part time work at Jodie’s work place, and required that status. Seems to be the air – Shirley was over this evening using my computer so that she could watch a cd on first aid, a requirement she needed to update herself on! Eventually, my computer was free later in the evening, to allow me to prepare the sports report for tomorrow morning’s radio ring-in!!

It was about 7 degrees when I left Ballarat this morning – filled the car with fuel, and then instead of having a touch of breakfast and a coffee before I left, as suggested by Heather [through a brief exchange of text and phone greetings], I just headed straight for the highway, intending to stop at my usual coffee haunt in Melton. The drive from Ballarat to there was none too pleasant on the Highway, constant rain throughout the journey including periods of mist, etc,, and then when I reached Melton, my coffee haunt was not yet open. Bought a small coffee across the road, but nothing to eat, didn’t fancy pastries etc at this time of the morning!

I left Ballarat rather early this morning, intending to visit the gymnasium as usual for a Monday, but upon arrival in Sunbury, changed my mind and decided to give this morning’s session a miss. I was waiting to hear the xray results from Saturday’s ultra sound, and with quite a bit of pain still evident around the rib area, and still feeling a little weary overall, thought it might be wiser to bypass today’s activities. Plenty to do at home on a cold morning which was revealing a mix of weak sunshine, and occasional overcast conditions, and short rain showers.

I noticed in this morning’s Ballarat Courier, a report of Ballarat jockey Michelle Payne being injured in a fall at the Donald races yesterday. I had chosen Michelle in one of the races when I gave the country tips on air yesterday morning, but her day had obviously not gone as planned. She was thrown from her horse shortly after the start of  the first race, and suffered four fractured vertebrae, broken ribs together with bruising and lacerations to her face. Michelle is the youngest member of the famous Victorian racing family, and the 8^th of 11 children to become a jockey. I hasten to suggest that she has been the most successful of the family jockeys.

In mentioning the Ballarat Courier, I noticed some articles of concern about residents worried about their road being used as a bypass route for the main highway [or Main Road] between Ballarat and Geelong, a road which is also the main route to the University of Ballarat. This was referred to also, in the Editorial of the day, which dealt with the whole question of public infrastructure and transport facilities, etc. It read as follows, under the heading ‘Investment in infrastructure needed with regional push’.

Ballarat residents will probably get a sense of déjà vu when they see the latest round of state government advertising aimed at encouraging people to consider a shift to regional cities.  Similarly jubilant tree changers were splashed across railway billboards by the previous Labor government.  Decentralisation is a political nut that everybody wants to crack as it offers the dual virtues of easing the strain on an increasingly bloated capital city and fosters economic growth in the new destination But much as the idea has merit it should not be ignored that it comes at a cost.  If lifestyle is one of the choicest carrots being dangled before so many imprisoned Melburnians, it should be remembered that a critical mass in this exodus could as easily destroy that lifestyle.

All growth comes at a cost but it is the planning and active preparation for that growth that really dictates the severity of this cost.  One of the reasons most commonly cited for the change is lifestyle and in particular a freedom from congestion that has become a twice-daily migraine for Melbourne commuters. Within a decade of the ring road being built it was at capacity and in need of an overhaul.  “Thirty five minutes from Southbank”, Melton banners once proudly advertised, but that slogan must seem like a bitter joke as Melbourne piles suburb after suburb onto its Western flank with the most cursory attention to infrastructure. The dream home has become encircled by a nightmare of congestion and laughable public transport options.  But before we commiserate too quickly with our big city cousins, we should think about our own Main Road. It has already the signs of big city congestion as twice a day a major arterial is reduced to a crawl. The attempts to upgrade are piecemeal and sporadic, the public transport options are inadequate. The issue of Yankee Flat Road becoming an alternative route as such was almost inevitable. The advent of more 1600 new jobs expected at the University of Ballarat’s technology park is just the kind of growth Ballarat needs. The problem is a once quiet country road is turning into a major arterial with all its attendant problems. Anybody who has sat in the stop-start of Main Road in the morning would hardly blame the people who take this “Rat Run” but how long before it too becomes congested with another 1600 cars? On the other side of town we have a whole new suburb springing up in Lucas, to be serviced by Dysons and Cuthberts roads. It takes little imagination to envisage what awaits these thoroughfares. But these growing pains are just symptomatic of what lies ahead without the proper planning and the investment to follow. Advertising campaigns are all very well to sell a happy message but serious and long-term investments in infrastructure are what is really needed to avoid growth creating a new locality for misery’.

Yes, a problem we know only too well, in the Melbourne metropolitan area, but don’t always consider that a place like Ballarat, could be similarly affected.

Meanwhile, on things closer to my heart,  the Carlton team for tonight’s 7^th Round Match shows that coming back into the team, we have  Jarrod Waite, Chris Judd [captain] and Edward Curnow, while Brett Thormnton, Kane Lucas and Joshua Bootsma all were dropped from last week’s team. The record of matches between these two teams shows a bit of a one-sided picture for Carlton, although St Kilda have been dominant in recent years.  Carlton vs St Kilda. Played 208 times. Carlton has won 158. St Kilda has won 48. Drawn twice.Played 13 times at Etihad Stadium\. Carlton has won 4, St Kilda 9. Largest home & away crowd – 55,658 in Round 15, 2008 at the MCG.  If the Blues were to win tonight’s game, they will go to the top of the AFL Ladder, the first time they have been there at the end of Round 7, since 1995 [the Blues’ last Premiership year]…………………………….

It wasn’t to be.  As an Away game which did not cover my Member’s ticket, I had more or less decided to watch this one at home, but when I realised that Susie was going to go down to Jodie’s new place, and watch the game on TV with her while Ash was at work [on shift work], I decided to join them both.  I must admit, that at 6.30 pm when we left home, I would much prefer to have stayed where I was –  out on the roads between here and the city, and more specifically, Ascot Vale,  the traffic was heavy, it was already dark, cold, and raining, at times quite heavily. The kind of night driving conditions I detest these days – but I had decided to take my car, so could blame nobody but myself. We would eventually reach Jodie’s place with time to spare before the match began, at which point, at my expense, Jodie ordered a pizza delivery for a meal tonight – not my preferred food these days, but decided it was the best option on this occasion. My coca cola drinking daughter [unhappy that the pizza place only had pepsi cola available], borrowed my car and went back out in the weather in search of the local milk bar!!

