AS we move into 2006 it is appropriate that we resolve to tackle the problems between people groups in Australia that were evident in 2005.
From the local press reporting there has been a segment of our community that has played vigorously the racial card in an attempt to white-ant multiculturalism.
The municipalities of greater Dandenong and to a lesser extent Casey reflect the successful application of community interaction that has seen peoples of many backgrounds – racial, cultural and economic – develop in such a fashion that has resulted in harmony and the enjoyment of a multiplicity of multicultural experiences.
The acceptance of people who are new to our country is nothing new to the people of Dandenong and in more recent years Casey.
Initially there is the realisation that there is a new group in town and we, as early residents, watch them settle into the community bringing their unique flavour to the mix that represents community life in the district.
This is how it has been since the influx of migrants into the district from the 1950s onwards.
In Casey and Greater Dandenong the majority of us considered as newcomers are economic migrants seeking the benefits of affordable housing and the newness of a developing community.
For more than five decades this has been part of the community development that has seen the growth corridor develop.
In the past 15 years Cornerstone has been part of this development where people from different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds have been able to meet in harmony.
It is of concern that late in 2005 there were a number of comments in the local press by prominent people in positions of responsibility that were aimed to ferment discord between sections of our multicultural community.
It was good to see that in each case these comments were challenged, and so it should be.
Good debate is the essence of a strong democracy.
Let us make 2006 a year in which we determine to treat all sections of our community as our neighbour.
If we can do this we will minimise tensions that arise because of racial, cultural and/or religious differences.
Ps. Max Walker,
CEO Cornerstone.
UNTIL recently, there was no public transport within the City of Greater Dandenong that allowed people to get to and from our major sites on a Sunday.
Wanted to get from Parkmore to Dandenong Station? No chance. A taxi was as good as you’d get.
In an innovative and bold response to this situation, the council funded a new weekend bus service – a move applauded by users and public transport experts alike.
But this was just a beginning and more must be done. The issue of public transport is so important in our city that the Public Transport Users’ Association intends to establish an official presence in the area with the aim of improving services.
Community support is invaluable. Please join us to improve our abysmal public transport services by contacting me on 0417 053 612 or rblade@cgd.vic.gov.au
Oh, and by the way, the council intends to withdraw funding for the weekend bus service at the end of February.
Cr Roz Blades,
Keysborough Ward.
HOW many people are aware that there is a bill now in the Senate aimed at making the French abortion pill RU486 available in Australia?
RU486 is a chemical form of abortion which kills unborn children between seven and nine weeks of pregnancy with alarming side effects for many women.
Currently more than one-quarter of all pregnancies in Australia end in Medicare-funded abortion carried out by surgical procedures.
This is a chilling statistic that all Australians, either because of their action or inaction, should be profoundly ashamed.
There is an answer to the situation of an unwanted pregnancy.
We need a nationwide organisation fully funded and resourced by the Government to help all women who find themselves in a traumatic situation as a result of becoming pregnant. They can be helped and the child can be helped.
The answer will not be found by killing the child.
The chemical abortion drug RU486 is clever, cunning and efficient, it has all the hallmarks of ‘the final solution’ spawned by the evil of Nazism.
Wake up, Australia!
Peter Hartin,
Dandenong.
