Sez O'Grady: Rangelands

Sez O'Grady: Rangelands

Rangelands

My doctoral thesis, completed in 2004, advocated multiple use of the rangelands to a) another source of income for the grassmen when cattle and sheep prices are down, drought is prevalent and other such economic downturns and b) help rest the rangelands and make use of other sources the rangelands have to offer. Today I read on my email an article from Outback Australia stating that laws were being prepared to come forth to do just that! So pleased that the rangelands and their carers, the grassmen and Aborigines, will get help at last! I am cheering!

Hi Colleen, I’ve got exciting news to share. The WA government has taken the first official step in Outback law reform and it wouldn’t have happened without your help! On Friday, ‘rangelands reform’ made the headlines of The West Australian Business pages with the news that the WA government will now start formally drafting new Outback laws. Late last year, vital aspects of these reforms faced an uncertain future. Our Outback, Our Story supporters were asked to send a message to government ministers encouraging a positive outcome, and we all responded in droves. You gave a few moments of your time to send a message and it's made a big difference. Thank you! Sweeping changes announced on Friday will give Outback people greater flexibility in managing the land and the option to diversify into more sustainable enterprises. These opportunities, such as tourism and conservation, will be supported by a new Rangelands Advisory Board – a key element of the reform that has now been officially approved by government. See what the reforms mean for the Outback in a blog post on our website. Last week’s announcement lays the foundations for exciting changes, and this is when the fun really begins. In April, the draft laws will be released and members of the public will be offered the chance to have their say. We’ll need to secure the best possible outcomes for the Outback, and by working together I’m confident we can bring lasting and positive change. So stay tuned and tell your friends about us so we can have the biggest impact when the Outback needs it most. Thank you for helping show that people all over WA are concerned about the future of the Outback. Cheers, David David Mackenzie Director, Partnership for the Outback OurOutbackOurStory.org.au

Poetry

I have had another poem published in the online journal of WA Poets Creatrix 30. I love writing poetry but get very frustrated when I cannot spend the time writing as I wish! The published poem was Winter Rain. I am currently working on another about Australian Christmases

WINTER RAIN

The rain drifts in and around the hills;
on the flatland it finds its way beneath my coat,
at home it pours down over my window sills,
and I’m beginning to think I’ll need a boat!

 Heavy black clouds wreath around the valleys

hiding the hill tops, even the city skyline,
don’t venture forth without your brollies;
leave early to get wherever you go on time.

Watch out for flooding, so map your course

to travel wet roads safely as still the rain poured;
careful to stay on road or washed off by force
by water that gouges the roads and claims scored.

But me, I revel in the teeming torrents,

enjoying the perfume, watching the hidden hills,
rewarded by the sudden appearance of forests
Grey and dull in the torrential spills.

Many poems I submit don't make the grade but that's the way it goes

America's 4th July 2011

A bit of trivia regarding America's 4th July celebrations and the nation's revered flag. I love the flag for what it stands for, and for being the flag under which our Church was founded, through Moroni as requested by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

AMERICAN FORK — There were 2.5 million people living in the American colonies when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
There are a few more Americans today — 311.7 million. And just like many who are anxious to light a few fireworks on the Fourth of July, the Census Bureau's penchant to tell Americans about themselves gets its fuse lit at a chance to celebrate the most American of national holidays — by the numbers.

