The Yarra Valley, Warburton and Fire

2009 was a bad year for bushfires in Victoria, specifically around the Yarra Valley. I didn't live there but did work at the time for Centrelink, Australia's social services agency, and was a part of the team that had, as its job, to contact everyone in the area.

Now some people contacted us - there were specific hotlines set up - the rest we did our best to call. As well as the $2000 emergency payment that most were eligible for, we also checked if they had other needs that we could assist with.

 For some it was assistance with food or clothes (millions of dollars (and tons) of items were being donated from across Australia and trucked into the area) , others wanted to find out if such-and-such was okay, or to find somewhere to say. We did our best to put them in contact with relevant NGOs and other agencies. We (Centrelink) also offered counsellors but mostly people just wanted to talk and talk they did.  I blogged some of them at the time.

It was hard, it was gruelling, at times I shed many a tear as the person on the other end of the line did the same. I went home and dreamed of their stories. This went on for weeks. The first anniversary commemorations on the radio and tv bought it all back and the nightmares started over again. I avoided all of the following years' commentaries.

I was thinking of none of this when coming down the highway last Friday. That was until I spied a big green sign that had an arrow to Flowerdale, one  of the affected towns. I hadn't realised I was so close, or that I was staying "in the zone".

Even now four years later there is evidence in the area of the destruction brought on by those fires. Yes there is a lot of regrowth in the forests, the towns appear to have been rebuilt and, on Good Friday, were particularly vibrant and active but I could see the scars of blackened tree trucks. My anxiety levels were up and I was on alert for the whole drive to where I was staying.

Warburton was one of the towns on the edge of the disaster. Relatively it was untouched but only becuase of a late change of wind,.

Warburton is an amazing community - full of art and life and color. Looking out of the window of where I am staying, or at any of the many many trees growing throughout the townships brings me the sense of delight that trees invariably do.

But if I look up at the mountain, heavily forested with trees, I can only "see" flames consuming it, my hands sweat, my breath quickens, my blood pressure rises, tears well up and I feel very unsafe.I can hear the stories as loudly as I could on the day of the calls

I have lived at the foot of the tree covered mountains around Bellingen for 7 years and never had this reaction. I sit and imagine now the Bello mountains and I feel happy thoughts, the same reaction as they always. It isn't "mountains" that distress me, it is these mountains.

I know this is the first time I have been to the area - either before or after the fires. What I wonder is that if I am having this reaction from my peripheral contact, how is the healing process going for everyone else who was directly affected.

Give me floods over fire any day.

PS I write this up from the safety of Tassie - I handwrote bits as I was traveling but now I have my first solid computer time. Even as I type my anxiety levels are up and I am weeping.


Image: "Bushfire near Kinglake" from Science In Public

Bye Bye Bellofoodbox

My beloved bellofoodbox has been a huge part of my life for the last year or two. Just a little background - it was started by a devoted band of volunteers to help promote the quality, affordable produce (with a preference for spray free or organic) that was grown locally (within 100 miles of Bellingen) for economic, social and environmental reasons. Since it started off, the success of buying local has been pretty incredible - instead of two and a half local outlets there are now six or seven and it was decided by the committee that bellofoodbox would best be operated by the Bellingen Green Grocer.

All in all this a great decision - BGG operates with similar ethics to bellofoodbox, has agreed to keep the markups the same (to ensure that the fruit and veg is really affordable), and being an actual shop front it will allow clients to either top up the produce in their boxes or to buy other local, sustainable products like milk or to just get a yummy juice. The down side (and the only one) is that they super little band of volunteers and our team leader Leigh, are going our separate ways so far as Wednesday afternoons are concerned.

So today was our last day all together. Which corresponded with my last day in town so it was bittersweet. Having said that, there was much laughter to be had. There was the usual pick of one or two strangely shaped items of produce - this one was an emoticon apple - turned up one way it had a huge smile, up the other was a sad face (no photo of that one, there are lots of weird fruit and vegetable shots out there), there was the inventive use of a damaged apple to  create an incense holder and open particular conversation the contents of which can't be posted here. There was also a couple of birthdays to celebrate. And that doesn't even include our incredible customers that come bouncing in to collect their bounty with a happy face, an interesting story or a quick joke.

