Better Or For Worse
Global chaos via the Trump phenomena, but with most western democracies struggling, living beyond their means, many have wondered when the road bloc would happen. Maybe what is happening at the moment was inevitable and could be the big wake up call.
The upcoming election, a contest between the receivers lapping up the goodies versus those footing the bill. The result pretty obvious. We probably need another three years under the present regime supported by the Greens and Teals to get the message across. Those that can recall the Whitlam era in the early seventies, the era which gave birth to the welfare era, witness history being repeated Welfare and wages outstripping productivity, small businesses going broke by the thousands. Outrageous spending on the upper end of our public service out of control, red tape and complexity is now simply unsustainable. An example same job same pay,one picks 100 apples his mate 10 same pay. Of course performance hard to define in many sections of our workforce, but our lower paid deserve more credit, many highly skilled, often dangerous work, undervalued, the backbone of our society.
Chaos even on Darkwood Road. Via restrictions imposed by our green warriors in Sydney, construction on three large concrete bridges commenced 2-3-2025, and yes in the middle of our flood season, and yes, guess what. A huge project with lots of heavy equipment and supporting traffic. But surprisingly council has also embarked on their $3 1⁄2 million upgrade of our road. Not to of waited till the bridges were done has raised a few questions.
Near on 82, the memory slipping away but sadly can still recall those years prior to the seventies. The freedom, the social cohesion, within our community, respect and appreciation, the family unit, the work ethic, and incentive to advance ones lot.
Council admin staff 8,a DA approved in a week, to-day reports up to six months. Our aged and kids mostly cared for at home. Not uncommon, a country school one teacher, 25 kids and the standard of education often superior to to-day.
The question ? With modern tech and so much crap to-day, are we happier than back when we had so little. Google it up.
Darcy Browning 0266558539
Health and Wellbeing at Bellingen Swimming Pool
Having just arrived home from a swim, I was pleased to read Jann Simmonds’ letter to the editor last Thursday 10th April, calling for Bellingen Pool to be solar heated for all year round use, as well as the call for it to be well managed by Bellingen Council.
This season I have ‘rediscovered” our wonderful local pool, an essential community asset for my own physical and mental health and well-being, and that of many other residents, now and into the future.
I am already mourning the impending season close on Anzac Day. Several weekly return trips to Coffs Harbour or Macksville in order to maintain my joyful ‘rehab’ is unlikely due to time, energy and financial costs.
If the pool was able open all year round I am sure there will be more consistent patronage and more successful staffing due to job security. I wonder what it would take to make this happen?
Marg Hopper Bellingen