As for my [our] football viewing tonight, there was not much for a Carlton supporter to cheer about!
Carlton missed the chance to go to the top of the AFL ladder after a shock loss to St Kilda in a fiery and entertaining clash at Etihad Stadium on Monday night. The Saints opened a six-goal lead during the third quarter, then survived some nervous moments early in the final term when the Blues closed to within 19 points.
But the underdogs held their nerve and prevailed 19.8 (122) to 14.14 (98). In stark contrast to the pre-game predictions, Scott Watters’ men used speed and creativity to go on a scoring spree against a Carlton side renowned for those exact traits. The Saints’ small forwards led the way, with veteran sharp-shooter Stephen Milne booting four goals, while first-year dynamos Terry Milera and Amed Saad chipped in with another five between them. Brendon Goddard, Farren Ray, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes were also outstanding in the middle of the ground, while Clint Jones held Carlton gun Marc Murphy to only 16 possessions.
Fresh from being rested when the Blues took on Greater Western Sydney last weekend, skipper Chris Judd was tireless in the midfield, gathering 30 touches. David Ellard, who started as Carlton’s substitute and was only brought into the game during the third quarter [far too late], was his team’s leading goalkicker with three. St Kilda set up its fourth victory of the year by kicking six goals to one between the 30-minute mark of the first quarter and the 15-minute mark of the second term. The Saints’ triumph has seen them leapfrog Geelong and Hawthorn into eighth spot on the ladder. The Blues went into the game as red-hot favourites, knowing that a win would see them displace West Coast on top of the table.  But after grabbing an 11-point lead midway through the first quarter, thanks to a miraculous left-foot snap from Eddie Betts and a brilliant long goal from Kade Simpson, they completely lost control of the game.  St Kilda was sparked into action when Carlton defender Aaron Joseph dropped a regulation mark in the back pocket four minutes before quarter-time.  Milne pounced on the loose ball and snapped a great goal, then ran and gave Joseph an earful.  A melee ensued and Milne was booed and cheered by the respective sections of the crowd after he had to leave the field with a torn jumper.
The Saints rarely looked back from there. Having entered the game with victories over lowly Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne to their name, they were finally able to claim a big scalp.\  Carlton, which is now fourth on the ladder with a 5-2 record, faces a big test next Sunday when it takes on third-placed Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. Quarter by quarter scores in a dismal Blues performance were:-

ST KILDA Saints:     5.3.33     11.5.71       16.6.102           Final:  21.14 (140)
CARLTON Blues     5.1.31       8 6.54       12.10.82            Final:  12.12 (84)

And my other opinion, as expressed on Face Book overnight – ‘You win some, you lose some gutsy effort Saints, but, I think it’s time Rats started coaching again from up top instead of down with the boys on the bench, just seems to miss what is obvious to everyone else from down there – leaving changes on the field too late for example!! And perhaps there is too much media access being allowed into the Club, some of these guys believe all that is written/said about them, but forget to do it on the field week by week [of course very easy to criticise from off the field, but I guess that is the ‘animal’ of spectating!!]!! And sorry Joseph, we know Milne is a little mongrel, but he can also be a damn brilliant footballer, and I would have preferred to have seen you guys concentrate on beating him at his game, rather than mouthing him off! That gained you nothing!  Disappointing player and coaching effort, when there was a prize worth winning for, may not get that opportunity again.’

Not surprisingly, a relatively quiet drive back to Sunbury – we actually left Jodie’s place ‘before’ the match ended, such was the disquiet at the loss!!  I was glad to get home – traffic still heavy, rain still about, and with a passenger [who drives her own little car hard] I felt obliged to at least drive close to the speed limit!!  The AFL Top b teams after 7 rounds shows:

1.  West Coast Eagles……………………24……………138.41
2. Essendon Bombers……………………24……………136.61
3. Adelaide Crows……………………….24……………126.08
4. Carlton Blues………………………….20……………140.22
5. Sydney Swans…………………………20……………125.51
6. Fremantle Dockers…………………….20……………114.17
7. Collingwood Magpies………………..20……………..107.05
8. St Kilda Saints…………………………16…………….126.13

 

This is the day [like Valentine’s Day] when the price of fresh flowers suddenly sky rockets!!! I would buy some later in the morning when I got down to Ballarat, although I think I got a reasonably good deal on that occasion! Anyway, for my Sunday morning program on  Mother’s Day, I tried to select as varied sample of classical music that I thought might appeal to some mothers out there. As far as I’m concerned, the highlight selections were the Adagio as composed by Albinoni;  and three songs performed by Yvonne Kenny with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra  –  We’ll Gather Lilacs [from ‘Perchance to Dream’’  Songs My Mother Taught Me’ and Danny Boy. A little later, Sara Macliver sung Bailero from Songs of the Auvergne. There was of course, much more, as always.

As soon as my show ended at 9am, I was on the way, heading down the various highways towards Ballarat. Bit of rain about but generally the weather stayed fine, though very cold. It was actually quite a busy weekend in Balllarat – described as ‘Vintage Weekend’ with visitors coming from all over the State for such events as walks, tours of heritage buildings, rides on vintage trams, buses and horse drawn vehicles, an historical tour on bikes [with riders dressed in period costume], a Mother’s Day run for cancer,  a ‘Frock Tails’ show t the Art Gallery [which I didn’t get to this time] featuring the fashions of the 20^th century  –  overall, various activities that brought the cafes, hotels and the local galleries ‘alive and pumping’ and parking around the city area at a premium, as Heather and I would discover later in the day.

My arrival in Ballarat – well, it began with the obligatory visit to the local ‘public’ stopping point!!@  Then across the rod to ‘White’s Florist’ establishment – I’m sure this shop was on the same corner of Sturt Street when I was here back in the mid-1960s!  As I was meeting Heather & her daughter first thing this morning, decided to buy a small posy [or plant actually] for each of the two mums, as well as a few white flowers which I took up to the Crematorium. Expected it to be quite crowded up there, but in fact, while I was at Mum & Dad’s memorial there was no-one else around for a few minutes, but I was out in a very strong and biting cold wind. I actually ‘dug’ those flowers [for Mum] into the soft earth beside her memorial plague [Mum, 30 May 1990; Dad, 24 December 1969] because it was obvious that if I just left them lying there, the wind would have quickly dispatched them elsewhere.  I didn’t remain up at the Crematorium site for long – drove from there around to Lake Wendouree where quite a bit of activity was already beginning to take place. My intention was to text Heather but not meet up with her and Vonda until she was satisfied they had had enough mother and daughter time together – that came earlier than expected, she got in first, and invited me to join them – on the other side of the Lake, at ‘Racer’s Restaurant on the corner of Wendouree Parade & Webster Street – the family used to buy icecreams here, s kids, way back in the year’s when the establishment was probably a little less classier than it is now.

