Change the date
JACQUI Lambie says Aborigines should get over the invasion of our lands and killing of our people.
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How can we when it is rubbed in our faces every year on January 26? A national day is meant to be inclusive, not one that celebrates the coming of the white race.
The violent British invasion of Aboriginal lands is a historical fact – but should we celebrate that as our national day? Out of the 365 days of the year that could be chosen as a day for all to celebrate, is January 26 the most appropriate?
Former Liberal leader Ian McFarlane thought not. He suggested we change the date. Choosing a new date requires public debate, much of which has been positive.
Michael Mansell, Launceston.
January 26
WHAT is going on interstate councils refusing to celebrate Australia day?
They are a subsidiary of state governments (and can be sacked) and their charter is to provide services, not get involved in politics.
As an ex-local government member I was respectful of that and enjoyed our Australia day Celebrations. To hold the current population responsible for the past is nonsense.
In that era of the past, the whole world was a conquering race, England was conquered by the Romans and Vikings; China by Genus Kan; Napoleon was running riot in Europe; Spain was cruelly conquering other Countries, how do you rectify these atrocities?
You don’t - you get on with life and stop creating this ill feeling every year. Accept the beauty and freedom of this wonderful country and work together to make it better. The world’s past is a cruel and brutal, and nothing to be proud of, but it is our past.
Peter Doddy, Trevallyn.
World’s Greatest Shave
IN MARCH, the iconic Australian fundraising campaign World’s Greatest Shave will be celebrating its 20th birthday and to commemorate this milestone, the Leukaemia Foundation is calling on record numbers of Australians to register and join in the fun.
Over the past two decades, more than 1.9 million Australians have supported the campaign to help the Leukaemia Foundation’s continue its vision to cure and mission to care.
Every day, another 35 Aussies are diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma and thanks to those extraordinary Aussies, blood cancer patients and their families continue to receive free emotional and practical support, educational resources and transport to and from vital medical appointments from the Leukaemia Foundation.
Your support also means regional families continue to be provided with free home-away-from-home accommodation near their treating centres.
Our commitment to fund research projects continues to help more Australians with blood cancer survive and live a better quality of life.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite the Launceston community to join us and register for World’s Greatest Shave in 2018 to help beat blood cancer.
Let’s make this year the boldest and bravest year ever. Register today at www.worldsgreatestshave.com
Bill Petch, CEO - Leukaemia Foundation.
Colleges
WHAT A pathetic idea to remove colleges from our education system. This move will see the closure of Launceston and Newstead colleges.
Does the state government think that all high schools have just the odd bit of spare land waiting to built on? That it won’t cost a lot of money in a state that is just managing with the funds they have?
The idea is a bad move from all parties supporting the idea as it is sure to fail and leave a large hole in Tasmania's finances.
Collin G. Wood, Newstead.
MOFO in Launceston
WHAT AN amazing event this year's Launceston MOFO was.
Many thanks to David Walsh, and Brian Ritchie, for taking a punt and bringing it North.
I hope they both deemed it a success, because judging from the crowds at the Block Party it certainly was. The Monumental performance was incredible. Looking forward to next year.
Anne Layton-Bennett, Swan Bay.
LGH thanks
THANKS to the doctors and nurses of ward 6D at the Launceston General Hospital, for their wonderful care of my husband during the several days he recently spent there.
We were amazed also at the well organised, holistic program that each patient is able to access - occupational therapist, social worker, chaplain, pharmacy - and wish to place on record our sincere appreciation.
Lily Shellard, Riverside.
JBS Jobs
IFJBS Meat Works at Longford are seeking employees then there are about a 140 people who were dismissed that are skilled, qualified, would be happy to be trained up and in desperate need of a job.
Perhaps the company could look at contacting a few of them.
Davis Seecamp, Trevallyn.
Mental Health
A QUESTION to the Minister for Health Michael Ferguson (The Examiner, January 30 ).
What does it mean - specialist mental health services?
Also of all the psychiatrists practising in our state, what percentage of psychiatrists have registered university qualifications in psychotherapy?
Enid Denman, Beauty Point.
Huntsman Hideaway Hut
DUE TO increasing visitor numbers, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Services plan to build new toilets at Meander Falls (The Examiner, January 22).
While they’re at it, renovate the crumbling Huntsman Hideaway Hut that is an accident waiting to happen.
A.R. Trounson, Needles.