Police join in

This property on the rise on the outskirts of Mayfield West has signs of Telstra occupation, prior to that the PMG was there and a long time ago, it was a Migrant Hostel. Anglo-Celts and Europeans came here in large numbers.

Tremendous scope exists in schools to assist all school children to become literate; the experts like to measure literacy rates. I take my hat off to teachers and appreciate their work.

Right in the here and now, some children born in this country and living in an ethnic community (and some other children) may not know an environment rich in English language. This is rather significant when it comes to literacy and some children from non-English speaking backgrounds and others would benefit from mainstream programs adopted without fail that specifically have their interests at heart. There are lots and lots of these kids.

After years of the migration experience, I wonder if teacher trainers have cottoned on and do they promote the broad and the specifics of the art and science of literacy teaching and do they succeed in raising the consciousness of the undergraduates to the specific social factors that surround these school kids and the flow-on effects.
At the same time, bi-lingualism is good, we are told it is associated with positive achievement and above average development of some abilites.
Newer kids who speak next to no English can end up in classrooms that struggle with all sorts of peculiar ideas about language. And the mothers are taught sewing and cooking which is wonderful in promoting communication and even belongingness if little else.

Below, is a collage made by the former Greta Migrants.

Which horse ride?
Setting up for Newcastle Show. Two sleeps to go.


Naturally Splash Canyon was muddy.

Cool clear water. A drinking fountain from 1867 in a cool grove of Norfolk Island Pines in King Edward Park.
The following will break all records and identify at least ten problems, but, four positives can be found here.
We try not to waste water. Luckily, we have plenty of water while the Chichester dam and other reserves are full.
One can try saving money by saving water, when really, water usage isn't the major item on my account. Fees for this and that are but would probably be related to usage. User pays is the best way, I suppose. Will the locals copy the price rise by Sydney Water?

Liquid soap or 'shower milk' is pleasant to use. It guards against cross infection too. Hand washing in the medical setting was of major importance, always recommended and has given way to the application of a shot of liquid to the hands which is really quite handy. When the 'shower milk' containers are hung from the shower it could be just as well to check out the strength of any old plumbing fixtures along the way.
Many ingredients are found in these soaps described as 'naturals' or 'pure soap'. We hear how chemicals are implicated in this and that such as asthma and lowered fertility. Is soap implicated?

A moisturising natural shower milk product by a leading brand is soap free and lists the following: Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Cocamidopropyl, Betaine Sodium Chloride, Lauryl Glucoside, Fragrance, Styrene/alrylates copolymer, Polyquaternium-7, Glycol Distearate, Cocamide mea, Glycerin, Dmdm Hydantoin, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium edta, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Olive oil, Milk, Citric acid, Cl 19140 Cl 42090 and is made in Thiland.

Sunlight soap cakes (since 1884) Pure soap made in Australia, have quite a few additives as well.

Pears Transparent Soap, traditional soap in cake form has a 'special aging process (that) has been followed for nearly 200 years and is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, natural, original and made in India. The ingredients are Sodium Palmitate, Natural Rosin, Glycerine, Water, Sodium Cocoate, Rosemary extract, Thyme extract, Pears Fragrance Essence.

Chemicals are here to stay. Also, Palm oil is from the ex-forrest lands of S E Asia.

Olympic Torch Relay at Speers Point (with unknown participant) leading to the Sydney Olympics.

The vibes were very good when the flame arrived by boat and received ceremonial attention. The concert was a happy and relaxed occasion.
(Our old dog, pictured, went along as well.)

Western Suburbs Hospital, Waratah, Newcastle.
This morning an architect in an interview (on the ABC) reminded us that heritage is found in layer upon layer on a site as time moves on. One can agree with his idea.
How's this for development right in the front of this old building with its interesting facade and looking a little worse for wear? A stone over its front door states 1867.