IT was impossible not to be moved by Helen Gregory's story about Meg Purser, pictured, being named posthumously as the Charlestown woman of the year ('Meg Purser's contribution celebrated', Newcastle Herald 9/3). It was her partner, Scott Mills' words which showed what a humble and humane person she was. When he suggested she should do more herself she replied "No, I prefer to be in the background." For some years now I have seen that statement in action as I had the privilege of working with Meg on the annual University of Newcastle Sporting Blues Awards.
Thanks to her perfect planning, the awards always went like clockwork. Literally standing in the wings of City Hall and overseeing it all, Meg would ensure that my job as MC was easy. I can only imagine how many people she must have made look good while shunning the limelight herself.
In preparing for the 2019 awards, we had a meeting at the university where I mentioned that my daughter was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She said nothing at the meeting but quietly told me afterwards that she was also being treated for breast cancer and gave me a lot of encouragement and advice based on her experience, which my daughter really appreciated.
It was then a huge shock to hear that Meg had succumbed to the disease. I will never forget her care and concern and I will always appreciate her professionalism. Meg Purser is indeed a very worthy Charlestown woman of the year.
Gerry Collins, New Lambton
Open discussion will drive change
YOUR correspondent Julie Robinson is correct in demanding to know why men are silent concerning men's criminal behaviour towards women (sexual violence). Although I'd be happy to explain the deep evolutionary-socio-biological reasons that underpin the more recent (from 8000 years Before Present) structural events that changed societies to hierarchies of power, and the historical factors that influenced the way boys were reared, I'm sure that this is low on her priorities.
So to summarise: First, most men are rightfully anxious about the risk from such behaviour to their daughters and granddaughters. Second, for most men their silence reflects their insight into the potential hypocrisy of voicing support when they recall how they (may have) behaved in late teenage and early adulthood, and hopefully feeling ashamed of it. As I heard remarked today, we were different people then; in the speaker's case, over 60 years ago. Third, few men dare to stick their head above the parapet and risk the onslaught from (rightfully) furious women in social media and the press. They've seen how an alleged event by a teenage boy, now in public life, can destroy a career.
What we need is open discussion on how to bring up boys who aspire to manliness: to admire, respect, and love women, and to have strength not only to enjoy the physical challenges of life but to be gentle, kind, steadfast, and nurturing husbands, fathers, and grandfathers.
Dr John Boulton AM, Wickham
Bold policy beats piecemeal effort
AS Liddell Power Station's historian, I could not agree more with Janet Murray (Letters, 11/3). Angus Taylor and Scott Morrison should butt out of what are clearly commercial matters. Their piecemeal approach to energy policy is a waste of time. They should have the courage to act boldly to solve the problem. Don't pander to their conservative business backers. Look to the NSW Labor government's bold moves in May 1950 when they centralised the generation and transmission industry to resolve the post-war energy crisis. You may not agree with what J.J. Cahill did, but at least his bold energy policy solved a major problem.
Ken Thornton, Rathmines
Public deserves tenders' detail
I WOULD like to congratulate Michael Parris on his excellent article ('Fiscal clarity builds trust', Herald 10/3). I agree with Professor Roberta Ryan that, as a general principle, as much fiscal information should be made public as possible.
Once a competitive tender has been let, commercial in confidence provisions should no longer apply. I believe this is a cornerstone of best practice, corporate governance principles of transparency and accountability, even more important when an organisation is publicity funded like council. The article mentions the use of commercial in confidence by City of Newcastle as the reason for not revealing how much was spent on the fit-out and rent of the new administration building at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West
Newcastle Independent councillors first raised the issue of ballooning fit-out costs in April 2019. After promising the fit-out would cost no more than $7 million, it was revealed that $17.6 million had been spent. Two formal notices of motion requesting the information be made public were also refused. Questions still remain around the revelation of $2.74 million spent on contract administration, an amount which was never disclosed to councillors prior to it being announced in a media statement last year.
