Tuesday 19 October 2010

Leave river to flow free says local media


From the pen of David Bancroft, The Daily Examiner Editor, 18 October 2010

Click on image to enlarge

Huh, kids today!


Taylor taylorrtay Oh dear, my mother has a Twitter account now... that's the moment when you know this social network is heading downhill #sorrymum

Monday 18 October 2010

What is in Armidale's drinking water?

Authorities must undertake an immediate audit of Armidale city's water supply. I'm not referring to its quantity, but rather its quality.

An Armidale resident has a letter to the editor in today's Daily Examiner that provides abundant evidence that a brain-destroying contaminant is in the drinking water in at least one Armidale home.
Click on letter to enlarge. 

Here's The Daily Examiner editor's response:
  
One of Stephen Heaney's strongest claims is that the fishing industry would benefit if fresh water was prevented from entering the river by being diverted elsewhere. That would be news to the fishing industry. For years the industry has fought tooth and nail to prevent diversion, recognising that natural river flows are essential to the health and therefore the viability of the fishing industry. It recognises that floods and freshes can cause disruption but, like farmers, understand their value to the productive capacity of the valley.

Also from the editor: 

We must fight any proposals to divert the Clarence.

Is anyone out there?


Looks suspiciously like everyone along the Murray-Darling rivers is having too much fun burning books and loudly swearing for the benefit of cameras to actually go online and give an opinion.

Last time I clicked onto the Murray Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan online forum page there were only a handful of comments and this was one example:

tony grose

17-10-2010 1:05 PM
Pipe Line

Out of left feild here but would it be viable to build a pipe line to feed water into the basin. We seem to be able to spend millions and millions of dollars on reports and the likes why dont we just bite the bullet and start a massive task like this. The government wants to stimulate the economy emagine how much work this would create. I see that the swiss have just completed the longest tunnel under the elpes and it has taken 14 years for just that part of it, that to me is long term vision. We have a massive water source in the north and north west so maybe we need to try and tap into that and then all Australians will benefit.

Tony

Abbott gave a reshuffle party and nobody came


Surely this14 September 2010 media release would have to heralded one of the quietest reshuffles in Coalition history:

The reshaped Coalition frontbench that I announce today is a strong and experienced team that will hold a weak Government to account. The new Shadow Ministry is a team with deep connections to the community, ensuring that we will continue to put forward practical policies that help Australian families get ahead.

There was little mention of this change to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's team of shadow spokespeople, but quite a few media observations on his attempt to censor video and photographs (below) and his ill-advised interview with Alan Jones.

Leaving one thankful that this man is not the Australian Prime Minister.

Sunday 17 October 2010

Yaegl family on ABC's Message Stick


Last week Bloodline Series on ABC TV's Message Stick featured The Randall-Parker Family from the Clarence River area in northern NSW. The "stars' of the program were Reverend Lenore Parker, a Deacon of the Anglican Church, and her daughters Frances Belle, Susan and Catherine.


Message Stick presenter Miriam Corowa opened with:

Yet, like other Yaegl people, they draw their strength from those generations that have walked before them. I hope you enjoy Bloodlines.

The program was terrific. It provided a wonderful opportunity for viewers to gain a better understanding of how Yaegl people draw their strength from the generations that have walked before them.

Lenore and her daughters paid tribute to the pivotal role of their mother and grandmother, respectively.

Lenore Parker:
I'm a Yaegl woman, born in this beautiful part of Australia, the north-east coast of Australia, in Yaegl country, and I'm the eldest daughter of the marriage of Wallace and Jesse. And...I have nine other brothers and sisters from that union.

Frances Belle Parker:
My nan ... had a big presence, but she was so gentle, like one of the most gentle people that you could ever meet.... even now, when she's not here, her spirit always is.

Frances Belle
Susan Parker:
Nan just had the most gentle nature...she'd always make time for you ...she was happiest when she was with her family.

Susan
Catherine
Lenore with her sister Judy after Lenore's ordination


Credits: Words and images from ABC TV's Message Stick