March 15th, 2022Your say
When you’re smiling
Although I agree somewhat with your article Just Sayin’… in Issue 248, I am also somewhat opposed. I believe that Grace (Tame) certainly has a right on whether to smile or not and if it is just for tokenism of being a woman (smile and look pretty and don’t say anything, just be a good little girl) would be an affront.
However, she was there representing the award she was honoured with, and I believe it showed bad manners, in the way in which she reacted. Scott Morrison was not the person who abused her and is in fact the person that was “putting her up there” for standing up and being counted.
She should be very proud of herself for speaking out but she should also be ashamed of herself for her bad manners and basically implying that all males were tarred with the same brush and just thought of women as objects to be used. I am very offended by the number of people that are basically labelling us all as misogynists.
Furthermore, I try to encourage my grandchildren and all people to smile (not just women), as a smile brightens your day. You can be down in the dumps, and it is easy to stay there if the people around you look and/or are miserable, but it is hard not to let a smile brighten up your mood.
I do look forward to your writings and generally get a bit of a laugh and often find them very thought provoking. I certainly applaud the good work you do and that you aren’t afraid to speak up for people.
In closing I would also like to note that your front page of this edition along with most of the photos throughout this and other editions are full of people smiling. I am sure this is deliberate and that you wouldn’t want all the faces looking sad or grumpy, it wouldn’t give that encouraging sign for people to want to delve further into the publication.
Keep doing what you are doing, I enjoy the publication and look forward to each new edition. I am happy for you to put forward my views, unlike the person who wrote to Kyle.
- Gary Wilkinson, Blampied
Environmental sustainability
During February and March I have been taking part as a member of the community reference group contributing to Hepburn Shire’s new environmental sustainability strategy.
It is apparent from these conversations that a huge expectation is being placed on technology to come to our rescue. For example, I continue to have conversations with folk who reject electric vehicles because they can’t yet exactly replicate the convenience of a petrol car.
At the same time, there appears to be an expectation that the shift to a more sustainable world won’t cost us any more than our present way of life does. It’s a massive ask and as far as I can see unlikely to be possible, but I can’t help but celebrate the optimism it expresses.
- Pat Hockey, Clunes
Pop-up art
What a fabulous initiative the Daylesford Arts Collective pop-up is.
Sitting next to the Daylesford Regional Visitor & Information Centre it is a joy to visit and beautifully showcases some of the amazing talent we are so lucky to have in our community.
What a positive for our wonderful community, fingers crossed we see more of these fabulous pop-ups appear.
Congratulations to the organisers and artists involved and a big shout out to the council for supporting this fabulous community initiative.
- Marianne Lavelle, Daylesford
Letters to the editor are always welcome. Keep them shortish and to the point. Email donna@tlnews.com.au Any addressed Dear Sir will be deleted.
