FROM July 1, the Abbott government will change the Home Care Assistance Package costs for elderly people who choose to stay in their own homes rather than enter a nursing home facility.

My parents, aged 89 and 83, have chosen this option of care. It is an option championed by consecutive Liberal and Labor governments as it significantly reduces the public cost in caring for the elderly.

Under this system, they receive housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping and medical transport services delivered by wonderful people whose service standards are a stratosphere above their hourly rate.

Under their current scheme, individuals are asked to contribute $54 per week, with the government topping up the remainder.

Under Abbott’s reinvention, my parents need to stump up $123 per week each to maintain the same level of care, a 57 per cent increase for the same service. On top of this staggering price rise, transport to medical appointments will now incur a fee of $47 per hour, plus 80¢ per kilometre.

So, in my opinion, Abbott and Hockey’s ‘‘nothing to see here, fair for all, have a go’’ budget has targeted those who can’t defend themselves.

I think old-aged pensioners trying to live out their lives with dignity in familiar surroundings have become public enemy No.1 in this budget cash grab.

Peter Arbuckle,

Aberdare

ALAN Playford is one of our region’s true heroes (‘‘Humble hero calls it quits after saving lives for 40 years’’ Herald 18/6).

Words fail to describe my appreciation for Alan’s service and sacrifice to the public of NSW.

I cannot imagine the horror and terror faced when working simultaneously as both an ambulance officer and a firefighter. One of these on its own would be harrowing enough.

Most people would surely go mad amid the mental anguish of fire storms, mangled bodies, and other rescues, not to mention the war atrocities. Indeed, Alan has seen the worst of nature and humanity.

Congratulations, Alan, on a life of selflessness. On behalf of Newcastle, I applaud your contribution to public safety. Enjoy retirement and a well-deserved rest, and keep wearing the Walt Disney T-shirts. The world needs more magic, fantasy and positive influence.

Stanley Pipe,

Awaba

JUST when you thought that federal politics could not sink any lower, out comes Mr Foot in Mouth Tony Abbott with the line that the opposition is rolling out the red carpet for terrorists to return to Australia.

The red carpet statement is just about the grubbiest piece of political spin I have ever heard and is well beyond the pale.

I think Mr Abbott is treating the Australian public as fools with his constant reference to the so-called terrorist threat, which I believe he is using purely as a vote winner. No one doubts that there is a threat but to exaggerate that threat is dog-whistle politics taken to a new level. The PM is now also apparently aiming to strip dual nationals of their Australian citizenship without the need to prove any case in a court of law.

The power to strip someone of their citizenship is far too important a matter to be held at the whim of a minister who can use it.

For goodness sake, Malcolm Turnbull or Julie Bishop, save us from this PM.

Mike Sargent,

Raymond Terrace

TREASURER Joe Hockey’s denial of the swollen imbalance of Sydney housing prices with affordability is, in my opinion, a sad reflection of his capacity to bond with the reality of middle-income earners, and potential earners (‘‘Build more, earn more’’ Herald 10/6).

Those already in desired suburbs aren’t scowling, with home residences excluded from asset assessment, though rising in value as applauded by the Prime Minister.

Joe can crow with, what I understand to be, a $360,000-plus salary, as well as perks, including a generous away from home accommodation allowance paid into his wife’s Canberra home unit, not to mention investment properties (Sydney Morning Herald, 10/6). A clouded perspective indeed.

With an oversupply of teacher graduates, not all dentistry graduates fully employed, medical students overwhelming the post-graduate training system and law firms reporting excessive applications for few law-clerk positions, the ‘‘get a good job that pays more money’’ Hockey advice has a hollow ring.

The ‘‘poor people don’t drive’’ mantra was an embarrassment, but I believe a lack of empathy towards low and middle-income earners continues as the government struggles to lighten the Treasurer’s gaffes.

Bob Allen,

Hawks Nest

Mossy youth thumps Hill Top Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

Moss Vale Youth Grade defeated Hill Top 4-0. Photo by Megan Drapalski

TweetFacebookThis story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

Photo FDCTWO educational forums on youth internet safety will be presented in mid-July and early spring.

Sydney child psychiatrist Dr Philip Tam will present a practical overview of internet psychology and addiction.

The forum is intended for doctors, allied health professionals and other interested child-related workers.

It will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 6.30-8pm at the Gibraltar Hotel on Centennial Road in Bowral.

Cyber safety expert and former Victorian policewoman Susan McLean will speak about managing online risk.

The forum is intended for parents, schools and other interested child-related community groups.

It will be held on September 17 from 6-7.30pm at the Mittagong RSL Club on Bessemer Sreett, in the auditorium. Organiser Cath Brennan said the forums arose from the experience of local doctors helping children suffering cyber bullying.

She said many children were presenting to local health care providers with anxieties and distress after nasty online encounters.

“The forums will answer audience questions to help empower parents and carers in cyber safety practices,” Ms Brennan said.

The free forums are a BDCU Children’s Foundation initiative, supported by the Rotary Club of Berrima District.

Drinks and refreshments will be served at both events. RSVP to [email protected]南京夜网 by Thursday, July 9.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

BLOOD collections at towns including Narrabri and Quirindi are closing as the demand for plasma increases and there is less demand for whole blood.

