Botanical gardens the go
I agree with the letter by B. Geary, Birkdale (RCB, May 29) re saving Birkdale land, but would like to add that Redlands has no botanical gardens where locals and tourists can enjoy picnics or walks.
Birkdale even has a bonus creek.
Do not let all the tourist advertisements be all about Straddie.
A botanical gardens on the mainland could incorporate some examples like a koala info centre, a special area set up for weddings with natural timber seating and, yes, a great cafe or restaurant.
There could be a beautiful rose garden.
The gardens and trees would be tended by specialised gardeners, creating employment, as well as employing other staff for odd jobs.
We have lost so many trees in the Redlands, this is a time when Redland City Council can step up to ensure there remains a place of natural beauty, with lovely trees for future generations and visitors to our area to enjoy.
If it cannot be done at Birkdale, is the land opposite Indigiscapes available for a botanical gardens?
If you would like to see a botanical gardens in our area, please write to this local paper with your suggestions and views.
- S. Farley, Redlands
Cheats never prosper
There was an old saying "that cheats never prosper" that can no longer be said of the Australian cricket team.
Yes, I agree that Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner are all good players, what I do not agree on is their inclusion in the Australian team.
For two of these convicted cheats to be included has meant that two non-cheats have had to be excluded.
This means Australia was either not confident of winning without them or there has been undue influence from Cricket NSW, either way the inclusion of cheats in the Australian team brings the whole team down.
I am disgusted at the message that this sends to children.
- S. Newman, Deeragun
On the button
I find your editorials right on the button except the one on dingoes (RCB, May 1). Judging by the photo it is a purebred dingo not one bastardised by household dogs
I was born in the Pilbara region of WA and lived there for my first 18 years. It was a mining and sheep station area until drought forced a change to cattle. Dingoes had a hand in this.
Station owners used to trap and poison dingoes. They would have a leather pack tied to the saddle filled with meat covered in arsenic. They would use a stick to pick up meat and drop near windmills or rock holes. It was a continuous battle to save lambs from dingoes.
We had a problem with kangaroos. They were in the thousands and destroyed the feed.
Trough water was poisoned and up to 5000 would be killed over a weekend.
In the bush we had a battle with snakes. They would frequent the verandah walls. Our record was 11 snakes in just over a week. Lord help the kid who took the snake stick (shaped like a hockey stick) away from the back door. Goannas were also hunted as they killed chooks and ate eggs.
I recognise the dingo problem. The answer is obvious, use government employees to keep people safe.
- J. Knight, Mount Cotton
Red bench reminder
In (RCB, May 22) I learnt for the first time about benches being painted red as a reminder of domestic violence in communities across Australia.
Hopefully, since mayor Karen Williams arranges each year a dinner to fund victims of domestic violence for shelter to escape violent partners, the bench acts as reminder to many of violence in society. Sadly, it cannot be stopped or prevented.
I was raised in a mining town, with a pub on every corner, and fights broke out pay nights spilling out onto the street, followed by violence in the home.
A family member being choked was saved through the intervention of another member in the household.
Arguing with a drunk or drug-addicted partner can lead to strangulation to silence a partner.
My stepfather was violent under the influence of alcohol, so mother escaped to the neighbour's home overnight, returning in the morning to a peaceful household.
There is a need for safe houses for victims to escape to avoiding confrontations with alcohol/drug addicted partners.
Unfortunately, there is little help in our hospitals as when drug addicts are admitted, they are given a shot to knock them out for the night then back on the streets in the morning.
Many doctors and paramedics are leaving due to attacks, overwork and fatigue.
Women with possessive violent partners, my childhood friend being one, cannot leave, particularly in cases where children are involved, as they might be hunted down and killed as we also have seen in recent times.
Safe houses with counselling for those able to escape violent partners, can lead to a better understanding and new beginning in a marital relationship.
- A. Glade, Capalaba
Done it again
Redlands College has done it again in producing a charming, totally captivating rendition of My Fair Lady.
The acting, orchestra, the settings, costumes, dancing and singing were superb.
What a lot of work it must have been.
We are so lucky to have RPAC and Redlands College.
- L. Onraet, Cleveland