On the downside, it was our last day together. While we work incredibly well together, in all circumstances, we are a disparate little group that don't usually see each other anywhere else - except random moments when driving around town followed by wild waves out a window which the other person may or may not see.

I know I am going to Tasmania so this would have been my last day anyway. I know that the changes are really, really good for the project. But, as I said, it was a bittersweet day.

When I announced I would be travelling south it was mentioned, as a throw away comment, that I need to start my own foodbox program in Tasmania. If it could be half as good as the experience I have had with our local one, I would be made not to.

So thank you, best of luck and farewell bellofoodbox and all who have sailed with here xx

It's All About the Gate

... isn't it?

I have had a number of visitors to the ol' mansion recently and many of them have the annoying habit of not shutting the front gate as they come through. Now I acknowledge it is there more for decoration than any practical purpose - there are no cattle being kept in; there are no burglars being kept out - but surely there is a great unspoken rule that if you open a gate (or door for that matter) then you close it again afterwards.

On a farm it is more than a rule - it is as natural as breathing. And you only ever make the mistake of not doing it once - again, a bit like breathing. Having to chase down a trio of bobby headed calves heading in three separate directions is not my idea of fun.

So, back to my gate. No, none of my guests are the farming type so I guess I shouldn't presume the knowledge but I am also wondering if there isn't something a bit more going on.

Could it be that I am getting stuck in my ways? Could it be that I am becoming or worse still, have become) once of those people that have a black and white view on the right-ness and wrong-ness of things?

I know I have been pernickety about how the toilet paper hangs for years but that isn't a sign - that is a clear case of right (end hanging over) and wrong (end hanging under) with even the manufacturers agreeing with me. And I do like my clean glasses and mugs to sit upside down on the shelf - it keeps the dusty and everything else, another clear case of right and wrong. And I do like my bathroom towels to be neatly folded vertically and evenly balanced over the rail with the folded side facing the door .... okay I think that one is just me.

So maybe I am becoming one of those people .... just remember that I am right - and shut the gate.

Image: "The gate .... is open" by realtimelord

To Help or Not to Help

I overheard an interesting conversation last week - a woman had told her husband to deny a request for help from another on the basis that as he didn't help anyone else, he shouldn't expect favors from others.

Now as the conversation went on there was a hint that the gentleman did help others, but not in the manner of frequency that the woman thought appropriate.

But setting that aside for now.

I thought we helped others because we could (skills, time, money or whatever) and because it made us better people for doing so. Maybe that isn't quite altruism, but surely most folks don't help each other with the expectation of getting something back, or considering that the person who they helped "owes" them in some way.

As much as I am cynical about the human race, please tell me I am wrong on this front. Isn't sharing ourselves in this way something that builds community, and friendships, and all of those other good concepts. And even if the other person is perceived as being selfish, would it be better to role model "better" behavior than reinforce the behavior that they are being judged for?

Yes there is a line in which if you cross it you are being used and I am certainly not advocating that we should give regardless, but that wasn't the circumstances here.

Tell me what you think and lend a hand if you can folks, lend a hand.

Image: "Tools" by spang141

A Question of Ethics

I have attended my first meeting of the local writers group and find it incredible - not only is there a great range of people, there is also the opportunitiy to have my work critiqued.

And now I have a problem. The group meets at the local club. And the club has pokies.

I am from a state that doesn't have the ubiquitous poker machines - well they are in the casino but that is it. Over here they are in every pub and club. The money from these allegedly goes back into the community - and about5% of it actually does. The rest of it goes into promotional activities for the venue (for example cheap eats) or just into the general revenue. Most venues scream that they woldn't remain viable without these gambling mosters that flash and scream at the patrons, urging them to gamble more and more.

