Minds do Matter, hosted by Wellways/Mifellowship, is open all of October in several centres. Alderman Danny Gibson opened the Launceston one on Friday, September 30, to a crowd of about 140, in the Inveresk QVMAG Atrium. The exhibition being displayed in the community gallery. His message  was clear and impassioned. We are all responsible as community to form a safety net under those that suffer mental illness. His sharing about work colleagues we all relate to. One in five will suffer some significant form of mental illness at some time in life.

The Grand Round exhibition was opened by clinical doctor of Mental Health Services North Dr Ulla Jonsson. She emphasised and explained how valuable a tool art is in recovery. It is open until October 28 at the Launceston General Hospital. Thanks was given to Melissa and Sarah, emerging artists, Northside staff and students. 

THE state government Liberal and Labor parties are all about making themselves feel and look good, by tabling a bill that is meant to benefit Aboriginal people. This Bill only makes white people feel that they are doing something for us. In reality adding Aboriginal people to the state constitution is a way of avoiding the real issues rather than what can be done for the Aboriginal community in Tasmania.

Our community is asking the Liberal, Labor and Green parties to stop wasting time and valuable taxpayers money on a token gesture that the Tasmanian Aboriginal community doesn’t want. If the state government was serious about doing something for the Aboriginal community they would be discussing a treaty with us.   Discuss the real issues. The Aboriginal community would embrace and welcome a treaty that would address past wrongs creating a better future.  Let Tasmania move forward with its first people with proper recognition in the form of a treaty.

IS IT true that the cable was not laid to specification, firmly on the sea bed?

Are parts free to move and for the shielding to fatigue? Is it true that the terms of agreement (warranty?) expire in about a year? Is it true that that the cable shielding has already aged and is failing? Is it true that the recent repair covers only the agreed period and failure is then regarded as inevitable? Were these factors the cause of uncertainty relating to repair schedules and info releases?

It would be nice to know much more about the agreement. The commercial bits can be excised. Tasmanian industries may need to insist on realistic management of the hydro system in the long term. Forget profits and budget or policy demands. We need to recall we were really only saved this time by rain and restoration of gas station back-up. How much does Minister Groom really know?

SO THE chorus of voices for something to happen to the CH Smith eyesore is growing (The Examiner, October 6).   It certainly gives a very poor image of our city to visitors.  

And while its timid owners will only move if they can sign up future tenants, we seem to have to put up with it.  Not good enough and surely time for some ultimatums.

Personally I’d demolish it all, there is nothing of overwhelming significance there and it would make a valuable parking area with trees interspersed. And improve the outlook from my home no end!