Swap your laces
Homeless Person’s Week runs from August 1 to 7. Currently there are more than 105,000 homeless people in Australia, 44,000 of whom are under 25. Homeless Person’s Week aims to raise awareness for those doing it tough on the streets.
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One in five homeless people seeking assistance are being turned away from vital emergency accommodation services. This week raises awareness of these figures in the hope of gaining support for this significant issue.
I have witnessed first-hand the troubles that these people go through at such a young age. For the third year in a row, at Youth Off The Streets, we will be running our Lace It Up Campaign to raise awareness and funds for these disadvantaged youth.
We are asking people to swap their current shoelaces for our blue #LaceItUp shoelaces. The idea is that the dangers of living on the street are so prevalent that kids often do not have the luxury of taking their shoes off before going to sleep; they must be ready to move at any moment.
Swapping laces is a small gesture that can provide vital funding for our homelessness programs. In my years working with these issues, I can tell you that these funds are crucial in getting homeless people somewhere to stay.
Basic luxuries we take for granted are simply not available to those on the streets. These funds help provide a warm place to sleep, a hot meal and basic hygienic products.
Only by working together can we tackle this concerning issue of homelessness. Visit laceitup.com.au for more information on how to get involved and help Australia’s young and homeless.
Father Chris Riley, CEO, Youth Off The Streets.
Lower the burden
Surely Blue Mountains Council is not trying to tell us that the $700,000 annual takings from the pay and display machines is all used to maintain tourist services and manage sensor parking programs. I'll bet a large portion goes into consolidated revenue. Here's a suggestion, Mark Greenhill.
Why not use the money to relieve the burden on pensioner ratepayers, particularly in your ward (4) who have just been hit with a massive hike in their rates, whereas the pensioner rebate has remained the same ($250 pa) for years. It might even help your cause in the coming election.
Victor Medianik, Glenbrook.
Council gouging on rates
I’ve noticed on my recent rates bill that there is an eight per cent per day late fee. It is not stated whether that applies to the quarterly amount or yearly amount.
Based on our quarterly amount, this equates to over $32 per day. If this interest is compound, the second day would be eight per cent of the original amount plus the $32 from the first day.
I have heard recently that a major bank has been caught out for charging exorbitant late fees. Surely this Blue Mountains Council late fee would qualify as excessive?
Obviously, over time, costs do rise but I’d like council to clarify to which amount does this apply. Is it compound interest, and is this gouging justified when rates have doubled? Is there a lawyer in the house?