Thanks to all the young singers, music staff and BYC family. We thank you all for your compassion and generosity.

From public reaction to a protest march by CFA volunteers in Maryborough and elsewhere, July 2 looks like being a black Saturday for Labor candidates in country Victoria. Many people spoken to during the march and afterwards in supermarket car parks resulted in similar reactions from Labor voters with the most common being: “Well I have been a Labor voter all my life but they have finally shown their true colours and will not be voting for them again!”

Opposition leader Bill Shorten should be very worried because one theory abounds that actions of Premier Andrews is a ploy to have him replaced by someone more to the left.

Kevin Rudd introduced a rule that no Labor leader could be replaced until after an election so a loss here would initiate a challenge. The other theory is that Andrews owes a debt for assistance in getting elected and is caving in to the demands of Union rule over a Statutory Authority (namely CFA) appointed by an elected Government.

MFB has long wanted to take over control of CFA (now obviously) with a push from Union leadership so finally they may get their way. Should this be true then a very serious precedent is being set which should be of major concern to all volunteer organisations not only in Victoria but all other states. To sack the Emergency Services Minister then the CFA Board and CEO followed by stacking a new board of five members (enough to make decisions) that will no doubt submit to Union and Premier Andrews demands before any of the other four members are elected by volunteer CFA members ( a process which takes 30 days).

To see just what sacrifices CFA fire fighter make then go online and type in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMqvzOj9l5s&feature=youtu.be#t=2852.9724546 or “Black Saturday”; the ABC youtube documentary provides a very touching portrayal showing just what Victorians face; only next time most likely with a very diminished service because volunteers will not be as willing to join a task-force to go into areas under the control of inexperienced Union appointed officers.

Remember to make your vote count on July 2 nd and that promises from any party are only good until the next election; so anything promised beyond that period cannot be guaranteed. While a vote for one major party in the House of Reps would provide stable government; voting for independents in the Senate, who hold the good of Australia paramount, would provide that independent house of review which our forebears created under our constitution.

Be aware that compulsory voting protects every other person’s right to attend a polling booth without fear of any repercussions and any mark on the papers qualifies as a vote.