Support for students
The Retired Teachers Association congratulates Australian students who have taken part in positive action for climate change. Their determined struggle to make governments and climate deniers realise that the world being passed on to future generations will be compromised unless immediate decisions and measures are taken should be applauded. It is these students’ futures that are at stake and they are correct in demanding that our legislators view this as a priority.
Proper nutrition for aged-care residents
Our Association believes that part of the regular inspection of aged-care facilities should be focused on the meals provided to residents. The provision of nutritious meals to these residents is of paramount importance. All meals presented must meet Australian dietary guidelines. To encourage this, it should be mandatory that a dietitian be included in all aged-care inspection teams. Adequate nutrition is an essential element of basic care and a human right. Shirley Bains’s motion on this was carried unanimously at the October meeting.
Quality aged-care action group
The Quality Aged-Care Action Group has been active in lobbying for appropriate staffing ratios in aged-care establishments and is wary of many of the “comfort packages” being offered in nursing homes. Elder Abuse Units are now in every Police Area Command in NSW.
CPSA Report
The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW has written to Transport NSW requesting that fans be installed in railway station waiting rooms. The Association believes that pensions should be indexed twice a year and that current Newstart payments are inadequate. The proposed Rate Deferral Scheme has now been ruled out by the State Government.
Challenges in Hong Kong
From the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET), Ian Massingham reported that there is concern regarding human rights abuses against pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Such circumstances could lead to a delay in the ratification of the Hong Kong trade and investment agreements. This comes after groups, including the ACTU and AFTINET, called on the Federal Government to delay voting on implementing legislation for the agreements until the situation is satisfactorily resolved.
Quick tour of Chicago
Max Prince delivered an informative presentation on the city of Chicago at our October meeting. With nearly 10 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Chicago rates as the third most populous city in the US. Members “visited” World Rotary Headquarters, the city’s elevated railway (the loop) as well as Charlie Chaplin’s and Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes during his talk. Thanks to Max for his presentation and the great images.
Christmas cakes
RTA members who are turning 80 years of age this year should contact Therese Medhurst so that they receive a Christmas cake over the festive season. Therese can be contacted at [email protected] or via phone on (02) 95198609 or 0419157342.
Why join the retired teachers association?
The Retired Teachers Association provides an opportunity for you to maintain an involvement in public education and offers regular social outings to places of interest, exhibitions and lunches. Contact Federation for further details.
Upcoming events
The next meetings for the Retired Teachers Association will be on Friday, 8 November, and Friday, 13 December, at Federation House. The November meeting will also include the Annual General Meeting of our Association. Both events commence with lunch at noon followed by the general meeting starting at 2pm.
A tour of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s Air Museum at Albion Park will be held on Wednesday, 20 November. On Tuesday, 3 December, students from the Conservatorium High School will perform their annual concert at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney. RTA members should arrive at 12.45pm and a light lunch will be provided.
The Club York luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, 13 November, commencing at noon.
For more information visit rtansw.blogspot.com
— Paul Regan, Administrative Secretary, NSW Retired Teachers Association