Memories and lessons from the Fall of Singapore
My husband and I attended the very moving ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore on 15th February. It was a very well organised event with a lot of thought going into the planning, such as complimentary bags containing sunscreen, water and even hats (in case it was a scorcher), but it was a perfect Ballarat day. There was plenty of seating and the event was fairly well attended. However, one thing was missing. Where were the school children? Surely this ceremony would have been a marvellous history lesson. Are our kids not taught history anymore?
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Christine Selkirk, Lake Wendouree
Children still suffering despite the spin
There are still children in detention. Despite what our leaders think, and the Government of Nauru say that the children are released into the community; an eight and half mile long island is still a prison. These parents and their children are still unsure of their future after the USA debacle. We, as Ballarat Grandmothers and Friends, together with the other 164 organisations named by the Refugee Council of Australia, urge the members of our government to take a bipartisan approach and bring these families to Australia immediately. There are many people all over Australia who are willing to help resettle the 44 children on Nauru and their families. There may be others in Ballarat who can assist in this way, certainly many of our members are willing to help.
Pauline McKenzie, Grandmothers and Friends Against The Detention of Refugee Children (GADRC Ballarat)
roadworks fury
Whoever it was that allowed the roadworks on Geelong road to start before 10am on the 17th February shows a complete disdain for drivers, parents, schools and students. Geelong Road is an arterial road of Ballarat with the schools, uni and the Mount Helen precinct. How about some respect? Surely it's also safer for the workers waiting until the morning rush has passed. Or even better, how about we grow up and think about night road works like they do in Melbourne and Geelong? When is someone going to stand up to VicRoads and start saying enough is enough on arterial roads like this? Ballarat drivers learning to use both lanes and merge closer to the end of those lanes would also help. Merging right 200 metres from the end just makes the traffic problems worse for everyone.
Hayden Hill, Soldiers Hill
Reducing isolation over epilepsy
Throughout March, communities around the world are dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy, culminating in Purple Day on March 26 (International Epilepsy Awareness Day). During this time, people wear purple and hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition that will affect more than 800,000 Australians in their lifetime, and 50 million people worldwide.
Sadly, due to social stigma and misconceptions, many people with epilepsy do not disclose their condition and live in fear of being 'found out'. This Purple Day, Epilepsy Action Australia would like to encourage communities to shine a light on epilepsy by lighting up purple a local landmark and raising funds for community education services to better the lives of those affected.
Interventions by Epilepsy Action Australia can help increase understanding in our communities, such as epilepsy awareness sessions, seizure first-aid training, and the Online Academy, which offers several courses about epilepsy for parents, carers, schools and healthcare professionals.
I would encourage your community to support Purple Day during March by simply making a donation or getting involved (www.epilepsy.org.au). Please help shine a light on epilepsy this Purple Day and put your region on the map.