Racers was not very crowded when I got there, though by the time we left 30 minutes later, the lunch time patrons were beginning to build up the numbers. It had been crowded earlier for the breakfast rush, the purpose that Heather, in her usual way, had gone there – for her regular ‘dine out’ breakfast, though not the same place every day. No wonder half of Ballarat knows her!! This place is actually knon as Racers Bar & Café, of  2 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree  –  described as a ‘trendy bar and café overlooking picturesque Lake Wendouree [ideal] for a quiet glass of wine with friends, ideal spot for a cocktail to start your night, or settle in for the afternoon and watch the swans on the Lake as you eat your way through a generous cheese platter’ – I settled for a cappuccinio, having just walked in from a freezing breeze and the beginnings of a sprinkle of icy rain.

Think it was around 11.30 when we left Racers – Heather & Vonda said their goodbyes, then I followed the former back to her place, and from there soon after, around to another of Heather’s favourite eating places [can’t recall this name but she was hoping it would be within possible walking distance after her knee operation later this week]. It was there that I was shouted to a light lunch [having not eaten anything since 5.30 this morning] while Heather sat back with a glass of wine and something to nibble  – I was the ‘agreed’ driver for the rest of the day, so no wine for Bill – actually that was my choice, can’t seem to manage more than a glass at a time these days!!

From there, we drove into the city central part of Ballarat, where we discovered the shortage of parking on this busy heritage weekend, but eventually had some success, not a long walk back to Sturt Street to another fascinating little book shop  –  in fact, to ‘Known World’ –  Quality second hand & collectable books, expresso coffee bar & [upstairs], a boutique city apartment. Didn’t get to see the latter part of the establishment [and the proprietor, whom Heather knew of course] was upstairs, cleaning at the time we were in the shop. Apparently, this place started life in 2001 as Buninyong Books, located in the small historic former goldmining township of Buninyong [where Heather’s daughter, Vonda lives. In June 2008, they relocated to Ballarat, at 14 Sturt Street. The new premises, are in an 1880s Victorian building on this main thoroughfare of the city, and is much larger than the former shop, and offers a wonderful selection of quality second-hand books, together with an espresso coffee bar, in a 1930s Art Deco-inspired atmosphere [rarely for us, we didn’t actually have a coffee on this occasion!!]. I must say however, that the place  held a fascinating collection of books, though generally not particularly cheap for ‘second hand’ books, but the collection is comprehensive, with quality literature, modern classics, books on the arts, history, philosophy, Australia, militaria, science & technology, poetry and more. There is also an excellent collection of children’s literature, including childhood favourites and classics.

They do take a great deal of pride in the collection at The Known World, being proud of their books, and of the service they  provide our customers, both there at the bookshop, and to their online customers.  That latter aspect attracted my attention, and no doubt I will be in contact with them on future occasions, but decided I would certainly be back here in the shop. Once thing I discovered in recent weeks through my friendship with Heather is the amazing little collection of bookshops hidden around parts of Victoria!!  An interesting little promo note from this place  – ‘I hope you enjoy browsing our collection as much as we enjoyed assembling it’ [Michelle Coxall, presumably, the proprietor].  Anyway, we purchased a couple of books while we were there – in fact Heather bought me a little booklet called a ‘Guide For the Advanced Soul’ by Susan Hayward, described as a ‘book of insight’. I think she wanted to show me that there were other means of creating faith and seeking assistance in life troubles in addition to both of our Christian backgrounds  – this little booklet began it’s introduction with the words “Your life is a journey. In it you will face challenges, then leaps forward; setbacks and despair; joy and sadness. But whatever life holds for you be sure of one thing: that your reality is what ‘you create’ to give you the opportunity for growth  –  A Guide For The Advanced Soul is a book of insight to be consulted in times of indecision and crisis to help you understand your questions, and give guidance…………and with it, you will come to understand that every problem holds a gift for you in its hands”.  Interesting philosophy and ideas,  and no doubt over the weeks ahead, this writer will come to share with his readers some of the thoughts contained therein. Meanwhile, this will no doubt shock my friends out there in the wider world who would not accept that words of guidance could come from any source other than the Christian Bible.  Meanwhile, Eileen Caddy’s quote on the back cover – ‘Be at Peace and see a clear pattern running through your lives. Nothing is by chance.’

From bookshops to electrical stores, where without a great deal of knowledge about such matters on the part of both of us, Heather purchased a DVD player, which incorporated the ‘Blue Ray facilities, apparently the follow up medium now available to DVDs – the limit of my understanding of Blue Ray!! Anyway, Heather needed the DVD to make use of while she was ‘cooped’ up in her home after this week’s operation, and not allowed to drive for 6 weeks or so!!

The afternoon was passing quickly – we’d not participated in any of the ‘special’ events happening this weekend, but nevertheless, time was flying – appropriate, as Heather’s personal inscription on the inside cover of the above mentioned book was simply ‘Come fly with me’!!  That saying will form a part of this weekend’s Face Book ‘poetic entry’!

I took Heather back to her place, where she had a few tasks to attend to. She was a little disappointed that  she had not heard from her son, on this Mother’s Day. Although over the years, that had sadly not been an unusual occurrence! In the meantime, I drove across to the Eureka Lodge Motel [where I’d decided to stay the night, rather than return to Sunbury this evening – becoming my regular relatively inexpensive place of accommodation these days in Ballarat, modest but comfortable and certainly suitable for my comfort].  Early evening, and back to pick up Heather, and take us both out to dinner, back to Sturt Street again, this time a beautiful cosy little restaurant  – the Red Peppa on Sturt [at 34 Sturt Street, described as one of the best restaurants in Ballarat, and yes, the prices did reflect that! Quite crowded for Mothers Day night as to be expected, in fact, I don’t think they are normally open on Sunday nights, so did some good business on this occasion [including from us!!].  The promo material refers to a menu which is  updated regularly by head chef paul burge and reflects the latest in culinary trends.  Lunch Specials: *Chicken wrap, *Grilled Fish, *Chicken Parmagiana, *Open Steak Sandwich, *Seafood curry, *Risotto, *Piri Piri spiced calamari salad, *Pasta, *Duck Salad, *Open Sichuan Spiced Lamb Souvlaki, *Includes a complimentary house wine or soft drink. Dinner Menu: *Soup, *Garlic bread, *Bruschetta, *Red Peppa platter, *Prawns, *Duck Pancakes, *Trout Salad, *Market Fish, *ice-cream.  We actually only had the one course each [actually, Heather had two entrees including the Duck pancakes, while I had the main Duck meal plus a salad, and was very pleased with the outcome Heavy means have been the curse of me of late, or simply having a course more than I really need at present. This dish was perfect for the purpose of avoiding a heavy meal. Again, a glass of wine for Heather, but not for yours truly!!