Now I accept that not all gamblers are problem gamblers, and there is a vast range of alternative places for one to gamble if the machines weren't there but I made a decision I wouldn't become a member of any venue that had pokies.

So now what to do. I have to join the club to attend the writers group. Do I join and compromise myself, or do I keep my principles and miss out on developing my craft in this way? I have discounted the option of discussing it with the group - when you question pokies over here, people look at you as if you had just sprouted a new head. And the two people I have mentioned it to in passing point out that I am only there to use the meeting space, and I am under no pressure or obigation to gamble so it is no big deal.

What to do, what to do ....

Image: "Gambling Gummy Bears" by radioPooh

The Politics of Food

Writer and Masterchef judge Matt Preston made a particularly insightful comment about the politics of food the other day. His focus was on how Australia still upholds European ingredients (truffles, foie gras etc) as the peak of food perfection when we have a number ourselves.

I have extended that thought and now consider the political nature of all food. Whether it be those who have much, and those who don't have enough; to eat meat or not; food miles; ethical growing methods; price; water usage, fair trade ... the list goes on. However you look at it, food is a political issue.

And even for the consumer that ignores all else and just wants to pay the least amount possible for their food, it is political.The politicians know it and the supermarkets know it. An example I saw in the catalog of one of our big supermarkets (the one with a W) was extolling the benefits (cost and taste) of their beef as the cows had spent 100 days being fed quality grain. Sounds much better than admitting they were feedlot animals lol. And then there is the fast food company that quickly mentions in their jingle that their chickens live in fields .... when the company that supplies them doesn't sell free range products. Don't tell me they weren't buying into the politics of food.

And then there is the politics of health claims of food products which i haven't even begun to discuss here.

I look at the marketing of food differently when I have my "politics" glasses, as well as the "sell sell sell" glasses on.

What Does History Smell Like

This was a random comment that was in one of my pods and it has stuck in my mind. So what does history smell like? We see so many visual representations (real or imagined) of various moments, and in some cases we can even touch items but I must admit I have never considered what things smelled like.

My first thought went to the street of Dickensian London. With the prevalence of raw sewage (for a start) I can't imagine it smelt very pleasant. And what of the original forests of England, or Germany, or the Americas, or anywhere else? Or any pre-mankind, untouched landscape for that matter.What would the Temple of Dionysus have been like - I assume there was incense (for example) but what kind I wonder?

And then my mind goes to the fabric that made up the robes that Roman leaders were meant to have worn - were they a soft, luxurious cotton fabric, or was it more coarse? I know it perhaps a little silly but I am getting a whole new perspective on life in previous times - and a greater sensory appreciation of my own

Image: Unsure of the painting's name but I sourced it from here

"God" Has Spoken

I am reliably informed that the floods in Queensland were retribution for the deserving (or karma, depending on your perspective). Apparently the same applies in the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and nuclear meltdown.

Is it any wonder that I am an atheist?

I Wonder Why?

Why do we, as the public at large, take such an interest in the downfall of people affected by addiction or mental illness (or both)? Is it merely a perverse extension of  the gawkers that slow down to see a car accident? Is it a form of shaudenfreude? Would we react in the same way if it was one of our loved ones?

The local football codes seem to provide an ongoing list of people having one form of a breakdown or another. Hollywood provides their fair share too. In any case, isn't it a time to give the person space, time and privacy? Surely we must understand that they may not be in a position to make the best choices for themselves so just because they want to speak out, it doesn't mean we must provide a forum until they have finished a treatment plan. This applies more so if they refuse treatment but continue on their destructive path.

It is one thing to laugh at the proverbial clown slipping on a banana peel. It is quite another to revel in the downward spiral of someone who is ill.

My two cents for the day.

Image: "Palette World Breakdown" by farizasuka

Ethical Dilemma

There are so many ethical choices to make each day.

To buy cheap milk from Coles - easy decision - NO. It isn't ethical for the survival of the dairy industry. The same applies to their free range eggs.