Narrabri’s blood collections were being done at the Crossing Theatre when collectors visited.

The Red Cross Blood Service have stopped the visiting collections in small towns as they increase the hours of collection is major regional centres, including Tamworth and Armidale.

The service said changes to the northern NSW blood collection network was being driven by advancements in healthcare.

“We’re getting better as a nation at determining when to use blood, leading to fewer transfusion-related complications for patients,” NSW/ACT donor services manager Steve Eldridge said.

“This is great news, and to be celebrated. Patients are receiving better health care, and medical advances by clinicians means less blood is needed.”

Plasma now has more uses and is used to treat burns victims, trauma and cancer patients, those with blood and immunity disorders, and is used increating vaccinations against chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus.

So, the larger regional centres will have more appointments to collect more plasma as of August.

“In the context of declining use of red cells and increasing need for plasma, staff will return to their base of operations, as those centres have the capacity to accept more donors, and the equipment to collect precious plasma donations,” Mr Eldridge said

“It also means they can no longer staff the demountable mobile services.”

Mr Eldridge said that in his time at the blood service change was constantand they needed to put their resources where they were most needed.

“Losing the ability to give blood might feel like a loss, and I want our donors in towns affected to know that we truly appreciate their generosity over the years,” Mr Eldridge said.

“You have been a lifeline for many Australians.”

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

Liza Harvey with a police dog handler and a member of the new party dog squad. Photo: suppliedMore charges could follow Hazelmere out-of-control party havoc

Police have laid more charges over an out-of-control Hazelmere party last weekend – on the same day that a new dog squad was unveiled to deal with such episodes.

Last weekend’s party saw train services temporarily shut down and police revealed on Sunday a 17-year-old boy had been charged with organising a gathering that became out-of-control.

A number of stolen media devices were also allegedly found at a Hazelmere property and the 17-year-old has been charged over these.

He is due to appear in the Midland Children’s Court on July 8.

An 18-year-old man from Bayswater has also been charged over the Hazelmere party.

He has been charged with organising a gathering that became out-of-control and is due to appear in the Midland Magistrates Court on June 26.

Two other teenagers were earlier charged after revellers from the same party jumped onto the tracks at the Woodbridge train station.

Meanwhile, party trouble-makers will soon face some new recruits whose bite is definitely worse than their bark.

Police Minister Liza Harvey announced nine new police dogs would be joining police ranks to specifically help officers crack down on out-of-control gatherings.

Mrs Harvey said that the dogs acted as a very effective deterrent.

“Police tell me it’s quite remarkable the effect one of these dogs can have on an unruly mob. They may abuse officers, but quickly quieten down when a police dog lunges towards them,” Mrs Harvey said.

The minister said of the nine additional dogs, eight had graduated and were on duty, while the remaining dog was still in training.

Mrs Harvey said the canine boost was in addition to fitting out two new riot trucks equipped with shields, helmets, portable video scanning units and computer equipment.

“Out-of-control parties were almost a nightly occurrence on any weekend before we brought in the out-of-control gatherings legislation,” she said.

The legislation allows a court to order the person convicted of hosting an out of control gathering to pay back WA Police costs associated with breaking up the party.  Courts have ordered more than $37,000 be repaid so far.

“The message is getting through to parents that if their child hosts a party which is splashed all over the internet and it gets out of control, it’s going to cost them a lot of money,” the minister said.    Follow WAtoday on Twitter

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

Esperance men’s hockey teams fired up on the fields | MEGA GALLERY Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

Esperance men’s hockey teams were fired up on the field. Photo: Jake Meadley.

TweetFacebookSee Wednesday’s Esperance Express for a full report.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

DARLEY star Steve Kennedy has been cleared of serious damage after a scary incident on Saturday in which he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

CLEARED: Darley’s Steve Kennedy.

The match between the Devils and Sebastopol was pausedin the third quarter as Kennedy was stretchered off the ground with suspected spinal injuries.

Kennedy, one of the genuine stars of the Ballarat Football League, hassuffered a serious back injury in the past, leading to fears he may have again done serious damage.

However, hospital scans cleared him of any fractures and it is even possible he could return to the field next week.

Devils coach Jarrod Edwards said his star midfielder had copped a knee to the back in the exact same spot where he fractured it three years ago.

Kennedy missed almost a yearof football with that initial injury, with fears he might have done the same thing on Saturday.

“It sounds like there is just swelling where is previous fracture was,” Edwards said.

“He’s been cleared of any structural damage or fractures so it’s the good news we all wanted.”

“He’s even a slight chance to play next week.”

Edwards said there was a collective gasp around Darley Park when Kennedy went down on the wing.

“You could see he was in a fair bit of pain so it was hard not to think the worst,” Edwards said.

“It’s great for him and us that he’s all good now, we can just focus on getting him right to play again.”

The incident was the second time an ambulance was required at Darley Park on Saturday, with reserves player Liam Davie suffering concussion after hitting his head on the ground in a tackle.He toohas been cleared of major damage.

The good news topped off a brilliant day for the Devils, who smashed Sebastopol by a massive 192 points.

Continued, page 37.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.