Comments on: Shepparton pulls together to face up to indigenous disadvantage

By: Terri Cowley

Terri Cowley — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:23:21 +0000

wow. a media organisation that actually listens to feedback and then acts upon it. i’ll put my Crikey socks back on now. i’m still sorry that such an influential readership as yours probably thinks Shepparton is the pits because of what they read in the daily email that goes out to subscribers. problems, yes. silent shame, no.

By: Sophie Black

Sophie Black — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:42:12 +0000

Thanks for your feedback Terri, the original headline was not Peter Jackson’s, it was made in house.

We have now amended it to read: “Shepparton pulls together to face up to indigenous advantage” which we think more accurately reflects the opinion of the writer.

By: Terri Cowley

Terri Cowley — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:47 +0000

this is actually quite a positive story about a community trying to address it problems. but as a resident of the city in question i was pretty perturbed by Crikey’s sensationalist headline.
the fact that there’s a problem isn’t news, surely. the fact that positive steps are being taken is.
give us a break guys. is shepparton so different?

By: Jon Hunt

Jon Hunt — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:22:01 +0000

I suppose if you want to improve social exclusion, one must first determine why it exists in the first place. And yes, doesn’t matter where you are the outcomes are similarly grim!

By: Gary Stowe

Gary Stowe — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:51:06 +0000

You are spot on Peter - it was refreshing to read, especially by comparison to the incessant cries of ‘racism’ and ‘blame the white guys’ from other Crikey contributors.

In NSW, we have a program where 300 teaching scholarships are currently on offer with 80 reserved exclusively for indigenous candidates. I don’t know if Vic has anything similar but its an idea worth promoting if you have the contacts.

I found your comparison of statisitics from remote communities interesting, ie. that they are essentially the same in urban situations. I’m happy to bet that in 10 - 12 your sort of program will be showing that urban inclusion is the healthier and more successful alternative.

Gary Stowe

By: Victor Hart

Victor Hart — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:47:29 +0000

“If it was easy, it would have been done a long time ago”.

So true. Thanks for making this final point. Many like to believe that “simple solutions exist” - and can be applied and will magically ” -fix-“’ what are essentially symptoms of Aboriginal disadvantage that are intergenerational.

Thanks for the leadership Mr Jackson. A pity our elected leaders(politicians) are not able to see it as clearly.

And yes, we need more Deborah Cheethams - but then again, she is herself, pretty unique.

By: Tom McLoughlin

Tom McLoughlin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:27:42 +0000

Reads as very constructive and if you get some talented players too then good luck.

I stopped wearing my Essendon jumper as a kid about the time bruiser Billy Duckworth was (in)famous. This was 25 years back. Takes alot for a kid to reject their own team. I started barracking for the Roy Boys who at least became successful later on as the Brisbane Lions. At least the RoyBoys nurtured the current Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos.

Reading this makes me want to get another red striped black Essendon jumper.

By: Heathdon McGregor

Heathdon McGregor — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:18:25 +0000

thank you Mr Jackson for a report on the actions your organisations have been involved in and I look forward to future updates. Hopefully by discussing actions that have/have not worked people who are trying to aid other people can discuss and work on ways forward, rather than self congratulation and attacks on people who dont share their passion or power.

Thank you and looking forward to future updates

ps I thought not another sports person telling us how we are racists who don care about anybody else. A pleasant and proactive surprise

Best of luck for the future endeavours in Shepparton