To support GM food - easy decision - NO. Graham did add a factor for my consideration - that being that many of the GM advances are really just a fast-forward of the natural breeding that farmers and producers have been doing for years. That is true but I object to the ethics of the food I eat being owned by Monsanto and co. I also object to the farmers not being able to store seed - especially those in developing nations. I really object to cross-species breeding in both plants and animals.

To support a price on carbon - easy decision - YES. It is only fair that the real price of products and services is part up for consideration in my decision making process.

To attend a wedding in Fiji - easy decision - NO. But what if it was my brother, or daughter or someone else of similar importance .... hard decision - UNSURE. I don't want to do anything to support the junta (including buying Fiji water - easy decision - NO) but if the couple had made their decision and weren't going to change it, I am not sure what I would do. I am not even sure there is even a "right" or "wrong" decision to make in this case - there are winning and losing arguments on both sides. Hmmm .... have to continue to ponder this one (and it is only a hypothetical for me).

Image: "the choice" by FaeriGirl

Forgotten Fairy Tales

There are so many fairy tales out there that I am afraid some are being forgotten - even by people of my own age, let alone those younger than myself. Okay it is one of the things that I occasionally dwell upon. I was chatting along with someone last week (I think it was on the carbon tax) and said something like "anyone would think it was a magic porridge pot" but was met with a blank look.

I blame Disney - they have taken fairy tales and made them into movies and now people kinda think that that is all the tales there is.

I know I am a book nut - I like to think it is one of my adorable quirks but I am just concerned that part of our culture is slipping away. Or maybe it is just changing.

I read with dread that they are making another version of The Great Gatsby. One 16 year old I know wasn't even aware it was a book - he just thought it was going to be a movie remake.

I know the world has gone all techno and I am not keeping up with all of that. And I hope that isn't what this is all about. And I don't expect everyone to have read Shakespeare or Tolstoy. I just think there is room for the older and the newer, and to ignore the rich and diverse world of stories, to use your imagination to conjure up characters rather than have them all presented on screen, is something that the world needs.

We get busy as we get older and there isn't necessarily time for reading the classics, but surely it is something we can do for our children while they are small, read them a story and bring them some magic before bedtime.

So long live Snow White and Rose Red, The Magic Porridge Pot, The Enormous Turnip, The Gingerbread Boy, Three Bill-Goats Gruff, The Elves and the Shoemaker and the rest of the stories that haven't been Disney-fied. May you live long and prosper (pun intended).

A Real Man

Content warning if you listen to the song

In reference to my previous post I need to add comment to the latest song by Brian McFadden. Now I hope that the crap sound and over-use of (badly) played banjo will mean it dies a quiet death but with all of the controversy (and yes I am acknowledging my contribution to it) it is creating, I am sure it will be Number 1 before we can blink.

Now whether it is promoting date-rape, or just normalizing it is neither here nor there. And I do understand that Brian has said that it is a love song to his partner (weird but true).

What needs to happen if for all of those to object to not only boycott the stations that play it, but the advertisers of those stations as well. The stations need to be informed. The same goes for any businesses (clubs, stores, whatever) that play it. Money is the only language that businesses understand. It won't eliminate the song, but it will minimize its spread.

Fathers, sit down with your sons and explain why that behavior is not okay, not in a rant, but as a serious conversation. Let them know that real men stand up to other men who think abusive or disrespectful behavior is okay.

Mothers, sit down with your daughters and explain why they don't have to settle for guys who play the song, or who don't understand the basic concept of respect for other human beings. Young women and girls should know that real men do not write songs like that and call them love songs.

Fathers, let you and your friends be role models for both your sons and daughters in relation to how real men treat women.

Onya Sport

For a long time professional sport has been more "business" than "sport" but that certainly hasn't stopped the crowd attending games. And at the same time as the marketing power of individuals and teams has increased, our expectation of them as role models has also risen.

I would like to think that people would be selected to be role models based on the content of their character (yes MLK) rather than their ability to run, kick, jump or whatever but it is a crazy world.