A rather pleasant way to finish up a very pleasant day, and I think I can add with some certainty that my accomplice enjoyed the company and the opportunity on this Mother’ Day to have her mind relieved of the need to dwell too constantly on both,  the recent loss of her own mother, and he impending medical procedures she herself has to go through over the next few days. I would be back later in the week to see her, in the Ballarat Hospital, in which place we were actually both born, six weeks apart some 65 years ago!

 

 

 

Unfortunately, due to a medical appointment, I had to give the gymnasium a miss today, though in retrospect, wish I’d thought of going an hour earlier! Oh well, perhaps for the best!

Meanwhile, my little poetic selection for today’s Face Book page, was taken from  p743 of  ‘The Complete Stories, Plays and Poems of Oscar Wilde [pub.1991] – quite a lengthy poem, the following is just a small sample of the verses.

Startled the squirrel from its granary,

And cuckoo flowers fringed the narrow lane,

Through my young leaves a sensuous ecstasy

Crept like new wine, and every mossy vein

Throbbed with the fitful pulse of amorous blood,

And the wild winds of passion shook my slim stem’s maiden-hood.

 

The trooping fawns at evening came and laid

Their cool black noses on my lowest boughs,

And on my topmost branch the blackbird made

A little nest of grasses for his spouse,

And now and then a twittering wren would light

On a thin twig which hardly bare the weight of such delight.

 

[from ‘Charmides’ by Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900].

Jodie was leaving her little room at Goonawarra today after almost 24 years, and moving closer into the city – a big move for her, a bit sad to  finally leave home this morning, I would join her and Ash later, after collecting a car load of  her belongings from the family home.  But first, I had an ultra sound test to ‘participate’ in, just hoping it doesn’t produce any unwanted results!!  I pity I have to wait until midweek for those results – meanwhile, was glad to get back home, and have something to eat after having to fast in preparation for this morning’s activity.

Over to Goonawarra, where I loaded up my car for the last assortment of items that Jodie needed taken over to her new abode in Ascot Vale. Shouldn’t have eaten had home, as Mrs S. very quickly had soup and toasted sandwiches on the table for both myself, and Shirley, who had just arrived home from an overnight work roster. In the meantime, a reasonable trip in towards the city, until I reached the Bulla Road turnoff, at which point the traffic became congested and frustratingly slow – or perhaps that feeling was just my reaction to getting out of the habit of driving in much heavy city traffic over the past 6 months!! Anyway, eventually, had little trouble in finding Jodie’s new ‘apartment’ [in Ascot Vale Road, adjacent to the railway line] – a bit of a problem, finding somewhere to park, but eventually attracted the attention of Susie [who had travelled down with Jodie and Ash this morning] who was able to let me into the underground carpark of the complex.

Interestingly, the owners were moving things ‘out of the apartment’ as Jodie and Ash were moving in – had apparently not been expecting Jodie until Tuesday!!  Anyway, that was all sorted out, just looked a rather odd situation. With help, I unloaded Jodie’s items from my car, and then helped the girls unload Ash’s car, which he had not yet got around to doing, seemed to be busy constructing packaged items of furniture!  The complex itself rather interesting – externally, almost gave the impression of a large prison or modern business building, but judging by Jodie’s apartment, the units were quite modern and very comfortable looking – two bedroom, with most of the internal facilities, quite modern & new.  Just did not give the impression of an accommodation facility from outside!!  I only stayed around for an hour or so – Jodie was apparently going to drive Susie back to Sunbury later this evening, while Ash went to the MCG to see his West Coast Eagles team play!

By the time I returned to Sunbury, the weather had turned quite cold, and in fact it was beginning to rain. A bit of shopping, then sat in the warmth of the car for a few minutes, drinking an iced coffee, and listening to the local radio station in Melton, and their broadcast of today’s Ballarat League match in which Sunbury was playing [over at Darley, near Bacchus Marsh].

In the meantime, in the AFL competition, this year’s new team , the Greater Western Giants, today  had their first win, defeating last year’s new team,  the Gold Coast Suns, by 27 points!!  Kevin Sheedy, that  great long-term coach of Essendon for a quarter of a century,  has a permanent grin on his face as inaugural coach of  the new team!!  Meanwhile, over in Adelaide, apart from the Adelaide Crows thrashing last year’s Premiers, Geelong in the football, Black Caviar was going for it’s 21^st win from 21 races here in Australia! Pity there was no television coverage of this, the horse’s last race in Australia, before heading overseas!  I had to depend on ABC radio, and was a little annoyed that the race was on so late in the afternoon, as I wanted to get on with other things!  And then it was on – and over – 21^st win for Black Caviar, and now off to challenge the ‘world’!!  And while in the sport’s arena, a comprehensive win to Sunbury Football team this afternoon, giving the local team three wins from three games in the Ballarat Football League competition.  While for Carlton’s next match, on Monday night, we have three changes – Chris Judd, Jarod Waite & Ed Curnow into the team, while out go J Bootsma, K Lucas & B Thornton [the latter two unlucky, they played quite well last week but someone had to make way for Judd and Waite!!].

Incidentally, I forgot to mention on Wednesday, that cricketing son Adam, was re-elected as club Junior Vice President at the Sunbury Cricket Club’s Annual General Meeting that night. Adam is now very heavily involved in the cricket club, and is I think so far, the only one of my four children to follow Dad’s regular involvement in a range of community and sporting organisations – he is carrying on that tradition, which I followed from my own Dad.

Rang Heather this evening for a bit of a chat – I think our phone accounts are going to look somewhat different this month, painfully so!!! Rang her again later when I realised she was getting herself upset as she was going through her mother’s personal papers, and discovered little things like selecting the wrong hymns for her mother’s funeral etc, because she’d been unable to find the list at the time. Unfortunately little moments of regrets over things we wished we had done or said to the person we have lost are a nature of many situations, and are really things that one needs to try and avoid dwelling on – because by that stage, no amount of regret is going to change what has happened, and the only person now hurting is the person with the regrets!  In this instance, I think I was able to assure Heather, that the hymns that were actually played that day would have more than satisfied her mother, one in particular, which I referred to at the time. I feel it is perhaps a good move that I have decided to pay a visit to Ballarat tomorrow, in case my friend needs some support, with tomorrow being Mother’s Day. I will also take the opportunity to visit the ‘grave site’ of my own parents!

