An issue for us all
Due to the tragic murder suicide that occurred in Brisbane last week, which saw the death of three young children and their mother, it was illuminating to listen to the CEO of Domestic Violence NSW Joanne Yates on ABC (February 20).
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When asked "if the federal government could do more", she advised that she saw domestic violence as an issue for society and community, and it is simply not something you can spend more and more money on and expect it go away. It needs to have an attitudinal shift in order for a positive change to occur.
While the main subject matter concerned child grooming, other facets of deplorable and despicable behaviour were brought to the viewers attention. If, as widely regarded, St Kevin's College is the "hot bed" for future leaders of councils, governments, blue chip companies and the like, then surely we must all be shocked at the egregious misogynistic behaviour that became apparent throughout the 47 minutes of viewing. What is the Catholic educational department thinking?
Perhaps we need to have a radical rethink about the idea of having single-sex schools. If it is a society and community issue, then segregation via sex seems to fly in the face of that. Society is made up of a very colourful and social mix bag. So, whatever educators say about this radical social idea, they must surely realise that some of the very serious issues of life after school make the news headlines in the most tragic way, and in every single facet we are all responsible.
Alastair Edmondson, Rutherglen
Purple Day is coming
March is epilepsy awareness month and Purple Day is coming up once again on March 26. This year, Epilepsy Action Australia, the largest provider of services for people living with epilepsy in Australia, is advocating for greater recognition that epilepsy does not look the same for everyone, meaning that the 250,000 Australians living with the condition experience it differently.
People may be surprised to know epilepsy occurs on a spectrum, like autism. There are actually about 40 different types of epilepsy syndromes and seizures, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Seizures range from a momentary pause and staring into space to full body convulsions. In some cases epilepsy is genetic, but it can also be acquired by things such as head injury, infection or stroke, and it can occur at any point in a person's life.
While epilepsy is more common than Parkinson's, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined, it is widely misunderstood. That is why Purple Day is so important - to increase community awareness and raise vital funds to improve services. This Purple Day, we are aiming to raise $250,000 - one dollar for every person diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia.
We are incredibly excited that - for the very first time - the Sydney Opera House will light up purple for Epilepsy Action Australia on March 26 to promote epilepsy awareness!
On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia this Purple Day. To find out how to get involved, please visit www.epilepsy.org.au.