So while we cry foul when someone has an affair, drinks to much and does something dumb or just proved him/herself to be a dick is that particularly fair? Yes they are paid a fortune by both their team and sponsors and they might even be a 'star' but isn't it something of a default that our kids look up to them.

Surely we as parents or significant persons in a young person's life have a responsibility to educate them from an early age about the content of character and the wisdom in selecting our role models carefully. And while someone may be an excellent role model as a rugby player (or insert your sport of interest) , it doesn't mean he is an ideal man, father, businessman or whatever.

Added to that is the hypocritical nature of us as fans. We are disappointed when our favorites get into trouble with alcohol but we put up with all of the advertising at the games, not to mention having a brew or two while we watch. We are outraged when there is reports of match fixing or other incidents of gambling, but we sit through television coverage that provides the odds for various things literally every 15 minutes as both advertising and comments byt he commentators. We call "shame" when a player has an affair, but offer intense public scrutiny of what WAGS wear and how they act.

I am not excusing bad behaviour. I am just pointing out that there is a bigger picture in play and we as adults, parents and fans have a responsibility in all of this as well.

Image: "sport" by dragonslairfoto

It's Official

It is Sunday 20 February 2011 and one of our major supermarkets is advertising that hot cross buns and easter eggs are now available for sale.

Yes, Easter really is on the weekend 22 - 25 April ....

Hmmm ....

What Price Freedom

Once again I find myself watching in awe people for the basic right of a vote in a free and fair election. I am somewhat overwhelmed at the bravery and fortitude shown by those that are in the streets. Some face beatings, others torture and 'disappearances' to themselves or their families.

And again I reflect on those imbeciles (I am over being polite) who live in "free" countries like Australia, the US or most of Europe that refuse to vote - or for some, to even register to vote.

No government is perfect and I wouldn't pretend to claim otherwise. I know a number of ignorants and as much as I try, I don't understand. One example (just a random) refuses to enroll and vote because 'politics is silly' but she still enjoys working as a public servant and being paid directly by the government. This same person enjoys (it is her 'right') to free health care, access to Centrelink periodically, travel overseas, the ability to call the police and have them respond in a timely manner and sending her children to school. 

Voting is not a right but a privilege and while we live in a country that has freedom of speech, no secret police, and free and fair elections, not to vote is somehow sacreligious. 

Overheard

"...but it is my right to have a baby..."

No, it isn't. It is an honor, a privilege, a blessing, a ... well many things. Most of all it is a responsibility.

And call me judgmental if you want but the woman was close to 40, a long term drug-user/abuser with no long term partner and no financial security. Maybe if having a baby would be the trigger to settle down she could settle down first and THEN think about bringing another life into this world.

Just as puppies aren't just for Christmas, babies are for a lifetime - and the first 18 years are pretty hands on. They may not need all the latest gadgets or to follow all the trends but they do need love and stability, protection and nurturing, teaching and discipline. They take a phenomenal amount of time and an equal amount of money.

Yes it is all worth it (or at least parents tell me so - I can't have kids myself but I do get to share the joy of others) but it is a huge responsibility and a very long way to being your "right".

Image: "baby" by GenevieveAlbert

Some People Are Idiots

I was sitting at the doctors happily reading my Wuthering Heights when I began to listen to the conversation occurring behind me. Now the women were speaking in a voice designed to be overheard so I can't be accused of eavesdropping.

It was an interesting conversation about an email received by one of the women that was doing the rounds. In this email there was "evidence" that Muslims were out to take over Australia and that no other religious persuasions would be tolerated - we would all be in burqas. In addition, there was "evidence" that all Muslins (men and women) were paedophiles with young children "and even babies" (her voice got louder at this point so the entire surgery could hear) and this was not only tolerated but encouraged by the Koran as an essential part of the Muslim faith.

