CELEBRATE OUR CITY’S INCREDIBLE WOMEN

THE future is female. That’s been the rallying cry this year as Australian society has been forced to grapple with the systematic mistreatment of women in the workplace. The first months of 2021 have seen a reckoning, which began quietly before exploding into the national consciousness and starting a debate which is still reverberating months later.

Few would have foreseen the effect of appointing Grace Tame as Australian of the Year back in January but it was a groundbreaking moment.

It was this moment which inspired a Gold Coaster, former Liberal Party staffer Brittney Higgins, to come forward with allegations she was raped by a co-worker inside Parliament House two years ago.

The courage shown by Ms Higgins in coming forward, along with other subsequent revelations sparked a national conversation about workplace culture and equality.

Now Gold Coasters have the chance to highlight some of this city’s most formidable women with the launch of the annual Harvey Norman Women of the Year campaign.

It begins today with Star corporate titan Jessica Mellor revealing her journey to becoming one of the most senior executives in the national company and the hurdles she overcame at other firms during her early years.

We want to hear your stories about the incredible women in our community. Across several categories, now is the time to recognise those unsung heroes in our community and the impact they have had on lives, both big and small.

SO sad to hear of the recent passing of Prince Phillip.

We all know that he had a brilliant naval career before meeting Queen Elizabeth when she was just 13. From then on a beautiful love story that lasted over 73 years of marriage and unwavering service to all the Commonwealth whilst being the most loyal consort to the Queen for many years.

At a time where “political correctness” was a foreign word, he is now being remembered fondly as being a master of “gaffes” in which he made many in his lifetime. Us Aussies certainly thought he was hilarious with his informal demeanour. This made him more human.

Prince Phillip’s life commitment and support for the Queen is an astonishing achievement in itself!

I doubt if it ever worried him walking a few paces behind the

Queen as he was diligent within his role of duty. Indeed, they were very loving toward each other and he knew what he had to do.

It doesn’t surprise me that Prince Phillip expressed prior wishes not to lie in state nor have any fuss made over his death.

Unfortunately, we will never have such a unique kind of gentleman in the monarchy again and as Scott Morrison stated: “We are all here to support her in these sad days, just as she has supported us always.”

God save our Queen.

PAMELA DELAHUNTY-HUNTER BIGGERA WATERS

WE have lost HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as a member of the Australian Community.

As one who was privileged enough to see him and the Queen as they drove through the streets as a child, I feel I have lost a person I have admired because he was

always in the news and always with a sensible stern response to whatever was happening.

He was an example to us all – as a husband who was never accused of domestic violence, as a father who was always sharing his time and was always there for his children, and a devoted grandfather and great grandfather who was always available to offer advice.

He supported many of the youth in our country to do their best through the Duke of Edinburgh awards which has seen so many greats grow from.

To her Royal Highness the Queen, as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia I can say that we as a nation support you in your grief.

Rest in Peace Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, you were loved by and shall be remembered by us all.

Your Royal Highness Queen

Elizabeth II, you are supported by us in your time of grief.

God save the Queen.

RON NIGHTINGALE, BIGGERA WATERS

I TOTALLY agree with everything said by Nick Belloff (GC Bulletin, 10/4).

It never ceases to amaze me the gullibility of people.

Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young told us several months ago that masks were useless in controlling COVID-19.

Now all of a sudden they are compulsory.

Work that out!

All just a political game because no one questions the decisionmakers. Bit like ‘Simon Says’.

And please, no more letters about climate change. It is a subject of interest to about three people.