Duck cruelty
DURING the Inquiry into Victoria’s Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements, traditional owner Gary Murray said that “It is our view that duck shooting is one of those archaic, cruel activities that should go – forever”.
He said that not only did hunters come to Boort and chop up trees for campfires not realising that some were culturally significant, but the guns scared the children and students who were camping and learning about cultural heritage.
Far from what Nationals Deputy Emma Kealy says, many Traditional Owner groups do not support duck hunting.
Irene Proebsting
Tyers
Who fines the council?
AT the side of our block we have a council area, not sure if it is a water catchment area or not. We have lived here for six years and every year have to badger Wellington Shire Council to mow the property at least once and we are assured that it is on the schedule to be done twice a year.
If an ordinary person owned this land they would be fined for the state it is in. So who fines the council? This is bushfire season and snake season so this area should be cleared.
Photos of long grass are pictured.
Loretta-Anne Jackson
Wurruk
Prioritising heart health
AS we embrace REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month this February, Heart Research Australia is dedicated to reshaping how Australians approach cardiovascular well-being without causing financial strain.
Beyond our collective effort to raise money for life-saving research, our goal this year is to shed light on the financial and health implications associated with heart disease, affecting individuals regardless of their financial circumstances.
Heart disease touches the lives of two in three Australians and stands as the leading cause of death.
Prioritising heart health is an investment in both personal well-being and financial stability.
In the midst of escalating living expenses, allocating resources for health might seem like a luxury. However, overlooking heart health can result in severe financial consequences, impacting wages, work capacity, career advancement, and long-term financial stability.
Knowledge plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier heart, with eight out of 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
From heart-healthy, budget-friendly diets to accessible exercise options and stress management techniques, there are numerous practical and cost-effective strategies.
We invite all Australians to explore our free online Heart Hub, offering a wealth of expert advice on cultivating heart-healthy habits.
Research is a lifeline, emphasising Heart Research Australia’s steadfast support for world-class researchers.
This is why we encourage all Australians to wear RED this February and, if possible, extend a helping hand by contributing to fund vital research against heart disease.
For more information on REDFEB, heart health tips, and to contribute to this critical cause, visit heartresearch.com.au
Nicci Dent
Heart Research Australia Chief Executive
Protect or lose
POLITICAL integrity has left the room.
The recommendations from the 2023 extensive inquiry into recreational native bird shooting in Victoria were unequivocal – it must stop.
The long-term decline in native waterbirds plus multiple pressures including an unpredictable climate future present an alarming scenario for the future of our unique waterbirds.
Equally alarming is that some of our elected politicians have decided they can simply ignore these findings.
Why instigate an extensive taxpayer-funded inquiry and then ignore the findings?
Many regional Victorian communities have spoken out about the negative impacts of recreational duck and quail shooting in this inquiry; at last they have a voice that should be heard by the leaders tasked with making decisions on this issue.
It’s disappointing to see the overt politicisation of this issue with Nations MP’s propagandising about a green left agenda.
The reality is far from this stereotype and the tactics of political fear mongering, mistruths and bullying by unions are far from the political integrity that we need.
The issue here is recreational duck and quail shooting, it is not about canoeing, outdoor activities, fishing or any other issue – it is time that the annual hunting of native waterbirds stopped.
Our wildlife belongs to all citizens, it is not the ‘right’ of a minority group to exploit, even if this has been allowed in the past.
The issue is clear, we must protect the unique waterbirds we are fortunate to still have or risk losing them.
Mae Adams
Venus Bay
On with the show
ANOTHER glorious tale, to put in the archives of Australian folklore – our very own Queen of a European monarchy.
What a wonderful day for her and all of Australia.
A simple, down to Earth, grounded ceremony that was all over in under an hour.
No pompous, over the top, ridiculous celebrations like the English coronation.
Apart from Mary, Queen of Denmark, the event had no other Australian connection.
Thank goodness for that.
Can you just imagine the rigmarole that would have been included.
We would have had Albo crying ‘crocodile’ tears, pleading with Queen Mary to reverse the Voice Referendum result.
On top of that embarrassment, we would have had to put up with a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, a “thank you”, a “sorry” and whatever other over the top BS, the politically correct, woke activist’s could muster up.
King Frederik and Queen Mary live in a great country and can thank their lucky stars they don’t have to put up with Australia’s woke culture.
Oliver Bergens
Dandenong
Loretta-Anne Jackson says the council area is on the side of her property.