 

 

 

It was my turn to be attending to medical matters this morning – off to see Larry McGrath for a few renewal prescriptions, and to enquire/mention a couple of medical concerns, the outcome of which were two referrals – one for a ultra scan for pain under ribs which I was assuming was merely a turn muscle, but doctor suggested possibility of gallstone[s]  – much prefer it was a muscle problem,   and for long running [since Christmas anyway], digestive tract discomfort, a referral for a possible endoscopy medical procedure. Now that one disturbed me a little, depending on the nature of the problem as to some of the potential long term consequences – but let’s not jump ahead of ourselves on that one!

The ultra-scan I organised for tomorrow morning [which was going to throw out my Saturday morning plans for the gymnasium and the time I would be able to assist Jodie in her move to Ascot Vale] – was the first time available, so thought it better to get that one over and done with. Meanwhile, the initial consultation for the endoscopy was planned for 31 May. I just had to make sure that didn’t interfere with any planned visits to assist Heather after her operation this coming week.

In the meantime, the Coalition continues to bombard the ‘faithful’ with the same messages – but they need to get these messages out to the broader community, it’s no good just reminding me of what I’ve already heard, namely that   ‘Last night, Tony Abbott lit the beacon of hope for all Australians when he delivered the Coalition’s addressin- reply to the Budget. He outlined the Coalition’s plan for the future of our nation, a plan with strong economic growth the overriding focus. A plan that will restore hope, reward and opportunity for all Australians and a plan that is in touch with the aspirations of every community . Tony Abbott knows the concerns in local communities – he has made 51 visits to Victoria alone in the last 18 months, meeting with local leaders, hosting community forums and taking the time to speak with business and industry. The message is the same whenever I accompany Tony on his visits to regional Victoria. The Labor-Green Government of Julia Gillard cannot be believed, it certainly cannot be trusted and its dysfunctional existence is impacting on jobs and livelihoods. And Julia Gillard? Never seen and certainly not listening…………..’  [Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson].  Sadly, more broad statements, little detail to give precise hope to those they are trying to convince that a change of government is required.  At least there was a great family photo on the front of today’s Australian newspaper – of Tony embracing his three daughters prior to delivering his budget reply speech, obviously wanting to convince the public that he is as human as the rest of us – I’ve actually no doubt about that, just sometimes wish he would change his political tactics sometimes!!

There was one aspect of Mr Abbott’s speech, that I considered of particular importance, and that related to the study of other languages in this country. Though keeping in mind, that the plans referred to below, should have been  encouraged and instigated years ago, while the Coalition was in government,  the Opposition Leader now says that:-    ‘Madam Deputy Speaker, too often, government’s focus is on the urgent rather than the important; on what drives tomorrow’s headline rather than on what changes our country for the better.  We are supposed to be adapting to the Asian century, yet Australians’ study of foreign languages, especially Asian languages, is in precipitous decline. The proportion of Year 12 students studying a foreign language has dropped from about 40 per cent in the 1960s to about 12 per cent now. There are now only about 300 Year 12 Mandarin students who aren’t of Chinese-heritage. Since 2001, there has been a 21 per cent decline in the numbers studying Japanese and a 40 per cent decline in the numbers studying Indonesian.  If Australians are to make their way in the world, we cannot rely on other people speaking our language.  Starting in pre-school every student should have an exposure to foreign languages.  This will be a generational shift because foreign language speakers will have to be mobilised and because teachers take time to be trained. Still, the next Coalition government will make a strong start.  My commitment tonight is to work urgently with the states to ensure that at least 40 per cent of Year 12 students are once more taking a language other than English within a decade.’  I  have always felt that in comparison to students in Asia, and particularly European countries, the ability of Australians to speak a language other than English is such a minority as to be shameful. Whatever Party is in power, I would like to see more legislation and action in this area.

Meanwhile, Susie had a shift at the bakery this afternoon – can’t say that her cold sounded much better, but presumably enough for her to go out to work for a few hours.  She seemed bright enough when she returned home later this evening. Tomorrow, her sister, Jodie, is moving out of home – she and Ash are moving down to Ascot Vale, which from a travel point of view is much closer to both of their places of employment. When I rang Jodie tonight she was in the process of packing –  and feeling horrified at just how much ‘stuff’ she had accumulated!!

I was reading a couple of articles in this month’s Limelight Magazine this evening, and came across a couple of interesting little quotations.  In an article about Kristian Winther, who has just completed his first national tour as one of the two new members of the Australian String Quartet, mention was made of the 1784 Guadagnini Violin which he has taken ‘temporary’ possession as a member of the ASQ, which he described as :an extraordinary beast which is taking time to master but is always a joy to play. It’s scary to realise that in the violin case that goes with me Everywhere, is something made before almost every building in Australia’. In another article, written by Guy Noble, in which he is discussing the fact that orchestral musicians provide all the sounds, yet conductors bear all the responsibility and get all the glory, he comes out with the quotation that   “A great conductor is nothing without great  musicians, and great conductors only work with great musicians”.

I had things to do tonight, but think I found myself sitting in front of the TV later on, watching a bit of football while knowing I should be doing something else. And yes, there were a few messages exchanged between Ballarat and here throughout the course of the day and evening. Heather is rather busy at present, rushing around trying to get various tasks done before she goes into hospital next week, and also trying to finalise matters relating to her mother’s estate. Interesting to learn that the sale of the antique furniture shop which had been in the family since we were both kids, had finally been sold by her brother, and Heather admitted to a few pangs of sadness when she drove past it today!

One more matter arising out of this week’s budget which might have a direct affect on me eventually, came in advice from the AMRAP organisation – the Australian Music Radio AirPlay Project – from which I obtain a lot of the music free of charge that I play on the radio of a Monday night. The basis on which that music is able to be provided to me, and other subscribers from radio stations relates to Federal Government funding.  AMRAP’s email advice today was as follows:-

Dear Bill,    CBAA General Manager Kath Letch and I wanted to contact you personally to let you know that unfortunately Amrap was not allocated any funding for 2012-13 in the Federal Budget on Tuesday. It is an extremely disappointing outcome considering the very positive results from the Government’s independent review of Amrap in 2011 and the strength of the project.  The CBAA is committed to continuing Amrap and is working towards finding funding options and is in discussions with Senator Conroy’s office. All Amrap activities will continue as normal for stations and musicians.  The CBAA regards Amrap services as a critical national infrastructure project for community radio stations throughout the country and it plays an essential role in supporting community broadcasters and Australian music. We’re optimistic that funding solutions can be identified to maintain Amrap and will keep you up to date with progress.   If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on manager@amrap.org.au or the CBAA General Manager Kath Letch on kletch@cbaa.org.au  And don’t forget to order great Australian music for airplay at www.airit.org.au
Best regards,  Chris Johnson & Kath Letch  The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project  www.amrap.org

I’m hopeful that this won’t in the long run affect the current selection and distribution process, but one can never be guaranteed of anything when it comes to government funding!

