Note for Adam Goodes
Like many white Australians I felt a real sense of pride at the time of "The Apology" to our indigenous Australians. "Sorry".
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It seemed Beautifully Simple. (turned out, it was just simple).
I admit, I held some quiet reservations:
We tell people ’sorry'. It's a word. We told them.
At the time, I believed empathy was what we were after.
We show people empathy. It's an active response. We took no action.
The most fundamental actions required to show empathy are - empathy 101 - Sit up, shut up, listen and learn.
It seems beautifully simple (it is, but easy it's not).
I'd like to truly hear the stories of our indigenous people. I'd like to stop and listen to you, our Australian-of-the-Year.
I'd like all of us to actively listen to one another - to learn more of our remarkable, ancient, indigenous culture - both past and present.
I'd like us to dream together and shape our future, shared Australian culture. It can only be the richer.
In the context of your chosen field, I need only look to our closest neighbour and the inspirational impact of the 'Huka'
But it won't be simple.
We're not used to listening and our indigenous Australians aren't used to being listened to.
There will be stumbles, false starts and maybe some cringe-worthy moments.
So, we'll also need patience and tolerance. Sit up, shut up, listen and learn - with patience and tolerance.
Let's show empathy towards our indigenous Australians, not empathys poverty-stricken cousins, sympathy and sorrow.
Let's take action now.
Please talk with us Adam Goodes. I, for one, would like to listen.
Dr Jenni Jenkins, Eaglehawk
Stop the rorts
It was reported on ABC news this morning (August 30) that the Liberal party chair for the federal Government Mrs Bishop stated that she is sorry for using taxpayers money to go to fundraisers for her party and also she is going to repay money for going to Liberal Party weddings.
I would ask any member of the Federal Government to reply, WHY should taxpayers of Australia pay you to attend weddings let alone party fundraisers?
it is time for this rort to stop - use taxpayers money for official use only!
Maybe it is time to hold a public enquiry into the way members of parliament use the taxpayers money for personal use.
In all my working life I was never afforded this perk that MP’s get and had I asked for this from my employer I would have been laughed out of the office.
If the Federal Government has stopped the boats how about stopping the rorts.
Ian Bates, Bendigo
Others deserve free bikes
Fourteen free bikes have now been provided for council workers (Advertiser July 30).
These bikes, of course, have been paid for by the ratepayers.
It appears there is now a full time Council officer for “Planning and policy for active and healthy communities.”
Will his next move be to provide free cars for workers who are unable to ride bikes?
Isn’t it time for Council members and staff to start giving consideration to the disadvantaged and underprivileged families in our community?
I am sure these people would really appreciate being given a free bike.