Don’t knock the Hospital
Through your newspaper, I would like to voice an opinion on the comments made by Mr Wal Ashton regarding the Goulburn Base Hospital.
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I am a fairy recent newcomer to Goulburn and only know what I have just read concerning the new professional Health Hub at Bradfordville. However, may I say that in the time I have been a resident (just over two years) both my late husband and I have had cause to use the hospital on several occasions. At all times we received first class caring and immediate treatment. When my husband was transferred to the Bourke Street Health Service, his very special treatment continued until he passed away.
Mr Ashton needs to experience the hospital and medical facilities in the Illawarra area, where my family resided for over 48 years. Over the years we watched Kiama and Bulli cottage hospitals close. Port Kembla public hospital was also closed. I understand a new complex has just opened adjacent to the Wollongong Hospital (private and part public). The Illawarra district has a population of over 250,000 people. So moving to Goulburn was a very necessary move for us. It has an excellent emergency section, ambulances almost on the doorstep and adequate visiting specialists. It was also hard to change your local GP if your local doctor closed or moved. Several general surgeries were closed to new clients and one had to travel further afield.
Whilst the new hub sounds like a first class facility, may I ask how elderly people will access it? Will the hub support a public bus service to and from the city? Will bulk billing be available (with all the political speak going on)? I am not planning to leave my wonderful young GP in Goulburn any time soon.
So, Mr Ashton, if I was able to, I would stand on a corner in the main street and wave a placard spelling out just why the hospital rates five stars, in my opinion.
E. Reedy OAM, Goulburn
Clean up or clear St John’s
I wish to raise a matter which has been discussed within the council on a number of occasions and constantly by large numbers of current and former local residents; that is, the condition of the St John's Home in Mundy/Glebe Street, Goulburn.
I have lived next door to this building for almost six years. During that time I have observed the ongoing deterioration of the buildings and grounds and have witnessed fires, which have not only exacerbated its disgusting appearance, but increased danger to nearby residents.
Indeed, following the fire in one of the buildings on October 17, the strong winds we were experiencing were lifting the metal roofing sheets and it is a real concern that the sheets will blow into my property or on to other nearby homes and cause damage or, of even more concern, physical injury. Of added concern is the understanding that the buildings contain asbestos.
It is law that construction sites are required to be fully enclosed by security/safety fencing. The current state of St John's would, without a doubt, possess a greater number of safety issues than any building site and yet it is open to all and sundry to wander about at will.
I feel it is encumbent on the council to ensure that safety fencing is erected and the buildings made safe; the cost to be borne by the owner (not ratepayers). It should not be the SES's (volunteers) job to try make the site safe as is occurring at the time of writing this letter.
Because of the extremely overgrown state of the grounds, it is a constant fear that embers from the fires which start in this property will ignite a fire which will travel to the dilapidated fencing between our properties and on to my garage and home. No security is provided by this fence, either from snakes and other vermin which inhabit the St John's grounds during summer.
It is not an uncommon occurrence to see frequent intruders inside the property, day and night, and witness the noise, foul language and aggressive actions they display. Calling the police seems to have little effect.
The state of this property removes it as a building of heritage importance or value. It is an eyesore, an embarrassment for local people, a matter of concern for former residents, and a cause of disbelief for visitors to the area.
I understand that a great deal of money would be needed to rectify this situation. However, the owner has had sufficient time and opportunity to do something meaningful with the property. Indeed, the owner needs to take care of the safety hazards immediately. I believe it is high time for the council and the owner to work together to clean up the site (or better still, bulldoze it). The current situation cannot continue as it provides, in one of Goulburn's prime locations, a dilapidated eyesore, a haven for a variety of vermin with its dangerous buildings and unkempt grounds, a meeting place for trouble makers and an ongoing danger to life and property.
Carolyn Clancy, Goulburn
Thank You and Well Done
The judges of this year’s Lilac Time Garden Competition would like to thank the entrants for supporting the local competition.
It was evident from the record number of entries and the high standard of gardens that much thought and effort had gone into presenting such a wide array of horticultural delight. Congratulations to all the participants for entering into the community spirit.
Thanks must go to the local businesses who donated prizes and support: Bunnings Warehouse, Danganelly Native Nursery, Gehl Garden Centre, Goulburn Evening Garden Club, Goulburn Garden Club, Goulburn Post, Goulburn Sand & Soil, Menduni Garden Artistry, Paragon Cafe, Radio 2GN, Rocky Hill Sand & Soil, Zantis Jewellers.