Back to the gymnasium this morning – early start as I wanted to get away reasonably quickly. It was meanwhile, a beautiful morning, and the weather would remain that way throughout the day. Certainly, it was a lovely sunny day in Bacchus Marsh, my destination today where I met Heather at the same little café we had enjoyed lunch at on the 18^th January, that being our first meeting since the late 1950s when we finished Primary School and went our separate ways. Bacchus Marsh [BM] itself is situated on the Western Highway [although the main Freeway now bypasses the town as it has done for many many years], about 53 kilometres west of Melbourne [halfway between Melbourne and Ballarat, a good ‘meeting point’ for the two of us]. It was originally a small farming and horticultural community,  but is now a thriving town of approximately 15,000 people.

We spent the best part of 5 hours in BM – eating, drinking [coffees mainly], talking, and just generally enjoying the company of two friends. And relating more ‘stories’ about what each of had been doing in our lives over the past 50 plus years. We also had a brief look through the ‘Blacksmith Cottage & Forge Bookbarn’ next door to the café in Main Street there. Unfortunately, we had to restrict our viewing to the lower floor – with Heather’s pending knee operation due in a few days, the stairs leading to the next level, we considered a little too daunting, so I went out in sympathy and stayed downstairs as well. Shall return another time when we are both a little ‘stair climbing’ active!! The Cottage itself, was built around 1851, and was occupied by the blacksmith and his family. It is fully restored and furnished with items donated by local and interested families. From an historical point of view, some fascinating old equipment on display in the form of printing presses, etc. The books must have been upstairs, as we did not notice them!

Eventually the time came to drive off in our separate directions, but unlike the last time we were here, with the knowledge we would meet again in a few days, this time in Ballarat, on Mother’s Day, the first one since her mother died a few weeks ago. It has been an eventful 4 months getting to know someone who was briefly in one’s life over half a century ago, and with whom some kind of connection has always been there, perhaps waiting for the right time to reveal itself. Who knows, two people just taking one day at a time and enjoying a new found friendship along the way!

Expected Susie to be at work when I returned home, but she was still partially suffering from her cold, not sure if that’s why she was not rostered. She went out for dinner tonight, a kind of Mother’s Day treat for Shirley – James came to the door, and with a bit of ‘late notice’ invited me to join them. But already settled for the evening, I agreed the notice was a bit late, so declined the invite. After a reasonably large lunch with Heather, I was not yet ready to eat in any case!!

Tonight, the Opposition leader, Tony Abbott gave his ‘Budget Address in Reply’ to Tuesday night’s budget speech – this is a regular formal response to the Government’s deliverance by the Treasurer, but by it’s nature, is generally more broad based in character, and doesn’t have the specific kind of alternative policy detail that you get in the Budget itself!  Certainly, one would expect that even less, with a speech from Tony Abbott, and as his own summary below indicates to those who can read between the lines, there were lots of broad statements and promises but little to indicate the actuals workings behind those ‘promises’ – a kind of situation that puts an Opposition, whatever Party, at  distinct disadvantage in such debates, I feel.. This is what he had to say, prior to the actual speech in Federal parliament tonight [which also was televised on the ABC], and which a certain friend ‘jokingly’ ridiculed me for watching, hoping at one stage that  I ‘was enjoying all the Liberal rubbish’!!

‘Dear   Bill,   Tonight, I gave my Budget   Address in Reply.  The   Coalition has a strong plan to restore Hope, Reward and Opportunity for all   Australians.  A Coalition   Government will build a stronger economy, repay debt and create secure   jobs.  Strong economic growth   will be the over-riding aim of the next Coalition government: it starts with   abolishing the carbon tax.    Only with a growing economy is it possible to have lower taxes, better   services and a stronger budget bottom line as Australians discovered during   the Howard era.  Abolishing the carbon   tax will be the swiftest contribution government can make to relieving   cost of living pressures on Australian families. This will take the   pressure off power prices, gas prices and rates; it will prevent more   pressure on transport prices.   Tonight   I highlighted the fundamental truths of what will drive a Coalition   Government:   Government should be at least as interested in the creation of   wealth as in its redistribution.   Government should protect the vulnerable not to create more   clients of the state but to foster more self-reliant citizens.   The small business people who put their houses on the line to   create jobs deserve support from government, not broken promises.   People who work hard and put money aside so they won’t be a   burden on others should be encouraged, not hit with higher taxes.   And people earning $83,000 a year and families on $150,000 a   year are not rich, especially if they’re paying mortgages in our big cities. I   want to reassure the people of Australia that it does not have to be like   this; we are a great people let down by bad government that will   pass.  There is a better   way.  The Coalition stands ready to   restore Hope, Reward and Opportunity so that, once more, all   Australians can plan for the future with confidence.   Regards,

Tony Abbott,   Opposition   Leader’.

Well, I must say the actual speech presentation was quite impressive, apart from having to constantly see the ridiculous facial expressions coming from Julie Bishop [Deputy Opposition Leader] behind  Abbott, throughout his speech. But as anticipated, difficult to find any detailed substance, but a lot rhetoric and the usual attack mode  – or as the next morning’s ‘Australian’ would headline – ‘Abbott fires bullets, misses detail’[Call on arms on class war, budget debate pushed  aside] where we will read that ‘Tony Abbott has accused Julia Gillard of deliberately using her 2012 Budget to spark a class war, as part of an ignoble ploy to save her ‘drowning government’  –   it wouldn’t surprise me if much of the budget in fact had such a ploy, aimed at resurrecting the government’s standing in the polls, etc, but perhaps that description is going a little too far!!!

Noticed a little promo online from the Radio National network –  ‘Tired of hearing about Budget 2012? Read on and discover a suite of alternative programming from the world of books, art and culture. Plus, we tackle some Big Ideas with Bill Gates, head into the bush to find out what makes The Perfect Working Dog, and put the spotlight on aunts, the unsung heroes of family life, on Life Matters’. Much more variety indeed!

