50 years ago Families in poverty NEWS IN BRIEF

- The Gazette, 22 May, 1973

One hundred and sixty eight families in Warragul and Buln Buln Shires are known to be living in poverty.

And the figure could be even higher, according to West Gippsland Social Worker Group officer Mr Robert Lowell.

The figure was one of the most striking in a 12-page submission by the group to the proposed Commonwealth Inquiry into Poverty.

The group approved the submission, prepared by Mr Lowell, at its May meeting last Wednesday.

The report emphasised that because of the heavy commitment on Mr Lowell and his assistant, Mr A Vincent, a full investigation into all avenues of poverty in the area was not possible.

However, based on 1972 figures, the submission said, 168 families out of a caseload of 485 were living in poverty.

For some, this was a temporary phase, caused by sudden or unusual circumstances, while for the majority, it was of a more permanent nature - and part of a family makeup which was more difficult to combat.

The Group paid particular attention to examples of the effects of poverty in the fields of health, welfare, education and legal matter, In its submission, the Group:Sslams the existing voluntary health scheme, which it describes as “not only unfair”, but weighted against the low income family;

Hits out at the use of social security as a “cheap election football” - and for being “below an acceptable level,”

Describes State Government in administering security payments as “wasteful and inefficient”,

Reiterates the Group’s dissatisfaction with the Housing Commission for providing “totally inadequate” number of homes for rental - at a time when private rentals are at an “all time high” - and refers to the Housing Commission as “a poorly administered department… with a rent rebate system that needs overhauling;

Calls for greater use of education to break the cycle or pattern of poverty found in many and greater emphasis on helping children from disadvantaged homes to achieve their maximum potential;

Suggests an examination of the eligibility level for use of the services of the Public Solicitor and the Legal Aid Committee in the interests of families suffering “marginal poverty”, and

Sees a need for the Commonwealth Inquiry to consider the categories of small farm owners - especially when recessions occur - share farmers and the various agreements they make, and casual farm hands and labourers.

A woman was fined a total of $25 in Warragul Court yesterday on three counts of speeding.

Giselle Grabovac, of Lygon St, North Carlton, appeared before J’sP Mr CR Lawson and Mr R Dent.

Sergeant BJ Hogan prosecuted and Senior Constable D Carey, of Sale highway patrol, gave police evidence.

Warragul detectives are investigating two robberies committed in the town in the past week.

Thieves entered the Princes Highway office of Mr N Matthews, caravan sales, overnight last Tuesday, and stole an electric arc welder valued at $45.

On the same night, seven headlights and two horns were stolen from Wildcat tractors parked outside GA Williames’ premises in Princes Highway, Warragul.

Detective Sergeant J Hodge and Senior Constable J Forrest of Warragul attended.

Detective Sergeant Hodge and Senior Detective S Seymour are investigating the disappearance of eight sheep, valued at $180, from the property of Mr John Sail.

“Wind in their sails…”

Sailing a yacht to New Zealand prompted a group of Warragul and district seafaring enthusiasts to undertake a Proceed-sponsored coastal navigation course.

A class of 29 attended two-hour courses at Warragul High School for the past 10 weeks under the tutorship of two Australian Coast guard instructors.

They received small boat skipper instruction on campass, tides, currents, chart reading, laying courses, time and distance problems, bearings and fixes, and practical chart work. Not all the class made the grade in subsequent examinations. The brainchild of Senior Constable HW McKenzie, of Neerim South, the class included a girl - Jill Handley, of Warragul, and a Poowong man, Mr HE Cousins and his son Mr DJ Cousins. Dux was Cr JE Delzoppo, of Neerim South.

Pictured are Cr H.R. Strugnell handing an honors certificate to Laurie McDonal along with Proceed chairman Ron Freeman, Kevin Sheather, H.E. Cousins, Commodore Reiger, Stuart Patullo anbd D. J. Cousins.