Category: Opinion

Postecoglou’s White Ant Problem.

The uncertainty around Ange Postecoglou’s status with Socceroo campaign has been created by media speculation combined with a concerted effort to white ant his position by commentators who see themselves as lords based on their own self promotion.History of past coaches be it imported or in Ange’s case local the self appointed brains trust are fine when they see themselves in the inner circle of Australian football but when the coach moves to close the dressing room door the friendship sours as it has today. 

Postecoglou’s effort in bringing players worldwide home plus the restructuring the game locally has been outstanding and while the A league has seen marked improvement in his time the simple fact is we do not have the depth to compete at the worlds highest level “yet”. Our game is growing fast and our biggest hurdle is avoiding the nepotistic view and embrace overseas coaches and managers to expand our education across all levels.

We can’t compare or compete with the wealth of club sides like Bayern Munchen or Real Madrid but we can steal their ideas and thinking we have all the answers here doing it our way is ludicrous, so when the CEO Gallops statement of Australia first for coaching replacement when it becomes vacant is less than visionary for the games future. 

I am not advocating European takeover of Australian football but our football culture must reflect that of the top nations if we are to rise to that level. That means the media commentary has some growing up to do and leave the boys club culture of the older we get the better we were off our TV screens

Trumps Kitchen Treat. 

As a avid reader of news/politics/history over my lifetime and being involved I dare to say the world is looking at a uncontrollable train crash when it comes to America and it’s society.Day by day it’s social structure is being dismantled not because it’s broken but by the pure spite of political ideology, and in Trumps case the hate of a Afro American even being allowed through the door let alone the White House. 

With over 85% of the country’s wealth being in the hands of the top 10% 

https://inequality.org/facts/wealth-inequality/ the protection of that 10% is manipulated politically on both sides of politics, however the divide is extended more as the Right has assumed a position of keeper of the keys to patriotic vitriol and if your not with us you must be against us, a position Bush adopted when going to war in Iraq. 

That strategy failed and will fail again only this time the war will be within. 

America is armed to the hilt, that industry dominates the political agendas so no party will have the guts to change that position but unfortunately it will be their own cancer when the poor, the black, the sick, the immigrants and the ones with social conscience will say enough is enough and rise up. 

Attacks on the press, book banning, social profiling, racial preferences in regards to welfare, tragedy response, health care, based on political voting patterns all fuelling the hate that will eventually erupt on the streets across the country. 

With about 320 million population the bean counters will make a calculation of collateral damage of the masses while the rich will look on and profit accordingly. 

That’s how the beast worked in the past, wealth wins as the peasants kids are given a flag and sons and daughters sacrificed physically and mentally without thought or challenge. 

Undoubtedly I will be criticised for these observations as I have been before of being  ignorant  of the real America and in no way am I comparing Australian culture , but what I am comparing is human response over history and the ingredients it takes to motivate a person to rebel. 

Donald Trump is creating a mixture maybe in ignorance or planned, that will rise up, and all the red herrings he may create to divert attention externally the pot is boiling in his kitchen, his creation and the sad thing is I doubt if he knows how to lay the table let alone cook. 

Investment in Our Youth will Deliver. 

Ipswich has prided itself since inception on its Football prowess and has dealt with its opposition by delivering good hard but fair style of play. I know because I felt the fairness quite often playing against the likes of St. Helens, Coalstars, Blackstone, and Bushrats after the match and the next couple of days. 

With that said, and recent results from the Western Pride the game is in a very good place and with the plans to involve satellite clubs in coaching and managing programs can only take Ipswich Football to a level where a A League franchise is beyond a dream. 

This needs to happen sooner than later or some serious thought will need to happen as our Queensland representative in the A League has taken the dads army approach to its playing staff, a strategy designed for survival more than progression. 

In a game where careers depend on skill, dedication, and opportunity its vitally important to have a sound base and culture for developing our talent and retaining that talent here in Ipswich.

A specifically built Sporting Academy in Ipswich involving not only Football but multi sports should be a vision supported in a catchment from Ipswich west to Toowoomba and beyond giving young talent the benefit of leading edge knowledge and facilities to practice,refine and produce. 

This concept should be supported by all facets to government which would provide employment and associated business opportunities as well as providing a sporting hub. 