 

 

From today’s Australian Financial Review, we have Laura Tingle’s opening paragraphs to her front page summary of last night’s Federal Budget.  Laura writes:-

‘Business will lose tax cuts but households will enjoy a cash bonanza as Wayne Swan’s fifth budget redirects the benefits of the mining boom to underwrite growth and gives his embattled party it’s best chance at re-election in 2013. Big spending cuts in defence, foreign affairs, welfare, pharmaceuticals and the public service, along with decisions to dump tax measures previously promised to be funded by the minerals resource rent tax, have helped the government reach it’s long-held goal of a return to surplus in 2012-13 and beyond and record the biggest cut in government spending in 24 years. The 2012-13 budget also benefits from the first clear signs that a $150 billion slump in tax collections after the global financial crisis has finally ended. Tax collections as a proportion of GDP are finally forecast  to climb in coming years, though to remain at levels below pre-GFC peaks. Mr Swan’s budget strategy – built on official forecasts of more interest rate cuts – seeks to underwrite consumer and business confidence even as a big contraction in overall government spending robs the economy of steam. It does this by focusing spending on a number of payments which – in conjunction with last week’s interest rate cut – will deliver cash into the hands of the low income households most likely to spend it, with both economic and obvious political benefits [to try and persuade all those disaffected Labor supporters back to the fold!]. It is argued that annual growth in household consumption of 3 per cent will help spread the benefits of the mining boom by supporting the non-mining business sector, while contributing to overall forecast growth in GDP of 3.25 per cent. The boost to household spending  will come from……two new payments [and] will be in addition to tax cuts and compensation already scheduled to offset the carbon tax, which is now killing the government’s political prospects. There is also a booby trap for Tony Abbott in the family tax benefits measure as it is being funded from the minerals resource rent tax. The Coalition has opposed all spending funded from the tax – which it says it would rescind in government…………………” and so Laura goes on!!!

Some of the other headlines that appeared in the Review this morning, and no doubt other similar ‘comments’ appeared throughout the nation’s media, included: –

• Higher earners face tax slug;
• Business left on the sidelines;
• Team Gillard employs some reverse psychology;
• Most families [will] face wait for sweeteners;
• No apologies for soft-shoe shuffle [of monies];Vision ceded to penny pinching;
• GDP at trend on rate cuts;
• Super slug for top earners;
• A surplus too small from a budget too tight;
• Intent on giving away money; and
• Facing up to a surplus of distractions.

 

But enough [for now] of politics and budgets  –  I noticed an interesting little piece in a recent newsletter from the National Senior’s organisation headed ‘Life purpose heads off Alzheimer’s’

Greater purpose in life may help head off Alzheimer’s disease, a US study has found. Patricia Boyle from Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center said that people who reported greater purpose in life showed better perception than those with less purpose. “This is encouraging and suggests that engaging in meaningful and purposeful activities promotes cognitive health in old age,” Dr Boyle said. Researchers studied 246 participants from the Rush Memory and Aging Project who did not have dementia and who subsequently died and underwent brain autopsy.  Participants received an annual clinical evaluation for up to 10 years, which included detailed cognitive testing and neurological exams. They also answered questions about purpose in life, the degree to which one derives meaning from life’s experiences and is focused and intentional. Brain plaques and tangles, which disrupt memory and other cognitive functions, were quantified after death. Boyle said that much of the ongoing Alzheimer’s research seeks to identify ways to prevent or limit the accumulation of plaques and tangles, a task that has proven quite difficult.  Until effective preventative therapies are discovered, strategies that minimise the impact of plaques and tangles on cognition are urgently needed she said.

Meantime, the Carlton Football Club advises that it has just broken its all-time membership record, registering 44,296 members up until today. Their aim is to reach 50,000 by the end of the home and away season. This is the second year in a row the Club has reached new ground with its membership numbers, having surpassed last year’s final figure of 44,136. Obviously, the promise of future success helps in such ambitions after  almost a decade of  the most unsuccessful years in the Club’s history. This year, Carlton was the first AFL Club to introduce personalised membership cards with members being able to select their favourite player and have the image of that player  alongside their name on their ‘I Am Carlton’ membership card.  I have Mark Murphy on my card, chosen on the spur of the moment when purchasing the membership – a worthy choice, though in retrospect, given a bit more time to think about it, might have chosen someone else [Brett Thornton]. In any case, the Club feels that the ‘I Am Carlton’ campaign has been well received by Carlton supporters and believes it has been a key factor in helping drive membership as well as promote all other areas of the Club in 2012. No doubt the various pieces of paraphernalia that came with the membership also proved an incentive [quite an expensive exercise overall, by the Club]..

For myself, as a ‘committee’ member of the local Family History Society, there was the obligation of attending a committee meeting tonight – held in a ‘new’ location, the ‘Men’s Shed’ building location at the end of the Evans Street Grasslands Reserve in Sunbury. Only problem was a lack of external lighting and properly constructed pathways to the building from the road, but I guess those things will come over time!! A committee which frustrates me at times, with the ‘slowness’ of the manner in which the meeting is conducted, nevertheless, some useful decisions made including an agreement of holding a month long display at the George Evans Museum later in the year, and the possibility of having an article about the group written up in one of the local papers. Meanwhile, not a late night, which always pleases this writer.

A bit of communication with Heather during the evening, as we finalised our lunch time ‘meeting up’ tomorrow, For me eventually, another reasonable sleep!!

 

May 8^th is also significant as V-E Day [or Victory in Europe Day] –    It commemorates 8 May 1945 (in Commonwealth countries; 7 May 1945), the date when the World War II Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. The formal surrender of the occupying German forces in the Channel Islands was not until 9 May 1945. On 30 April Hitler committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin, and so the surrender of Germany was authorized by his replacement, President of Germany Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg government. The act of military surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France, and ratified on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.

From Wikipedia, we read that  “upon the defeat of Nazi Germany, celebrations erupted throughout the western world. From Moscow to New York, people cheered. In the United Kingdom, more than one million people celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part of the war. In London, crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace before the cheering crowds. Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret were allowed to wander anonymously among the crowds and take part in the celebrations.

In the United States, President Harry Truman, who turned 61 that day, dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died of a cerebral hemorrhage less than a month earlier, on 12 April.  Flags remained at half-mast for the remainder of the 30-day mourning period.  Truman said of dedicating the victory to Roosevelt’s memory and keeping the flags at half-staff that his only wish was “that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day.”  Massive celebrations also took place in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and especially in New York City’s Times Square.  Victory celebrations in Canada were marred by the Halifax Riot.”   Meanwhile in Australia, there were two significant dates – the 8^th May as above, and a few months later, the 15 August when the Japanese Government accepted the terms of surrender imposed by the Allied nations. On that date, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced in the following terms:

Fellow citizens, the war is over.  The Japanese Government has accepted the terms of surrender imposed by the Allied Nations and hostilities will now cease. The reply by the Japanese Government to the note sent by Britain, the United States, the USSR and China, has been received and accepted by the Allied Nations.  At this moment let us offer thanks to God.  Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us.

