Friday, October 29, was a very windy day, so windy that it caused our large roof light to blow off the roof and crash into our pergola with a mighty bang. My 70-year-old husband got onto the roof to put down a tarpaulin to cover the hole in the roof. However, he was concerned that it might not hold until we could get the roof light replaced. So we decided to call SES. What an enriching experience that was. I called the number, and a very pleasant lady took my details. This was promptly followed by an SES member who asked me for more information about the incident. Shortly afterwards, three SES volunteers, Pierre, John and Corey, arrived at our house and did a wonderful job firmly securing and weatherproofing the roof.
These three men had finished their normal working day and then went into volunteer mode. They are undoubtedly unsung heroes, and they reinforced how good, kind, capable and decent people can be in a crisis. They made a massive difference to us, particularly that my hubby didn't have to get up on the roof again, and I didn't have to call triple zero. This experience will stay with me for a long time.
Mairead O'Connor,
Carrs Park
It cuts both ways
Consider this hypothetical.
An independent private school says in its value statement that it is non-faith based.
The school wishes to promote tolerance and independent inquiry amongst its students community.
The school has stated it does not wish to employ teachers of active religious faith because they may not reflect the non-faith values of the school and may proselytise to students or staff.
So while religious schools will be able to employ staff that reflect their faith, will the same protection measures be available to a school such as this school to not employ people of faith?
Rowan Bergin
Screaming religion
If you want to hear religious bodies screaming discrimination, take away their tax exemptions.
And further, a senior Liberal politician describes imaginary beings with magical powers as "reasonably held beliefs".
No comment.
Gary Frances,
Bexley
Independent candidates
"Cannot Have It Both Ways" makes some good points but misses the biggest point. If, hypothetically, all candidates were independent (whether for Council or for Parliament), the question arises 'who will govern'?
The answer is that a governing group arises. The GRRRP is saying they have formed such a group. The GRRRP goes on to say other things that voters will judge either way. But it would be wrong to infer that what they have done so far breaches the Act.
Glen Davies,
Batemans Bay
Community of swimmers forgotten
We were ecstatic to come out of lockdown and get back to swimming laps at the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre's outdoor pool, Bexley. However, if you can't get there for its limited opening hours, tough luck. The community is denied access by the pool operators between 10am and 4pm on weekdays following the covid closuretheir explanation: insufficient fully vaccinated staff. The indoor pool is fully staffed all hours (as is Hurstville Aquatic Centre), but no staff available for the outdoor 50-metre pool, the ONLY one in the area. Could it be because they're not guaranteed sufficient patronage? Indoors brings learn to swim and aqua classes. The swim squad use the outdoor pool early mornings and afternoons. All important, but what about us outdoor lap swimmers? We have been forgotten. Unless you fit into these restricted hours, you just can't swim. The weather is conducive to swimming outdoors, not to mention COVID safe.
For years we fought to get this excellent community facility built and to be now denied access is frustrating. This situation is a repeat of 2020 while there was no vaccination available and lifeguards were on jobkeeper - meaning there were staff available and getting paid, thanks to the government, but not being offered work. Hours of operation were limited then as they are now at the outdoor pool. A cost-saving exercise, I believe. The staff are great, my complaint is directed at upper management.
Come on, let us into OUR POOL!
Maz H,
Bexley
Watch children around water
Royal Life Saving is asking your readers to be especially vigilant of children around the water this summer and to Keep Watch at all times.
Our new research shows 532 children aged four and under drowned in the past 19 years. It also shows that a child's risk of drowning triples after their first birthday; 40 per cent of children were just one year old when they drowned.
For every fatal drowning in this age group, eight children are admitted to the hospital following a non-fatal drowning. Some will sustain life-long brain injuries.
We know summer is when young children are most at risk. Swimming pools are the leading location for drowning among children, accounting for more than half of all deaths.
The four things we recommend to prevent drowning are:
- Actively supervise children around water (supervise).
- Restrict children's access to water (restrict).
- Teach children water safety skills (teach), and learn how to respond in the case of an emergency (respond).
This year has been challenging for parents and carers who are juggling so much. Around the water, you can't multitask and just check that email - actively supervising children needs your complete attention, and you need to be within arm's reach. Drowning in children is quick and silent.
Would you please check your pool fence and gate to make sure they are in working order?
You can get more information at www.royallifesaving.com.au.
Kids can't help themselves around water. You need to keep watch.
Justin Scarr,
CEO, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.
WRITE TO THE EDITOR
craig.thomson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
