Invitation to Mr Joyce
I am a self-funded "retiree" and small business operator in the Autumn of my life. I drive a work-worn battered ute around the farm and to town.
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I live in a house clad in weatherboard, with an iron roof, near Armidale; no water connection, no connection to the power grid, no landline telephone or NBN, no curbing and guttering. no footpaths, no street lighting, no garbage collection, no road provided to our front gate and increasingly no water for domestic and stock use. There are many similar people.
I recognise the need to contribute to the prosperity of our neighbourhood, our region, our nation so I am willingly pay rates and taxes rather than looking for loopholes to avoid them. I have very little call on the public purse and am passionate about leaving as small an imprint on the environment as I can, for taking responsibility for myself and controlling my own destiny as far as possible. I recognise that as an individual I can only make a tiny contribution to our future viability but firmly believe that every little bit makes a difference.
I continually face depression, because it does not rain and I witness the effects that increasing drought events are having on my own prosperity, property, and capacity to manage it wisely for the benefit of future generations. I do not believe because I currently "own" my land that I have a right to manage it for personal gain, to the exclusion of its future viability and impact on the wider environment.
Current governmental policies do not address my most pressing concerns and seemingly do not understand them, let alone have policies to address them. Of even more concern is that current governmental policies seem to address the antitheses of my concerns. I am anxious to understand your own concerns and policies for future New England as we approach the election.
I note your gruelling schedule while "burning tyres off the truck" around the electorate during your election campaign, however I would like to invite you to also visit and partake of refreshments at my property, at a time of your convenience, to witness first hand, understand my concerns and those like me, in order for you to develop your policies that will provide a fair go for everyone. I regret I am currently not in a position to offer any further inducements.
I look forward to your acceptance upon which we can finalise further details and I can plan accordingly.
Jan Kleeman,
Donald Creek
Salvos at Easter
During the next few days, The Salvation Army takes the time to commemorate and celebrate who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for every one of us. He is the motivation for all that the Salvos do.
We are grateful to all who support us as we live out our Vision Statement: Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. Thank you!
In addition to our thanks, I offer you an invitation to join with the Salvos in your local area during Easter. Each of our churches conduct meetings that we would love to welcome you to. Details can be found at salvationarmy.org.au. We hope you have a happy and safe Easter.
Commissioner Floyd Tidd
Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army Australia