Of Premier importance
Dear Gladys I hope you are well.
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I am writing to you with an issue that is heavy on my heart every day.
I sort of retired in 2012, but prior to that worked across all disadvantaged areas of Sydney and NSW. It wasn’t till I moved to Bega in 2012 that I realised rural and remote children are the forgotten children of NSW.
Down here the kids roam the street at night because there is absolutely nothing for them to do especially once night falls. Many are into the drug and alcohol culture, malicious damage, theft and in extreme cases violence. From much personal experience this is the case in many country towns like Walgett, Dubbo, Wilcannia, Nowra, Eden and so on. If you and your other Ministers don’t address this issue as a high priority it’s quite possible a whole generation of kids will be lost.
Country shires need at least a major youth centre in each town that outlying kids can get to. Not one that is just all about sports. You need to listen to what the kids want in this day and age.
As adults in education we are a provider of a service to children but never ask our customers what they think of the service we provide. Why? Because as adults we always know what is best for them.
But do we? I know six year olds that are much smarter in a lot of areas than me.
Back in the mists of time the federal government through its Building the Education Revolution (BER) put very expensive school halls in virtually every school. That is good but what are we doing for kids once the school bell to finish goes. After school and into the night is when they need to be actively engaged. Idle hands as my old Nana used to say.
If you and your Ministers have a heart and pulse you will take what I am saying very seriously not just a lot of rhetoric but actually do something.
You are spending buckets of money on infrastructure so this shouldn’t be a problem. NSW can then lead the country on this issue which is just not a need but a vital necessity
Thank you for your time
PS There are many older retired people who have made a sea change that could put in a bit of time at these youth centres.
Frank Pearce, Bega
Thanks to community
The Bega Hospital Auxiliary recently held its annual general meeting. Anne Sheedy was re-elected president, with Sharyn Whiting and Dorothy Mullaney as vice-presidents. Both Lyn Murphy and Gillian Wilerman were re-elected as treasurer and secretary, with Veronica Northcott as assistant secretary and Sheila Schilling as assistant treasurer. Kay Dowton was elected as catering officer.
Anne thanked the previous executive for their excellent work during the year and the entire membership for their unstinting efforts for the South East Regional Hospital.
The auxiliary would also like to take this opportunity to thank the business houses who always support us – the media, Bega District News, the ABC and 2EC, whom we rely on to advertise our functions, Club Bega and the Bega Country Club who are always there for us, and finally the Bega community who never fail to turn up at our functions and who buy our raffle tickets regularly. Thank you one and all.
The furniture sale we held last week was a great success with just about everything sold. The auxiliary owes thanks to Bega Lions, Bega Rotary and the Carers Accommodation group who helped us in a variety of ways on the day.
A special thanks goes to Kerry Abramowski who on behalf of the hospital gave the auxiliary the opportunity to make some money through the sale of the furniture.
Our next meeting will be on Friday, August 18, at 10am in the group therapy room on the lower level of the hospital. We are always looking for new members and you will be made welcome.