Labor pitch got lost, says Crean

Posted to Monash Weekly (27/8/2010) on 27/8/2010 at 3:57 AM

Commenting on “Labor pitch got lost, says Crean”

http://www.monashweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/labor-pitch-got-lost-says-crean/1920984.aspx?storypage=2

There are many arm-chair candidates in every election. Most voters have no idea who are standing for the seats. The candidates cannot be bothered or too lazy door-knocking to introduce themselves, despite their being preselected by their respective political parties months ago.

Unlike Wyatt Roy, the 20 year old, youngest MP of Longman, many candidates do not make any genuine effort to change voter's voting pattern or intention, but to rely on preferences stated on the "how to vote" card.

Who were Michael Kabos of Bruce and John Nguyen of Chisholm? They hardly made a dent in the last count to displace the Labor candidates.

Unfortunately, in Election 2010 a vote for Green was a vote for Labor, and a vote for the Family First was a vote for the Liberal. So in future, unless you really believe in the candidate's chance of success, or he / she has proven having walked the distance, you might as well cut off the middle-person and cast a vote to the candidate from one of the major parties.

Footpath for pedestrians only

Posted to Letters to the Editor, Monash Weekly on 19/8/2010
Title: Footpath for pedestrians only

Footpath is for the foot, not for the bum. On a sunny day, the problem caused by blocked footpath may not be as severe, because pedestrians have the option to meander out of the footpath and walk on the street. However, on a rainy day, a blocked footpath becomes hazardous and presents a safety issue.

The Workplace Safety Act 2004 stipulates that all stakeholders - shopkeepers, employees, Council, diners have a duty of care to the safety of the public. To avoid potential accidents, it is only wise to keep footpath to be used as it has been designed for. It only takes one casualty, for example, a pedestrian walking out of the footpath being knocked down by a car in the process of parking at the marked bay, to cost the shopkeepers / ratepayers heaps for insurance compensation.

According to Food Standard 3.2.3, Div 2, Para 3(d), "The design and construction of food premises must to the extent that is practicable – exclude dirt, dust, fumes, smoke and other contaminants." All cafes and restaurants that offer Alfresco dining experience essentially fail the test of the Food Standards Code. Diners breathe in exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, dirt and dust blown in from the street.

Pay volunteers: Charity chief

Posted to Monash Weekly (2/8/2010) on 6/8/2010 at 1:13am
Commenting on “Pay volunteers: Charity chief”
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/pay-volunteers-charity-chief/1901590.aspx

It is absolutely nonsensical to pay volunteers. The most a volunteer should be reimbursed with would be the transportation / travelling expense.

As quoted in Wikipedia, volunteering is "the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services".

Some may do it on a casual or serve on an as-needed basis, but many commit to this as an altruistic activity. The commitment of many volunteers is unassuming, but unfortunately, many organisations fail to value the contribution of the volunteers.

I have been a volunteer attached to MonashLink Health Services since 1996. I am a Community Visitor, and enjoy my role tremendously. Each week when I get out of the front entrance, after visiting the residents at Wahroonga Aged Care Home, I feel like on top of the world, because I have spent the most previous thing in my life – time, to help improve the quality of life of some people who can do with a little bit more!

Why not offer some of your valuable time to make other people's life more meaningful and worthwhile? Don't hesitate, do it now!