OAM thanks
THE support and acknowledgement I received from the announcement of my Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day honours list has been overwhelming.
I would like to publicly thank everyone for their kind thoughts and congratulations.
The Guardian journalists have done a great job in letting people know what an OAM is and why I was awarded one, from the immediate online announcement through to my full story and pictures in Wednesday’s paper. Thank you.
Public announcement at the 40th anniversary of the Swan Hill Australia Day breakfast was special.
Having worked at that event over the years, I know how much goes on behind the scenes to make this event a seamless celebration.
The responses, to the reading out of my citation and reasons for my award, at the Australia Day Lake Boga Lions Club lunch and Woorinen breakfast were really welcoming and left me feeling I really had come home to my community.
Particular thanks for the learning, encouragement and support for my leadership journey, are due to Business and Professional Women, Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program and Australian Women in Local Government.
Yvonne A McKerrow Jennings OAM
Struggle for bills
to be paid
I AM 75 years old and have been a proud food producer for the best part of half-a-century.
This is the first time in my career that I have not been in a position to pay my bills in full and on time.
I believe through no fault of my own and not due to drought, but caused by the continued implementation of the ludicrous Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).
We, the farmers in the Torrumbarry irrigation area, are feeling the brunt of water tradings consequences, a key parameter of the Water Act 2007.
Thus have decided to prioritise how my bills are paid.
Local businesses will come first placing you low on the list.
In the past, when people failed to pay me for service or produce, it came to my attention rather rapidly. I am hoping it comes to your attention, but will probably be lost in your ever growing pile of bad debtors.
Goulburn Murray Water’s inaction to protect its customer base and inability to denounce the MDBP implementation, along with inflexible tariffs based on historical use, not current use will, inevitably, bankrupt irrigators and your own authority due to both requiring coexistence.
Russell Crichton,
Cohuna
Editor note: This letter to the editor has also been mailed to the original recipient, GMW, by Mr Crichton.
