I was deeply troubled the other night when I heard a shocking story about an addict shooting up in a local charity shop and leaving the syringe just laying about.
What made the story more frightening was that evidently a three-year-old boy found the “weapon” and was playing with it when his mother located him in the store.
Panic stricken, the mum was helped by equally astounded shop assistants to have a nearby doctor called to the scene.
The boy was taken immediately for tests, and for those concerned we hope all turns out well.
Just another reminder of the shocking times we unfortunately live in.
Your Opinion Counts. Click Here >>>> Richie cannot be forgotten
Further to my comments last week about whether it should be the Trumper or Walters Stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground, I have done some homework on former Aussie captain Richie Benaud and he cannot be easily forgotten either.
The boy from Penrith made his first class debut for NSW in 1948/49 and overall played 259 matches scoring 11 719 runs at an average of 36.5 and with a highest score of 187, while also taking 945 wickets at 24.73, his best result 7/18.
He made his test debut in 1951/52 and in 63 matches scored 22201 runs, took 65 catches and collected 248 wickets at 27.03 with a best haul of 7/72.
Richie captained Australia 28 times and lost only four games.
A leg spinner with what was described as “a flowing run to the wicket complete with a powerful shoulder action”, he was renowned for his looping flight, prodigious spin and his mastery of the “flipper”.
Maybe we need another stand!
Your Opinion Counts. Click Here >>>> Noreen still in spotlight
The State Member for Wollongong, Noreen Hay, remains in the spotlight
following new allegations about a property purchase from a local developer.
The reasons for an upcoming overseas jaunt to study steel, tourism and health are also copping some flak. As one person suggested she could visit the local steelworks and easily educate herself on modern steel production and the like.
But the one I liked best was for her to spend time at the local hospital, which seems to stagger from disaster to disaster as each week goes by.
Not a bad idea Noreen; get the problem in your own backyard fixed first.
And I heard the other day that there are still some knives out for Noreen down Dapto way where some ALP members are looking for blood.
Your Opinion Counts. Click Here >>>> An odd question
Had one of those “have you time to answer some questions” calls on Saturday
morning which turned out to be a city council survey mainly on our various
swimming pools around the city.
Then out of the blue I found they wanted to know whether I felt safe at night!
No, not at a swimming pool, but in my own neighbourhood.
What can you say other than nobody’s safe these days just about any where in the city at night.
Your Opinion Counts. Click Here >>>> Long live our town hall
Yes, there were long queues at our much maligned town hall yesterday when a surprise concert drew hundreds of excited locals, and what a sight to behold.
It would have been heartening for our city’s administrators who recently quashed the old council’s plans to demolish the building.
And the sounds emanating from that old organ at the hall were music to everyone’s ears.
Your Opinion Counts. Click Here >>>> | 
