Remembering our serving men and women for Xmas
As we prepare for the holiday season, please think of our Aussie troops overseas this Christmas. You can send a gift to somebody at the frontline free of charge via Australia Post. It's heartwarming to receive the letters you sometimes get back. It’s a great project for the kids, too.
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For members of the public who wish to send general care parcels to deployed personnel over the Christmas 2016 period, the Australian Forces Post Office address below will be open until Wednesday 7 December 2016.
Please send an appropriately wrapped and packaged gift addressed to: An Australian Defence Member, AFPO 60, Australian Defence Force NSW 2890.
Postage is FREE. In order to ensure an equitable distribution of parcels, it is requested that all donations be gender-neutral, and be addressed to 'An Australian Defence Member', not to a specific job title, trade or unit member -- and please no gifts for pets, alcohol, tobacco, perfume, etc. This is a marvelous way to share the Christmas spirit with those Aussies who are doing it tough on the front line.
Bird Jensen (Westdale)
Petrol costs still too high
With the lowering of the oil prices our petrol should be cheaper at the bowser. Actually, petrol should be below a dollar a litre.
Why has our high taxing federal government allowed the high prices to continue? Fuel prices proportionately increase the moment oil prices increase.
Australia has been overtaxed for too long. How long will it take before we give the government a vote of no confidence for the ever increasing prices and taxes? IT’S TIME for the public to get relief from the heavy hand of government taxation.
Jay Nauss
(Glen Aplin)
Where are the results
Australia is spending more and more on school education -- yet students’ results are deteriorating compared with other countries.
Results at Australia’s Catholic and independent schools are better than most government schools, despite receiving less government funding.
Donald Trump recently promised to commit $20 billion towards a program they’re calling “School Choice” -- families to receive vouchers ensuring that the money follows the child to whatever school the parents choose.
Mr Trump says, “School choice is the civil rights issue of our time.” Good thinking. Australia might do well to follow his example.
Arnold Jago (Nichols Point)
International Volunteers
International Volunteer Day is a time for us to reflect on the immense contribution volunteers make to our society and thank them for all that they do.
Red Cross is an organisation built on voluntary service, made up of 17 million volunteers worldwide. Volunteers help us save lives, build resilient communities, support people in disaster, and prevent and alleviate human suffering in times of war and conflict.
Every day throughout the year our 35,000 members and volunteers in Australia improve the wellbeing of those who are experiencing extreme vulnerability. I can’t thank them enough for their time, energy and commitment, and I feel privileged to work alongside them.
Voluntary service not only helps the recipients, but also the volunteers whose lives are enriched by the act of giving. We aim to build an inclusive, diverse and active humanitarian movement based on voluntary service. I strongly urge you to join our humanitarian movement and help your community by visiting redcross.org.au/volunteering.
Penny Harrison (Australian Red Cross)