General News
20 January, 2026
RESPONSIBILITY: We can all do our part
Tom Jones, the ageless, Welsh songster had many hits. One of his biggest was the hit “I’m Not Responsible”.
The recent, selfless sacrifices by our CFA and voluntary fire fighters is the antithesis of this statement.
Ignoring the problems associated with financing and maintaining their equipment and a lack of government understanding, they are prepared to risk life and limb for others.
They are an ageing and essential facility.
They put their own resources on the line to come to the assistance of their neighbours. Usually they are complete strangers.
We hope that this “Australian trait” of mateship is rife.
More than ever Australian society is in need of role models.
Every day we are inundated with negative news.
This involves “gang mentality” which negates individual accountability.
There is a total disregard for the rights of others — both their personal security, property and right to feel safe.
Unbelievably we are feeling unsafe in our environment.
Australians have traditionally prided themselves on the belief that we live in a egalitarian society, with the mantra “that one person is as good as another.”
Many of our ancestors came from a world where equality wasn’t a right.
Perhaps some consider that ethical behaviour is a thing of the past.
We need to have a sense of values that can distinguish between right and wrong.
This needs to start in the home and be reinforced at school.
Anti-social behaviour should never be allowed.
Behaviourial patterns must be consistent both at home and at school.
Governments of all parties are finding it difficult to manage law and order.
The courts are over worked and the detention centres are over crowded and under-staffed.
School staffing levels are at about breaking point. Teachers have heavy work loads often outside of their specialist areas. The result of this situation is a mass exodus of senior teachers.
Resignations in the police force are at record highs and the police numbers are well below requirements.
The days of the “local constable” known by all the young people are over.
Fortunately the closing of the VicRoads office in Maryborough was thwarted by local protests.
This was positive community action.
I believe we have failed to promote the achievements of our many notable citizens.
Hopefully through some of our efforts the community will become more aware of these beacons and aspire to emulate them.
The new hospital is a magnificent edifice that will provide excellence in health care hopefully for many years. Its problem is finding qualified staff.
Our gratitude goes out to the many selfless citizens who have made the welfare of their neighbours such a priority.
This includes volunteers who have provided essential services for those in need.
The Salvation Army which has been entrenched in our city for over a century, along with St Vincent de Paul, Rotary, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, Probus and Zonta, continue a tradition of service to the community. How fortunate we are.