We have the talent but its spread, but unfortunately the scouts often look in the mainstream established facilities letting the undiscovered fade into broken dreams because of where they live.

Yes We Can. It has to start Somewhere. 

The absolute waste of lives the world has witnessed in America again has brought on the comparisons of gun laws internationally as politicians grapple to assure us we are safe under their care. That debate is lost in America after Sandy Hook when children were slaughtered and every American sat on their hands and left it to the politicians, the same ones who’s lively hoods depend on the NRA for endorsment. 

The simple facts are Americans kill each other at a higher rate than they have inflicted on any nation in the theatre of war, so the actual outcome is America is devouring itself from within, and they cannot see it let alone do anything about it. 

Gun sales will soar as the internal terror rate rises as they spiral downward as a society, while any person outside who tries to consume the logic and has the gumption to say it is branded a fake news left wing crackpot. 

Resolution will never come while people from both sides profit from the divide as its money not lives that matter in America so if that’s the case we as Australians could make a stand for the potential victims and not travel or spend on American product.

That won’t happen will it, but then we would be the same as them when it comes to sticking to our guns when we know what should happen and have the guts to do it. 

“Yes we Can.” Australia./World? 

Trump Bumbling Should Force Strengthening Australia /New Zealand  Alliance. 

The National Press Club address on the future and past policies on our submarine capabilities i believe it’s time where we as a nation should reassess and rethink our defence particularly with the current political climate.I believe basing our defence capabilities on American support is no longer a option with Trump as America withdraws inwardly making us become either more self reliant or vulnerable depending on our choices. 

To be honest I have never been a fan of increasing defence budgets but the world has changed and after the warnings from the independent presenters at the press club we need to be proactive ASAP and look closely at where and who we align with to protect our patch. 

To me Australia/New Zealand alliance should be strengthened and that will take increased political will from both nations as the Kiwis look at Australia tied to America unlike them who stand less condescending and independent. 

Undoubtably technology will overtake present manned equipment be it submarines, planes, and drones will increase and some of our old chestnuts like nuclear power will have to be a challenged as conventional diesel technology will not give us the range without fuel stop vessels for manned units, defeating the element of security and surprise required in intelligence gathering and reaction. 

All assumptions but there is no doubt we have to become more independent within our patch economically and militarily and that change will need to made by a government that can take advantage and create industries on the back of that change not close them down or outsource responsibility. 

Let the Ambassadors Use their Skills. 

I have been guilty of lampooning Donald Trump and Jong Un in the past but it’s now past the joke and we are heading towards major conflict.My observations are both are totally unsuitable, intellectually unstable and uneducated in world political and ambassadorial protocols and see the military as their personal enforcer of their ideals over this of their nations people. 

Call it what you like but every dictator ever needed that military weight supported by the matching propaganda machine which we are witnessing daily as they goad each other in childish taunts. 

Surely our Government can see the lights flashing, yet we are sitting wringing our hands playing playing good little lap dog speaking the exact script the White House feed to its journalist daily. 

Make no mistake Australia will be a target, Ipswich will be a legitimate target so we should expect our government to try and broker support to curb conflict instead of diverting its attention to peripheral issues.

War Trumps all those issues and we have always in the past had the reputation and the skill to help solve conflict internationally but I get the distinct impression this government will take us like sheep to the slaughter with its silence. 

 ABC fights Dumb Down Strategy. 

“Don’t you Worry about That” should stick in the mind of every Queenslander when a precious politician attacks the ABC as that was the spiel that we all were expected to believe as corruption flourished in our state and exposed by 4corners Moonlight State. It’s ironic in a world where the word transparency is used as a reason to be confident of the elected, however when it is used by the ABC it becomes a reason to ban them from press conferences or cut funds so they can’t ask uncomfortable questions. 

This tactic highlighted by Trump dumbs down the public intentionally and that’s where they want us. Only feed us what we need to know and feed the networks that play their game. 

If the public broadcaster is the outlet that steps outside the club that’s good for the sake of transparency, but it’s quite clear investigative journalism is not a priority in the land of commercial broadcasting in Australia. 

We do not want to go down the road of “he who pays the piper calls the tune” in our media culture, we don’t like the chicken pellets thanks.

Disabled Transport Should Not be Dollar Drivin. 