And indeed, both aspects of World War II were at great cost to human life, both military and civilian, and while conflicts have continued around the world since those days, we can never forget the huge sacrifice that wars create in our world.

Meanwhile, today is Federal Budget Day, with the Treasurer’s address televised at 7.30 tonight. A good friend wondered why I bother to watch such things!! Just natural curiosity and interest I guess, and of course my already much demonstrated interest in our politics!

Anyway, this was the Liberals view on the Budget before it came out this evening [the usual negativity, I’m afraid to say, this time even before the event!!] –  ‘Tonight, Wayne Swan will deliver a Budget that no Australian should believe or have any confidence in.  Wayne Swan has delivered the 4 biggest Budget deficits in Australian history, despite previously promising surpluses. His Budget delivered just 12 months ago has deteriorated by a further $20 billion! His Budget tonight won’t provide a strategic vision for Australia. It won’t be about protecting jobs or keeping a lid on the cost of living for Australian families. The Budget, with its tricky accounting, will be all about the survival of Julia Gillard and Wayne Swan. One guarantee is that the Budget will threaten our economy and jobs with Labor’s Carbon Tax. Labor is in chaos, racked with deep internal divisions and on-going leadership instability. It’s a government that relies on Craig Thomson for its survival. Labor is too distracted by its own scandals to govern our country in a responsible way”

So what did happen!! First day of Parliament back from recess – not much in the way of Question Time, as it was dominated by condolence motions, and then an attempt to suspend standing orders by the Coalition of the Speaker situation!!.  I think all that did, as usual, was to waste valuable parliamentary time [they really don’t sit very often] that could be utilised for more useful debates and legislation!! As tonight’s media would highlight, ‘Gillard government stews as it defeats moves in Parliament to ditch embattled Speaker, Peter Slipper, and suspended MP, Craig Thomson over union rorts’

However before having a ‘brief’ look at the budget summary, I read an interesting proposition from the GETUP Organisation, along the lines of –  ‘Imagine an Australia where refugees who seek our help, and have committed no crime, are not locked up for months or years. Imagine that instead, we give them a warm bed in a real home while they get started in a new life.   Now we can make that a reality, by opening our hearts and homes for asylum seekers as they find their feet. We’re working with Australian Homestay Network through a new, Government-approved program to provide temporary accommodation to approved asylum seekers.  Most asylum seekers are eligible for bridging visas once the Government has assessed their bona fides though health, identity and security checks. Bridging visas mean refugees can live and work in the community, but previously, they could only do so if they had family or friends in Australia. Otherwise, they must stay in detention facilities.  Sadly, many who are fleeing persecution don’t already have contacts in Australia: that’s where we come in. Could you spare a room or granny flat for six weeks through this professionally managed program?  Find out more and register your interest here: http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/refugees/host-an-asylum-seeker/register-your-interest   Here’s how it works.

1. After you register your interest, we’ll pass on your details to the Australian Homestay Network, who are working closely with the Australian Red Cross on this programme.

 

2. AHN will      ask you to complete an online      training and assessment. After this, you will be required to get a      police check. This is standard practice in the homestay industry, and      involves requesting a letter from the police to vouch that you don’t have      a criminal background that would make you unsuitable.

 

3. Then, if      there is an opportunity to host an asylum seeker in your area (they’re      interested in all areas, including rural and regional), a professional from AHN will get in touch to      organise a time to come and visit you at your home, walk you through the      program and answer your questions.

 

4. Following      that, if your application is successful, you’ll be asked if you can accept an eligible applicant      into your home for six weeks.

 

5. Before the      end of your six weeks as a host, your guest will be given options for      further long-term or short-term accommodation.

 

You needn’t be home throughout the week to be a host, nor provide anything more than a safe place to stay. You’ll receive training and support throughout the six week period, and a weekly stipend to help with costs; though, should you prefer, you can choose to donate this stipend to refugee support programs which we’ll let you know about.  Meanwhile, your guest asylum seeker will have dedicated experts to help with the practicalities of finding a job and a place of their own, and getting a translator, if needed, for important things like medical appointments. You’ll also have access to a 24 hour support hotline during the six weeks. Asylum seekers who are highly vulnerable don’t come through this program, but have other alternatives. This is an approach that has worked for many years in other countries, and has been run by the Homestay Network for many years here in Australia with foreign students. It’s far cheaper to the public purse than immigration detention. Most importantly, every asylum seeker we host won’t be inside a detention centre, where we know they could experience months or years of anguish. Instead, we’re holding out a hand of friendship and really showing the way for a new, compassionate Australian response to asylum seekers’.

Certainly an interesting proposition, and given a few different circumstances, and perhaps at a younger age, something I would like to have become involved in. There are many similar programs [generally unacknowledged] where this kind of support is provided for refugees. Interesting that in the midst of it’s problems in that area, the Government is grabbing at such an opportunity to become involved in an outwardly more humane approach to the whole refugee question!

As for the Federal Budget –  some of the headlines tomorrow would include – Tricks, cuts and handouts; Labor dumps lower company tax to woo battlers; Swan’s surplus shuffle; Super takes a hit; Families share the boom; lower rates punt; and so on!!!  I might look at Laura Tingle’s introductory paragraphs to her summary of the Budget in tomorrow’s contribution, but in the meantime, ‘my’ organisation – ‘National Seniors’ were quickly of the view that the  ‘Federal Budget has overlooked older Australians with the cost-of-living “benefits of the boom” payments given to families and welfare recipients.  While the Budget included rises in Family Tax Benefits and annual payments to eligible singles and couples on income support, it did not spread the benefits of the mining boom fairly, NSA chief executive Michael O’Neill said.  “A boom dividend would have been welcome relief for over-70s on low fixed incomes who are quietly feeling the strain of rising health and utility prices,” he said.  Another negative was a reduction from 13 to six weeks in the amount of time Age Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders can spend overseas before losing their $30-a-week Pension and Seniors Supplements. “It’s rather mean-spirited,” O’Neill said. “More than the dent on small incomes, this measure will influence how much time people who’ve spent years in the workforce or raising children can spend on that trip of a lifetime.”’  I don’t think that latter aspect will affect me much, but is a relevant point, though often, I feel that the National Seniors organisation seems to speak more for the wealthier members of it’s realm, rather than the average senior citizen!

The first of a couple of ‘better’ sleeps tonight, after I managed to spend a but more time working on the ‘church accounts’ audit, which I really should have finished by now!!  Very difficult to get enthused about such things these days!