Scepticism over Bendigo council’s ‘due process’ claims
The letter to the editor by Sue Nuttall (“Evidence exists to retain centre”, Bendigo Advertiser, October 8) exemplifies the real underlying problem with the City of Greater Bendigo council.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She cites “complete arrogance shown by council officers” and being met with “rude indifference” by ward councillors,
Sadly, it has become an all too regular occurrence.
We now have a council hiding behind the shop front of a warm, welcoming, all inclusive city in the sun.
Dig a bit deeper and there is a puzzling amount of negative reaction by council towards some schemes and suggestions.
It is true that it is virtually impossible to get a councillor to meet and discuss an issue, especially if it is not in line with “council policy” on the matter.
The mayor also made it clear he would not entertain any “controversial” questions during public question time at meetings.
It is apparent from recent reports and comments that the council and its officers have a set of protocols in place to deal with particular issues.
Any suggestions or proposals from the community at large which don’t fit the “grand plan” are discouraged, discredited and finally disregarded.
But we are assured - all after due process.
Lynda Mills, Bendigo
A simple white cane provides mobility to thousands
Each year, on October 15, Vision Australia and the worldwide blind community celebrate International White Cane Day.
The white cane is a recognised mobility aid that indicates the user is blind or has low vision.
On White Cane Day Vision Australia celebrates this mobility aid and how it helps thousands of people to live independent lives.
What most people don’t know is that the majority of people who use a white cane have some level of vision and are not totally blind.
While we celebrate the positive impact that the white cane has for many people who are blind or have low vision, this misunderstanding about what a white cane user can and cannot see gives rise to discrimination.
Vision Australia conducted a survey from June-July 2015 and the results revealed that more than half of white cane users responding to the survey have experienced negative comments or behaviour while using their white cane in the community.
The majority of white cane users reporting this discrimination had this experience in a shop, cafe or restaurant and more than half, had this experience while on public transport.
While this research reveals discrimination against white cane users, the majority of the public have a great deal of understanding and respect for white cane users.
We thank members of the public for their thoughtfulness around white cane users and we encourage everyone to celebrate the difference that white canes have made to the blindness and low vision community on October 15, International White Cane Day.
Maryanne Diamond AO, Vision Australia general manager
Four Corners report on ISIS extremists provides food for thought
We were totally enthralled and at the same time repulsed watching Four Corners (on Monday) night.
Is there the slightest chance that any members of the council or other city luminaries were tuned in as well?
I suppose they wouldn't admit it even if they had been.