Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is a sign of respect for First Nation's people who have been mistreated from the moment Captain Cook landed to the present.
They have a lower quality of life and prospects due to intergenerational prejudice, health problems, educational and social disadvantage.
Even if you prefer only the Australian flag, showing respect and supporting reconciliation means flying Indigenous flags as well. It is a terrible look to people outside Federation.
My mates in Melbourne were shocked and said it makes no sense. It is also a bad look as we recently had the white supremacists in Corowa and this move is a way to spread hatred and division.
With respect to councillors, in terms of Welcome to Country it may not be appropriate for councillors to determine when they occur if they lack cultural awareness.
As a young person I find this town is living the 1980's and this move sets it back to the 1950's. The council decision should be to always fly the three flags together.
Michael Hughes
Corowa
Our own Fawlty Towers
I plan to invite legendary John Cleese to spend some time in Corowa. The brilliant comic starred as Basil Fawlty in the brilliant series "Fawlty Towers". Basil wasn't perfect - he was (or could be) insulting, intolerant, aggressive, incompetent, short-tempered and somewhat arrogant.
He had the perception that he could solve problems by 'making up' a story to the people that had been inconvenienced or offended by circumstances in his hotel. He would blame others for his mistakes....poor old Manuel.
Other words that could be ascribed to the character would be inept, manic, perhaps even paranoid.
The concept for Fawlty Towers was based on a real hotel and its manager that Cleese and his Monty Python mates stayed in once. I am trying to locate John's address so that he might consider a visit to Corowa.
Our local council is flush with some of the characteristics listed above. (I have experienced many of them.) The road-signs on Redlands Road reminding road users of the long-forgotten floods is but one example. And so much more.
I feel there is a possible mini-series that Cleese could develop - "Federation Council - the Fawlty Towers of LGA's." Perhaps the title needs some work but it is certainly applicable. It could be a financial success - perhaps causing a pause in the preposterous rate rises we have experienced in recent times.
But even Cleese could not, I believe, squeeze a moment of humour from the disgraceful "flag decision". Nothing funny in that. Simply abhorrent. It seems that the incompetency and attitude of people in administration roles in FC has "leaked" into the Council chambers.
In the classic episode of Fawlty Towers - "The Germans" - Cleese was gut-wretchingly brilliant in his acting, poor old Basil goose-stepping around the place and speaking in a way that upset his German guests.
But as I recall, at least Basil had an excuse - he had been hit on the head by a moose-head he was trying to mount on the wall of his hotel and was suffering from delayed concussion.
Unless I am misinformed, no ‘moose-head’ incidents have caused the problems in our Council. They just need to lift their game. Drastically.
Paul Delahunty
Corowa
Two flags divide us
The idea of two flags is pure division and fails attempts to reconcile.
It divides us all, so apparent in today’s letters.
There needs to be a big push forward and not live in the past.
The Indigenous people need to look at what is spent year in year out to help with many issues around education and health and abuse.
Billions of dollars over the years have achieved so little, why not?
Vocal locals need to do some stints in remote communities and see the failings and ways to lift lives through education and health and diet.
The nation and Federation Shire need steps to unite and celebrate the wonders of the ancient culture and traditions and all be proud of the past and look to a better future under one flag that we are all proud of.
Stuart Davie
Corowa
You are welcome here
Last week, NSW recorded the highest number of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody since record keeping began in 1980. It was higher than any other State.
Last week, Victorian neighbours also signed and ratified the nation’s first Treaty between First Nations people and its Government. These two events exemplify the two extremes of where we are at on the path to reconciliation. Sadly, it would seem that those who seek to remove the flags may be erring on the wrong side of history…
Whilst it may be easy to say “two sets of flags divide, rather than unite…” one must remember that the symbolic gesture of putting both flags government buildings in the first instance was for a reason, and that reason was to (simply) to say: “You are welcome in this place.”
Until such time as all parties come together and agree to co-design a new flag for our Nation, the current 3-flag protocol must prevail. First Nations people cannot be expected to accept a flag which they have had no input into the design of.
Moreover, they should not be expected to accept a flag which does not represent them; particularly when for many, the current Australian flag represents significant grief and loss.
If some choose to, that is indeed their choice, however many do not. This is also a choice we must accept, and respect.
Aaron Nicholls
Gold Coast
Beyond Blue here for you
The festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends. It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.
Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult and distressing, and a time they hope will pass quickly.
It can bring additional financial pressures, strain relationships, and heighten feelings of loneliness. The festive season may also intensify isolation, particularly for those separated from family or grieving the loss of a loved one.
So, as we head into the holiday break, we want Australians to know that regardless of what they’re dealing with, they don’t have to face it alone.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Public Holidays. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
It’s common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs.
But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say. Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.
And finally, a big thank-you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year. Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.
Georgie Harman AO
Beyond Blue CEO
Quote
Christmas is Christ’s Monogram-message stencilled on our hearts, recalling to us year by year that ‘’no more is God a stranger.’’ … Charles Allen…………..David Sloane