My blood pressure was rising and I could take no more. In my most polite and sweetest manner I turned around and in a voice that was firm pointed out that what she was talking about was complete an utter crap and it was very clear that she didn't have a clue what she was talking about. She insisted that because it was in a mass email it must be true. I pointed out that, even if some individuals of the faith believed what she was saying, it was not a commonly held one. Certain sects of any belief system could take off on a tangent and that was not representative of the whole. I mentioned George W and his war crimes while professing his faith, about fundamentalist Christians that blow up abortion clinics, as well as the ever popular Oklahoma bomber (another passionate Christian) that included a child care centre in his destruction. I mentioned that while these people may be purporting to represent the Christian faith their actions and ideals would not be supported by the whole. I continued on some more. I suggested that if she insisted on displaying her ignorance and circulating the email further she add a line at the top "this has been sent to me, I have no idea if it is true or not but I am sending on to perpetuate a myth in our community and further stereotype a section of the community that I know nothing about".

She laughed and said she was only joking and hoped I hadn't taken it personally.

I turned around and went back to my book.

I have no idea what she did with the email but if anyone does get it, bin it and then address the person who sent it to you. Ignorance is no defense when slanderous tripe like this is being perpetuated.

Image: "Nawal and Bator" by Susan Dirgham

Home Sweet Home

Some years ago I was looking at building a house. For a good nine months I searched the newspapers for the latest plans to get ideas for what I wanted. It didn't help - all I could find was things I didn't want. For a start the standard home consisted of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 3 living areas (family room, media room, activity room). Most had additional offices, studies and music rooms. And then there is the outdoor barbecue area, breakfast area and other such 'outside rooms'. There is only one of me and I don't want or need that much space. I can add that I am not sure the "average" family" needs that much space either - especially with the smaller block sizes available in cities.

Anyway, I ended up drawing up my own plans and life changed so they stay in a proverbial drawer. And yes it is made of straw bales.

So when I heard this week that Australian houses are bigger than everyone else in the world - including the Americans, well I wasn't surprised. Apparently our homes are close to three times the size of homes in the UK - although I am not sure if that is in total squares or just the land space (many of our homes are single storey).

So while our governments and communities and individuals struggle with the housing situation and search for a solution to very high prices, lack of land being released and general afford-ability, maybe we, as consumers, need to determine the difference between our wants and needs and stop trying to keep up with Jones, real or imagined. I mean how many of us grew up in homes with two bathrooms, or more than 1 lounge room. Yes there may have been periodic squabbles but was it really a problem?

How to Be Unpopular in One Easy Lesson

Another Australian soldier has died and the media is in overdrive about him being a sacrifice and and a hero fighting for his country. Bullshit!

Okay I say right up front that the death of anyone is sad and obviously affects their family and friends. My comments are not meant to take any of that away.

But in this country people in this country CHOOSE to join the military where they learn to KILL people. They are WELL AWARE of the risks that are involved. They are receive FINANCIAL REWARD to be in the danger zone. Their families certainly are well looked with things like free rent and FINANCIAL COMPENSATION they die at work.

That differs so much from the experience of the average Australian who is contributing at least as much to their future of their country. Their families are not compensated, they have to pay for their own funerals, their expense roll in regardless.

These are not sacrificial warriors - these are men who CHOSE a violent career. There are more people who die on building sites or farms or truck drivers than who die fulfilling their need for violence - are the soldiers more "important". Not to mention those who die of cancer or young people who suicide or children which. Where is the equal help for their families?

Stop martyring those who have made a choice.

Image: "Sacrifice" by grigjr

More Chicken Bits

It is all too hard! Well no it isn't, it is all just giving my brain a workout. I have a response back from Lilydale and they have assured me that their fertilizer and bedding are all recycled into fertilizer.

That is all good but somehow it isn't good enough. So I now have a two pronged plan - if I need to get some chicken for something (say the birthday dinner party) I will get Lilydale.

Part 2 of the plan is to find someone with a chook pen that I can chuck a couple in every now and then and raise them for me in exchange for a fee (I don't have the land or mobility to keep my own chickens). Then it will just be a matter of chopping their heads off (I can do that) and dressing them (I can do that too). I haven't found anyone with a pen yet, and I haven't found where to buy the birds so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I have discovered that the world keeps turning if I don't eat chicken.