Ramp up the encouragement
I WOULD like to share some thoughts about our young people in Horsham.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the front of the paper we often read about our young people committing crimes against persons and property in our community.
However, in the back of the paper we often read about the success of our young people on the field, court, pool or stage with their sporting achievements.
Recently I attended the Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards.
Our young people are achieving amazing things on the local, state and national stage.
They are fit, healthy, having fun and learning heaps.
I believe it is important that we, as older members of our community, keep encouraging and creating opportunities for our young people to participate in organised sport.
As has often been said, only a small percentage of men and women in our juvenile justice system are regular participants of organised sport.
Last week we had a debrief on the Australia Day pool party, which was attended by almost 400 people.
A shared comment was the good behaviour and manners of our young people.
Whether it be taking their turn in a queue, ‘please’ and ‘thank yous’ for food, or assisting our volunteers resuscitate the Zorb Ball, the children were great.
So, as our young people negotiate life in their early years, often making decisions that will influence their whole lives, for us ‘in the stands’, let’s ramp up the encouragement and support.
MARK RADFORD
Quantong
Celebrate Purple Day and raise awareness
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 money 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 a Wimmera landmark in purple and raising money 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.
On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance to your readers for supporting the work of Epilepsy Action Australia.
Your support helps to reduce isolation and ensure people living with the condition are able to live the best life possible.
CAROL IRELAND
CEO, Epilepsy Action Australia
Committed to justice system overhaul
THE Liberal-Nationals Coalition has committed to restoring respect in Victoria’s justice system.
A Liberal-Nationals government would make it an offence to deliberately disrespect the conventions of Victoria’s courtrooms and give judges the power to apply penalties if the people present in a courtroom refuse to stand for a judge or respect the authority of the court.
More and more people are coming to me with concerns that our justice system is failing Victorians and needs to be tougher.
Recent media reports have shown examples of Wimmeral homes and businesses being broken into, including reports of a child as young as 14 years of age using ice and going on a crime spree.
Daniel Andrews has no solution to make our state safe again and the Liberal-Nationals will not stand by and become spectators as our state becomes less safe.
A Liberal-Nationals government would amend the Supreme Court Act 1986, County Court Act 1958, Magistrates’ Court Act 1989, Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Children’s Court) and Coroners Act 2008 to introduce a new offence of disrespect in court that would apply in all Victorian courts, noting that the children’s court adopts a less formal procedure tailored to the needs of children and young people.
The proposal will not initially extend to VCAT.
This new offence will carry a maximum penalty of 14 days imprisonment or 10 penalty units, or both.
If people do not have respect for our courts, why would they have respect for our justice system?
Right across the state people have been calling for increased police presence in their towns, but their concerns continue to be ignored by the Andrews government.
It’s not good enough when people living in the country do not feel safe in their own homes.
It will not apply to lawyers and police prosecutors who are already regulated by professional rules or the Victoria Police Act 2013.
EMMA KEALY
Member for Lowan