ROSS FALLEN
Castlecliff
Australia Day
Should people suggesting Australia Day celebrations be moved from the January 26 be told to "crawl under a rock and hide" by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia?
Is the Prime Minister of Australia right in stating that January 26 "unites Australia and Australians" when Aboriginals give "invasion, survival and murder" as their three most chosen words associated with Australia Day?
The Australian Institute's recent poll found 56 per cent of people "don't really mind when" it is celebrated, and 49 per cent believe it should not be on a day that is offensive to indigenous Australians. Are the above statements by the nation's political leaders allowing white Australians to understand the emotional turmoil experienced by many of the nation's first people?
Melbourne's inner-city state electorate representative, Lidia Thorpe, who has children, has received death and gang rape threats for expressing her desire to have the date changed. One written note was pushed under the front door of her house. Images of men wearing white robes and hoods come to mind. It was not until 1994 that Australia Day was legislated in all states as a holiday to fall on the 26th, and not the Monday nearest the 26th. So why are "dog whistler" strategies being employed, especially as less than half of poll respondents associate the 26th as the day the first fleet arrived.
Reconciliation progress has recently been enhanced. South Australia commenced treaty negotiations with Aboriginals in September 2017 and Victoria appointed a Treaty Advancement Commissioner in December 2017. These governments have recognised the need to provide a more equal future between Aborigines and non-indigenous Australians.
I am offended that Australia's two most senior politicians choose words that only ensure the ongoing divisive debate will continue, therefore risking further extremist views being thrust upon decent people.
The tenet of this issue goes to the very heart of why I look forward to taking up New Zealand citizenship and feel saddened and somewhat ashamed of the country of my birth.
MAX WARBURTON
Whanganui
Waste recycling
Carol Webb has shared a story around Vintage Weekend and a Hamiltonian turned off by the state of kerbside services in our city.
While my family and I loved the live music of Vintage Weekend, our big take-away was also related to recycling but in a completely different way: the lack of provision for a quality waste management system for the events.
My 5-year-old daughter was particularly unimpressed.
Token efforts and a prevailing dumpster mentality remain the paradigm in Whanganui seven years after I first introduced and demonstrated the effectiveness of events recycling and composting.
It's clear WDC lacks the will, skill, vision and leadership to address waste management with anything other than tokenism and excuses.
This attitude is anything but "leading edge" and sets our district farther and farther behind those progressive councils with skilled staff that are implementing holistic and successful waste minimisation programmes.
NELSON LEBO
Okoia
(30 years experience designing recycling programmes.)
Bigotry
Front page, Chronicle, Wednesday, January 24 — "Special day pregnant with pa possibilities." Page 3, "Big day pregnant with pa possibilities."
What a magnificent display of journalistic bigotry.
To everyone involved in trying to take the mickey out of our Prime Minister, remember — you are the result of a lady becoming pregnant: your Mother.
RAY WALTON
Putiki
Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
