Drink-spiking horror
I write regarding my concern about drink spiking. Recently three of my personal friends, all women aged in their 50s, had drinks spiked while out with friends in public bars. These are women I know extremely well and there is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that their drinks were spiked.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Two occurred in one evening at a North East hotel, while the other happened on a different evening at a central Albury venue.
These women were out with groups of friends. All women became unwell and lost recollection of the evening. Two were violently ill. One was taken to hospital while another was watched vigilantly by her partner as she was so unwell.
The issue of drink spiking is real. Women are under reporting it as it is not being taken seriously by police. There is a sense that nothing can be done about it. This is another case of victimisation of women.
Luckily my three friends have recovered and it seems none were sexually assaulted. However, I urge the community, hotel bar staff and bouncers to be on the lookout for these criminals. There is familiarity in the air, similarly to the days when domestic violence and sexual assault were not taken seriously. We must take this crime seriously and punish these perpetrators who are preying on women.
Genief Cornish, East Albury
Views are offensive
Three words sum up Israel Folau's so-called religious outburst: Ignorant, offensive and foolish. He has offended and denigrated millions of decent Australians, particularly our gay Australians. Instead of sacking him, the authorities should have made him do mandatory outreach with half his outrageous income also being donated to these vulnerable Australians.
As a simple tradie it would take me 15 years plus to earn what he earns in a year but at least I sleep in peace at night.
It would be fitting for Folau to do outreach work with the Wayside Chapel to understand why many of our vulnerable citizens end up homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol. He clearly also needs to expose himself to some involvement with young LGBTQ support groups to see that these young and older LGBTQ citizens had no choice around their sexuality, and that many battle daily to deal with ignorant and destructive comments from the likes of Folau and sadly many battle daily to stay alive.
I am a major advocate for free speech but in a measured and respectful manner.
Karl Moran, Wodonga
ANZAC commemoration
This year's opening of the Anzac Field of remembrance reflects the face of changing Australia sometimes for the better. We are grateful to include members of the Albury-Wodonga Islamic Association who will join other faiths in a commemoration reflecting the diversity of our community. This year's commemoration remembers the role of women and Indigenous people and includes the aspirations of all faiths towards the same goal of peace. We will also include a prayer written in France remembering the destruction of the great Cathedral Notre Dame, the prayer of St Francis of Assisi and we will be remembering the devastating fire in the same year that St Matthews commemorates 25 years since the rebuilding following its destruction by fire in 1991.