Social sledgehammer
GEE Mick, you must have tripped over the cat getting out of bed this morning. (Stop Bagging Oz, The Border Mail, January 30, 2016).
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Whilst I agree with much of your whinge, I would like to add my own frustration to events surrounding Australia Day.
Firstly, a question. Do other countries hand out awards on their national day in this context? Is there an Italian, French, German or American of the year?
Personally, I have never really taken the Australian of the Year award seriously, finding that it can be de-moralising in our supposedly non-discriminatory society.
Thousands of Australians do wonderful work and deeds, paid and unpaid, much of this, thankless and carried out in difficult circumstances. They don't ask for recognition, let alone expect awards for their efforts.
In my personal journey, I am sure that I have benefited from the input of a number of people, who were just doing their job. Finally, hindsight is a wonderful thing. But, had the atrocities and disposition that occurred in 1788, been at the hands of some other major power, rather than the British, would history have evolved differently? Regardless, it’s good that these earlier events are now well and truly front and centre in our national consciousness.
Whilst acknowledging there is still much to be done to improve indigenous disadvantage, I am sure that some people, both white and indigenous and from various backgrounds and political persuasion, who use historic events as a political or social sledgehammer, to stifle progress and create disharmony wherever possible.
SUSAN HENSHALL, Corryong
Innovative ideas impress
IT WAS heartening to see the large number of educational initiatives proposed during the hearing Into Agricultural Innovation in Wodonga last Thursday.
I was impressed with Ms McGowan and Ms Anderson's advocacy for elements of basic food production and agricultural science to be included in the primary and secondary schools curriculum.
There is great scope in both regional and city schools for education in key areas of primary production, as the growing of food, and by extension, best practices in sustainable land, water and environmental management, comprise an essential skill set in an era of significant challenges exacerbated by changing climatic conditions.
It would be great to see a least some of these ideas developed and integrated into schools and the wider community.
JAMES MACKLIN, Wangaratta
Give your body a break
FEBRUARY isn’t too late to turn the New Year around and make a small change that could have a huge and lasting effect on your health and lifestyle.
Just one month without alcohol can reduce your risk of injury and long term illnesses. This year I’ll once again be one of thousands taking a break from alcohol for 29 days as part of FebFast, the annual fundraising challenge.
A 2015 national survey by VicHealth found that although half (46 per cent) of us are drinking at risky levels five or more standard drinks on a single occasion in the past three months eight out of 10 Australians are not worried about their alcohol intake.
In Victoria, alcohol is one of the top 10 avoidable causes of disease and death and is estimated to cost the nation $4.3 billion annually. Liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and depression are just some of the more than 60 serious illnesses that can be linked to risky alcohol consumption.
FebFasters report feeling healthier and losing weight. They get more sleep, save money, they’re more productive at work, and instead of nursing a hangover, have more time and energy to get active.
Give yourself a break and join me in taking up the challenge. Sign up at www.FebFast.org.au