Why were councillors kept in the dark? The community has a right to know how their rates are being spent.
John Church, Newcastle
A royal distraction from reality
AND the Oscar goes to ... Meghan? Oprah? Oprah? Meghan? What a load of crap that interview was. Talk about two show ponies vying for the most attention. Meghan with her whining about the poor life she has had. And then Oprah trying to look all sympathetic. If there was ever a bigger waste of time than this charade, I've never seen it.
Don Fraser, Belmont
Don't let a loud voice fall silent
AS a resident of Newcastle East currently residing in New York for family reasons, I still read the Newcastle Herald every day and read with interest Dr Chris Everingham's letter to the editor (Letters 10/3) in which she again holds City of Newcastle accountable, this time for the Foreshore Park masterplan. When will City of Newcastle listen to its ratepayers (of which I am one) instead of attempting to silence them when they speak out against the council's veil of secrecy?
Kudos to Dr Everingham for weathering the constant barrage of misinformation and bullying tactics from this council. I refer to the article where Dr Everingham has been banned from City of Newcastle premises for a year for allegedly "poking and pushing" a council employee. I almost laughed my mask off over that one. I can only hope that Dr Everingham will continue to withstand the approach towards her and fight for what's right.
Keran Davis, Newcastle
I feel the need to impede speed
IT would be beneficial to see Lake Macquarie City Council become more vigilant towards traffic speed in Lakelands. The 50km/h speed limit is not adhered to, creating a threatening environment to children and the elderly. No pedestrian crossing is available and mirrors for blind spots to ensure safe access from side roads are essential additions.
Karen Mitchell, Lakelands
SHORT TAKES
COUPLES having a child have conversations with family and friends about what characteristics the child may inherit from either parent or close relatives. Surely in the case of Meghan and Harry and, considering their backgrounds, it would be normal to speculate on the colour of the baby's skin without any racial overtones. Racism is a horrible thing and to accuse people of being racist without knowing the context of a particular conversation is just as damming.
Steven Busch, Rathmines
I CAUGHT public transport from Hamilton to Queens Wharf. I had to get off and wait for the light rail. What a joke. A 10-minute trip, maximum, instead took 30. It may not sound much, but it is for such a short trip. Thanks, Gladys.
Bruce Cook, Adamstown
IF the PM is really serious about supporting and promoting the Hunter Region, can he please prioritise two things: a high speed rail link between Newcastle, Fassifern, Gosford, Hornsby, Central, Airport, and the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange.
John Pritchard, Blackalls Park
IF Woy Woy Golf Club is hell bent on reducing membership numbers by discriminating against some as reported by Sydney media this week, then maybe they should enforce a decision as was done at Maitland and simply ban all private carts from the course. Word soon gets around and the people who should be catered for will take up their carts and turn their backs on the aggressive power people.
John Bradford, Beresfield
CONGRATULATIONS to Janet Murray (Letters, 11/3) on a well written and incisive letter pointing out the fallacy of the federal government's backing of a gas powered electricity plant. The massive underutilisation of existing gas plants should be a clear indication that it will be a total white elephant if it is built. Are there any politicians out there with any rational thinking?
Bruce Graham, Warners Bay
PRIME Minister Morrison says that the Attorney General is innocent because the alleged victim is not able to pursue the issue and Mr Porter maintains his innocence. My take is Mr Porter has lost his chance to prove his innocence, as has the alleged victim lost her chance to prove his guilt. Case closed, but no guilt or innocence proven.
Fred McInerney, Karuah
THE woman who accused Porter is no longer with us to defend herself. It is noted Porter revealed himself after police found insufficient evidence to commence investigation therefore saving public money. Porter claims his innocence. What investigation can be more efficient than a police investigation, who have found insufficient evidence to proceed? As soon as this government appoints a person to an enquiry, it is no longer independent in my opinion.
