Town Talk

By Marnie

Aug 1, 2022

On dry land: The boat that Guinta built.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen. That greeting is far too formal, for me. I prefer “How are you doing?” or “How’s life?”. However, it is my pathetic little protest against the ‘wokeness’ that is galloping into our lives. I hear barristers have been asked not to use those words while addressing a jury!

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I guess someone will tell me when the newspaper gets a letter from the Premier.

The boat that Guinta built

We don’t know a great deal more about the boat, built in Nettlecoe Estate — except that it was built by Guinta Struve, and family. I was hoping that a neighbour or work mate might know if they arrived home safely. However, it is likely that, if they struck problems, it would have made news across the country.

You might remember that Mr Struve had been a member of the German Navy — and, by 1960, his home country would have settled down. Perhaps he was homesick? John, I’m sorry that this is all I can tell you.

It is strange how things sometimes come in twos. While I was thinking about Nettlecoe (in regard to the boat), I was also thinking about Shepparton’s architect — J.A.K. Clarke — who built a home in that area and called it Nettlecoe. Presumably, the estate was named after the house.

Keeping cool: The Struve family lived in Nettlecoe Estate

And while I was thinking about Mr Clarke, I came across another fact, interesting to me. He designed the second News building, in High St. Now, that thought took me back a year, or two — or 37! I’m sure that, at the end of the 19th century, when Clarke designed it, it was perfectly suited to the newspaper. However, when we were heading towards the end of the 20th, it was hindering rather than helping; there were people squeezed in everywhere. We can’t complain — it lasted us for 94 years of almost continuous growth.

Don’t forget the Heritage Lecture on August 10, regarding Mr Clarke’s contribution to Shepparton’s streetscapes. Call 5832 9730 for details and booking.

Your electricity adviser

Do you have one of those apps, provided by the Victorian Government to help us control our electricity usage? After receiving a dozen or so phone calls — and saying “no thanks” every time, a young man knocked on our door — asking the same question — and I said “yes”. Although he said very little, he was one of those people who could sell sand to the Saharan management team. When I said “no thanks”, he said “look, it’s easy to use and I know you’ll be glad you’ve got it. It will take me less than 5 minutes — and, by the way, I hate Richmond.”

From the front door, he could see across to my desk — above which hangs a photo of ‘siren time’ at the end of the 2019 grand final. I love it because my son and two of his boys are celebrating with hugs — right in the middle of the Herald Sun’s double page pic. I followed his eyes and laughed. He said “I barrack for Adelaide and you guys broke my heart in 2017”.

Anyway, I agreed to the app — he installed it — and I was glad I did! I checked every day, for a couple of weeks, and found we were running on or below budget. And I stopped using it. That, however, was early May! As the weather worsened, and as the warnings about electricity prices continued, I went back to the app. And it didn’t work. It just wasn’t connecting to the meter. I really wanted it, by this time, so tried to contact the company involved, several times. Then I called the government department I thought might be responsible — and they chased up the company I needed. I won’t bore you with the next three weeks of phone calls, deleting and reinstalling the app — being transferred to five different people, who contradicted one another — and eventually discovering that the gadget they’d installed was no longer connected to the sticker on the meter. It had merely fallen off and needed replacing. This I noticed instantly, the moment I opened the box. Honestly, this crowd nearly drove me crazy! When I re-attached it, the app worked — but was telling me we were using $400 worth of electricity every day! Reluctantly, I contacted them again and they made an adjustment remotely.

Anyway, it is now very useful. We are over our budget every day, but it has been particularly cold. I checked with our electricity supplier and all is well. Our bill will be about $30 higher than average, and I can live with that.

Despite my personal drama with these people, I am glad I’ve got it — and recommend you use yours — even if just to put your mind at ease.

Referendum – Indigenous Voice.

We are to have a referendum to change the Constitution, to include an Indigenous voice. But is it the right way forward?

First Nations people are 3.5 per cent of the population and 5% of the Parliament. I have no problem at all with this and, indeed, would be happy to see their parliamentary percentage increase yet again — if voted in by the people of Australia.

We all know that there are outback communities that need help — and a lot of it. In some areas, the former government brought in a system where people were paid 20 per cent of their social security in cash — and 80 per cent on a card that could be used for rent, clothing, food etc — the necessities of life. Initially, it seemed paternalistic, although the cardholders were not all Traditional Owners; in fact, 50 per cent were Caucasian. The current Minister for Indigenous Australians spoke in favour of the card when it was introduced and it appeared to help. However, now in power, the minister has cancelled the cards.

In one affected outback community, there were 54 cases of domestic abuse in the few days immediately after its withdrawal.

These are difficult issues. Does a government have the right to tell people what’s good for them? And then insist on being obeyed? We do that with drugs, so where should the line be drawn? Should it also include alcohol and the pokies? If not, how can women and children, in outback areas, be protected?

I’m inclined to think that the Australian community will vote for anything that might help — but does it necessitate constitutional change? Why could we not have a panel of First Nations people, to whom communities could take their problems and ask for help. The panel could then make suggestions and take them to the minister. Why does that panel necessitate a referendum?

Referendum – the Constitution

And, if we are to have a referendum, why does the Prime Minister not ask for changes to the Oath and Affirmation? He obviously disagrees with these because the oath he took bears no resemblance to the Constitution.

Last night, I had just listened (yet again) to our PM butchering the oath, when my grandson rang. I was ready for a rant! “Why don’t people care about this? Why isn’t the Constitution taught in schools? Our children are growing up without important knowledge.”

His reply? “But Marn, I teach it!”

What? How?

It eventuates that the teaching of the Constitution comes under ‘ethics’ in the philosophy curriculum. Now, philosophy is an elective subject and I don’t know how many young people choose to study it — but now I know of at least 15 — and that alone made me happy. He says that all he is doing is teaching them to read and understand — and his students are passionate about the Constitution. They want a referendum because they don’t think our freedoms are sufficiently protected. (I’ve never met these young people — but I love ‘em.)

Sunday music returns to the Aussie

If you like to sing the blues — and you missed Gypsy Gringos’ return to the Aussie last Sunday — don’t fret. They’ll be back. Three bands are alternating, every second Sunday at 2pm — the Gringos, Varied Heads and Shane’s Party Club.

As far as Varied Heads is concerned, 20 years has made little difference. Quinny is still bald and Shane still has a mop of hair (though it’s no longer shoulder-length and the colour is slightly different). There is a relaxed and warm atmosphere at the Aussie; the footy is on the wall and a good time is had by all.