Tom Smart, Deseret News
The crew steps inside the Dee Balloon III before launching during the America's Freedom Festival's annual Balloon Festival in Provo on Friday.
From the archive
•Tallying America for the Fourth of July – June 27, 2011
•Bills by Bishop, Hatch would change census counting, include Utah missionaries overseas – March 31, 2011
•2010 Census details Utah growth; West Jordan now 4th largest city – Feb. 24, 2011
The information quantifies the obvious, adds a few surprises and begs a question or two.
It may be a surprise that $3.2 million worth of American flags sold in 2010 were manufactured overseas, for example. But with that in mind, it is likely less of a surprise that $2.8 million of those imports came from China. Mexico is the biggest purchaser of American-made American flags, buying $486,000 worth last year.
The Census Bureau did not quantify how many American flags end up in places hostile to the United States, destined to become a prop in some nefarious media-attention-seeking down-with-America protest.
Much more subjective might be the question about how many "famous" American flags there are. Candidates certainly include the "Star Spangled Banner" Francis Scott Key spoke of when witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry; Betsy Ross' flag; the flag hoisted on Iwo Jima, memorialized at the Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington Cemetery; the banner almost destroyed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, now known as the National 9/11 flag; or perhaps the banner farthest from earth that the Apollo 11 crew planted on the moon in 1969.
It is likely no surprise at all that China is the source of the bulk of the imported fireworks — $190.7 million worth in 2010. Uncounted is the number of the people who unroll their spent fireworks to look at the Chinese newsprint inside.
What may be a surprise is that the United States also exported $37 million worth of fireworks in 2010, with Japan being its single largest customer.
Across the country, 31 places have "liberty" in their names, the most populous being Liberty, Mo., with 29,149 residents. Another 35 have "eagle" in their names, including Utah's own Eagle Mountain. The most populous is Eagle Pass, Texas, population 26,248.
"Independence" is in the name of 11 places, the largest being Independence, Mo., population 116,830. Nine places have "freedom" in their name, led by Freedom, Pa., population 4,464.
The Census Bureau says there is only one "patriot" — Patriot, Ind., with a burgeoning population of 209.
Places with some form of "America in their names" total five, led in size by — stand and salute — American Fork, Utah, population 26,263.

Cochlear blessings

This blog entry is long overdue. The cochlear implant is a wonderful blessing, even though I still don't have 100% hearing. To hear the birds singing, to play my favourite old records, to listen to my CDs and my movies, to go to Church and hear the Sabbath day meetings, to visit with friends, my family and even the check out 'chicks', is truly a marvel, a wonderful miracle. Such a blessing from my God when I was reconciled to being deaf and this miracle popped out of the blue. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of me and that there are those who watch over me! Of course, mine isn't painted like these, the picture was sent to me by my cousin Jenny who is living in London. Brilliant idea for kids who have to wear the processor

 

Blog Comments

It is very sad when someone who is supposed to be family will visit my blog and leave such dreadful, heart-rending comments that are based on completely unfounded untruths. It is sad that the person who left such comments doesn't realize that as a grandmother, I have access to my grandchildren through the law. Watch it people before you slam accusations around! I love my family! The detrimental comments have been treated as spam

My position on marriage between a man and a woman

Senator Eric Abetz Leader of the Government in the Senate Minister for Employment Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service Liberal Senator for Tasmania

 

Dear Colleen, Given your commitment to maintaining the truth of marriage, I thought I should let you know that the Coalition has just resolved to maintain our position for the rest of this Parliament. I firmly believe that the institution of marriage is one that has been uniquely, over the centuries, the union of a man and woman to the exclusion of others for life.  I also believe it is the best environment in which to raise children. This is a bedrock institution of our society that I fully support. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding of my view, please see the transcript of my speech to the Young Liberal Federal Convention, available at my website: https://abetz.com.au/speeches/for-better-in-defence-of-marriage. The Coalition has a long-standing position supporting the definition of marriage and I am pleased that the position will continue. Can I encourage you to continue to make your views known publically through letters to newspapers, on blogs, talk back radio and discussing the issue with family and friends. Our children deserve the best possible start in life and the best possible model for that is a marriage where children enjoy the security of knowing their biological parents & the diversity of male and female role models. Thank you for your time, Eric Abetz That's what Senator Abetz has said about marriage between a man and a woman and it is gratifying to to the results of those of us who strive to teach the truth of marriage, which is ordained of God to be between a man and a woman. If those who prefer same - sex partnership, live together like man and woman do in this world today, and expect the same rights as them, but marriage itself is for man and woman and their children.  As Senator Abetz has pointed out, marriage is the bedrock of our society and without it our society would crumble

August 2015