In response to concerns about disability transport it should be made clear that the value of the carers and the drivers of the units that service disabled clients is often understated and undervalued because of their standing in the profession. As a former driver combined with my carer provided stability to many clients that never experienced it in the home. Depending on the demographic the punctuality forced parents to have their child ready for the pick up, dressed and that unfortunately was about it with some. Often it was discovered breakfasts and lunches were non existent, medications not administered, personal hygiene status wanting, all information freely given to us by the clients as they knew we would report it to the schools ahead of arrival so arrangement could be made before the kids entered the class room environment. 

On the positive the kids were looked after on school days and often the authorities were called in and action taken at home with variable results. 

Not all clients have these issues and taxis will suit, but for those clients who felt sitting on the bus in their own seat with kids and people they trust was a vital part managing their disability and prepared them for the day ahead. 

Sadly in my time involved we were the messenger as we saw first hand what the kids experienced daily in that particular demographic, some great stories and great kids and parents I recall vividly, but in the minority those less fortunate needed stability from the time they set foot on the footplate, that’s the role of the NDHS, end to end service for all recipients and if we let the bean counters allocate services we all know the needy’s voice will be given token value over a some boffins spreadsheet looking for a Micky Mouse Badge from his boss. 

Memories of the Junction


One door closes another opens. That was the theme as I walked into the Junction Hotel yesterday after about 25 years.The bar girl welcome was exactly as it was in my memory. Like you were there yesterday and nothing was too much trouble even as they were setting up for the day’s trade. 

The Thagoona Offers returned to a place with so many memories however the old pub was gutted yet their was some sense of familiarity with what was left. 

Entry points, photographs, verandas once stairs, and if you looked up you’d see the remains of walls separated bars and lounges where so many good times with most of all good friends ,genuine friends. 

Yes the food was perfect, service great and as we soaked up the atmosphere I slipped into reminiscent mode and recalled how I was hid in the corner of the public bar when young, given double sarsaparilla, then after I started work and played football with the men I was accepted as one and learnt to watch, stay out of trouble, but have a great time as I was 15 years old when drinking age was 21. 

I worked the chook and meat tray raffles for Annerley Football Club as did our entire family, as well as the chocolate wheel before opening time. 

We were a Football Family dedicated to the Club on the old dump, mum in the canteen, Dad secretary, and team manager, and ambulance bearer, and groundsman, and any other job that needed doing. Life was good and simple. No fucken Facebook crap then. They were real friends, the ones you saw or took the time to ring up, if they had a phone or you’d walk to go and see them if they were OK if they went missing for a unusual time. We looked after each other yet we had our privacy that was instilled in us to always respect. We were there if required, the words did not have to be put on Facebook they were known by those who needed to know and THATS ALL.

My grandmother once told me it’s not what’s said that counts it what’s not said or said in confidence counts. That silent pause Fanny had comes to mind. 

We have that culture today in the country with many of our friends. We are lucky, no news is good news , but it’s a work in progress as is life. 

Anyway back to yesterday. It cannot go unmentioned my extended residency at the Junction as my Grandfather allegedly placed me on the public bar near the men’s toilet corner when he had drink with a few with his mates, or a dust up or whatever come first. 

Darkie had a bit of rep when it come disputes. He took the direct route and often Dad had to referee. He was good at that, marching him home singing to Doris and Mum. 

So today to me after that visit is a time to call mum, sister, and just say gday, wander around the paddock and remember the rot that went on when planning and building the stuff with Dad at the Junction or under the house in Fingal street, mum trying to convince us both forget it yet knowing the country blood was passed on. 

Yes it was a good day for the Thagoona Offers yesterday and I think Marg and Gav have their own treasured and varied memories as does Mum and Kerri.

Another milestone in the journey of life.. 

Whistleblowers need Protection 

The dust has settled after our council election and punch lines of transparency daily as the CCC continues its investigations I cannot recall one statement or assurance that council employees would be covered and supported by whistleblower indemnity locally. We many have reorganised the deck chairs at the top table but until this council is prepared to guarantee no employee will be sacked or discriminated against on the record the words of change are sceptical to say the least. 

The former council structure was in power for 17 years and culture does not change on one Saturday night so if we are to believe total transparency, then these employees must not be impeded if they choose to stand up and should be encouraged. 

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