Letter of the Week
Have strong opinions, write in an engaging way? You could win our Letter of the Week, and with it a book from our friends and sponsors, the publishers HarperCollins. This month’s book prize is Those Other Women by Nicola Moriarty. Rivalries and resentments between mums and child-free women spiral wildly out of control in this compelling new book by the bestselling author of The Fifth Letter.
Rules: Best letter competition runs untill January 19 next year. Entries close each Thursday at 5pm. The winner is selected by 2pm each Friday. Book of the month valued up to $49. Entrants agree to the Competition Terms and Conditions located at www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/ entertainment/competitions, and our privacy policy. Entrants consent to their information being shared with HarperCollins for the express purpose of delivering prizes.
THOSE of us living on the Gold Coast know we are blessed living in a modern, dynamic location that is the envy of those who come here on holiday to briefly experience our wonderful lifestyle.
I have visited nearly 40 countries and have yet to find a place I would rather call home than “The Goldie”.
However, we are not in control of our destiny with control coming from up the M1 in Brisbane who history has shown do not get the Gold Coast.
So, it got me thinking: Could the Gold Coast go it alone? You do not have to look far to realise that the answer is yes.
The Gold Coast has a larger population than the ACT, Northern Territory, and even than a whole state in Tasmania.
Our Gross Domestic Product is also greater than all three. Us ‘Gold Coast Territorians’ could decide what is best for us.
If we want a cruise ship terminal then we will have one; daylight saving, a big yes to that; another casino, our choice.
You might even find that those over our southern border would want to join us instead of being governed by a city nearly 1000 kilometres to their south. GRAHAM BAKER, BROADBEACH
I DISAGREE with indigenous elder Ted Williams suggesting the names of well-known and wellloved Gold Coast landmarks be changed to indigenous titles.
Fancy Burleigh Heads being given the name Jellurgal? I certainly don’t.
I’m sure the people responsible for developing Burleigh Heads and the folk who now live, work and holiday there won’t take any name change lightly. And nor should they. Gee, there might even be an organised protest.
There are many indigenous names already used in many parts of the country so let Mr Williams be happy with that.
The organisers of the recent Gold Coast Games went overboard to accommodate indigenous inclusion and it failed. I personally am tired of minority groups seeking to effect change where change is not needed.
The idea is cringeworthy and will not succeed! KEN JOHNSTON, ROCHEDALE SOUTH
DEMOGRAPHER Bernard Salt lays it on a bit thick by suggesting the trend to living alone will lead to a tsunami of loneliness and isolation.
For some, quite possibly. For those of us who enjoy the splendid peace of the state of aloneness, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Living in close proximity to others demands constant compromise.
The company of other people is overrated. Just sit in a cafe and have a stranger rattle on about their personal problems, having no ability to pick up cues l am emitting which are saying l am not in the least bit interested. DAVID HALL, COOMBABA
I FIND it incredulous that there were protestors trying to disrupt the ANZAC proceedings.
Every single one of them should have been thrown out of sight and severely punished.
Imagine protesting against the very sacrifices of brave soldiers that permits them so much freedom. They should hang their heads in shame.
As a 15-year-old who crossed the Atlantic in convoys during WWII, I am proud of my contribution as minor as it may have been. I was on Canadian merchant ships during the war and am now settled in Australia.
I do take interest in what is happening here and must confess I did not think I could march in the ANZAC parade.
I will research if that is possible and will indeed march in next year’s parade if allowed.
I have seen war graves in many parts of this troubled world and marvel at the courage of those who gave their lives for our freedom. NICK BELLOFF, SOUTHPORT