Articles
Helping Everyday People…everyday
There are many saints in society, but there is one group of saints in Kingston, Logan City that are reaching out to everyday people who are struggling. For the last twelve or so years Loaves and Fishes Street Meet has been operating to help the homeless and those facing severe poverty.
Our Journey Begins. We Say Sorry.
As we all know February 13 marked the day when our nation and new government made an official apology to the stolen generations.
Congratulations to the government for honouring their commitment to say sorry, to bring all Australians, Indigenous and those who are not, to come together to reconcile, with hope that together a new future for a nation can be built.
The future as outlined by Prime Minister Rudd, is one based on “mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.” This is the future where we carve out equal opportunities for men and women, indigenous or not.
So why are we apologising for the actions of previous governments? Simply, we are righting a wrong. Read more
2007 - A Year of Change
The APSL State Conference theme for 2007 ‘Year of Change’ lived up to expectations with many changes taking place throughout the year. The year ended with the significant change with the election of the Rudd Federal Labor Government.
Some would say ‘Out with the old and in with the new’. Maybe. The word new in that context means value, purpose and a sense of direction and on that basis the Rudd Labor Government needs to deliver.
In that connection and in particular the APSL will be demanding that the Labor Government honours all of its commitments that they promised during the election campaign. Read More….
LIVING ON $6 AN HOUR
by Rachel Cooke with Barbara Ehrenreich on Nickel and Dimed
Four years ago, the journalist Barbara Ehrenreich had lunch with the editor of a rather serious American magazine called Harper’s (not to be confused with Harper’s Bazaar). Over salmon, greens and fizzy mineral water, the pair discussed a few ideas. Soon, however, the talk drifted to one of her favourite themes - poverty.
How, she mused, does anyone live on the wages available to the unskilled? In particular, how were the four million women then about to be booted into the labour market by welfare reform going to survive on just $6 an hour?
It was at this point that Ehrenreich, who is in her fifties, said something that she subsequently had more than a few opportunities to regret (though, these days, she is pretty happy that she uttered the dread words, as we shall see). “Someone ought to do the old-fashioned kind of journalism,” she said, fork in hand, “You know, go out there and try it for themselves.” ….more Living on $6 an hour (full article)
MEN AND SUICIDE: OUTING THE PROBLEM
It is a little known fact that men over the age of 75 years have the highest suicide rate of any age group in Australia
The suicide rate in this age group is higher than the rate for young men aged 15-24 years, an area that has received much publicity over recent months. ….more Men and Suicide (full article)
Grandparenting GAGS (Grandparents and Grandchildren Society)
Throughout Australia (and the world) grandparents are being asked, in ever increasing numbers, to take on the fulltime care of their grandchildren. By saying, “yes” to this request, grandparents are experiencing dramatic lifestyle changes, at a time in their lives when they should be sitting back and enjoying themselves. Many experience severe financial hardship, accompanied by loss of peer group, isolation, loneliness, emotional trauma and feelings of shame and guilt. Their life focus changes from relaxation and recreational activities to education, mental health counseling for their abused grandchildren, and health needs for these children.
Many grandparents have to change their place of residence in order to access a bedroom for their grandchild. So many changes occur when grandparents take over the parenting role, these are only a few.
Where can these grandparents turn to get some equilibrium back into their lives? ….more GAGS (full article)
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