Right Here I am siting in my Benalla home of almost 58 years, and Right Now I am in my 93rd year of living.

My wife, Bernadette, and I both are in excellent health and enjoy a relaxed retirement. We are, indeed, a fortunate couple.

As one would expect, because of my age, I ponder the future - how long do I still have  to live???, I ponder the past - could I have done better in life???

What of the future? - My death must be imminent.  Is there an after-life? My Catholic upbringing  tells me that there is, - but the  seemingly,  general belief is that there is a nothingness!

My faith puts me in a quandary!!

And so, I ponder the past and the many injustices which I endured.

I was the youngest of seven siblings. I am the only surviving one.

My mother died of cancer when I was 4 years old. My father was an alcoholic (whether  through his own fault or not I don’t  dare to guess). His sisters determined that he was not capable of caring for his young family, aged 18yrs, 16 yrs, 13 yrs, infant death,  9yrs, 6 yrs and 4 yrs. Consequently we all went in our different directions and didn’t have the opportunity to grow as a family.

One of dad’s sisters belonged to the hierarchy of the nuns, (Sisters of Mercy), therefore I was sent to be housed and educated at Villa Maria, a boy’s boarding school/home in Ballarat East, until at grade 8 I obtained my merit certificate. I then gained a scholarship which entitled me to accommodation and tutorial at St.Patrick’s College, also in Ballarat.

School holidays were spent  with my aunts and uncles. Of them all, Aunty Kath and Toby O’Shannessy,  and Uncle Ned Caine were the only ones who showed me any affection. Aunty Kath was absolutely wonderful. Generally I felt unloved. Consequently I have always felt envious of people with mothers.

I don’t have the words to describe the emptiness of a life without a mother.

Now, having a loving wife in Bernadette and four children of my own, family means much more to me.

One can have ups and downs in life but a positive attitude is a ‘must’.

Which brings me back to the point ‘RIGHT NOW’.

Right now, I can possibly take the opportunity to make some suggestions, or maybe to give some ‘wise words’-

            Mothers are ‘special persons’ who love you unreservedly. Repay that love twofold.
            Always consider your family before others
            Don’t undervalue yourself. You are as good, or even better than others.
            There is always some good in everyone.
            No matter how disadvantaged you may be, there is always somebody worse off.
            Develop a good work ethic.
            There is no substitute for hard work.
            Be prepared to ‘walk that extra mile’.
            Develop an enquiring mind.
            We all make mistakes. Acknowledge your own.
            Tomorrow is ‘another day’.
            DON’T “dwell on” or “stew over” an injustice to you.
            Think positively.
            Be truthful.
            Don’t be too outspoken, but have your say.
            Look people ‘in the eye’ when shaking hands.

In making these suggestions, I am re-iterating some advice I have given to my grandchildren. You may, or may not, agree.


Ray O’Shannessy
November 2024
​

Convenor's response:  "As the audience knew nothing, or very little, about Neville's writing to respond, I decided to ask ChatGPT  'Do the following propositions stand up to scrutiny?'  

"Your propositions present an intriguing intersection of philosophical inquiry and scientific speculation. Let’s examine each idea for its coherence and alignment with current understanding of physics and philosophy:

1. "Right Here, Right Now" and the Nature of Time

• Philosophical Interpretation:
  The claim that "Right Here Right Now" is unattainable aligns with the philosophical view that the present moment is fleeting. In many traditions, such as Buddhism, this impermanence is a fundamental truth. In physics, time is considered continuous, meaning it flows without stopping, reinforcing this impermanence.
• Scientific Perspective:
  Time, as measured by a clock, progresses continuously in our everyday experience. However, quantum mechanics introduces uncertainty and discreteness at incredibly small scales, suggesting that the flow of time might not be as smooth as it seems.

2. Einstein’s Insights on Time and Gravity

• Einstein’s general theory of relativity demonstrates that time is not absolute. Time dilation occurs in strong gravitational fields or at high velocities (close to the speed of light). This has been confirmed through experiments, such as observing the behavior of atomic clocks on satellites.
• While Einstein's theories bend our understanding of time, they don’t fundamentally negate its passage—they show that time is relative and linked to space and gravity.

3. Studying Time at Nanoscales

• Light and Time:
  Time and light are interconnected. The speed of light is a constant in a vacuum, but its behavior can be influenced by gravity or other physical forces, as shown by relativity.
• Precision in Measurement:
  Atomic clocks, such as those based on cesium or strontium atoms, are already used to measure time with incredible precision, down to femtoseconds (10^-15 seconds). Exploring nanoscale (10^-9 seconds) phenomena might yield insights, but these timescales are relatively large compared to what’s already achievable in advanced metrology.

4. Quantum Theory and Time

• Quantum Mechanics and Classical Physics:
  Quantum mechanics indeed operates under rules distinct from classical physics. Phenomena like entanglement and superposition defy our everyday intuition. However, quantum mechanics does not discard time—it incorporates it differently, such as through time evolution in quantum systems described by Schrödinger's equation.
• Time in Quantum Contexts:
  Time at quantum scales is an area of active research. Some physicists propose that time might emerge from deeper quantum phenomena, rather than being fundamental.

5. Matter, Space, and Building Blocks

• Objects as Mostly Space:
  Atoms are mostly empty space, with a dense nucleus and electrons moving around it. This idea, central to quantum mechanics, explains why matter is composed of discrete building blocks (quarks, leptons, etc.) but appears continuous on macroscopic scales.
• Time and Quantum Theory:
  Whether time has "no effect" in the quantum world is debatable. Quantum field theory unifies quantum mechanics with special relativity, suggesting time and space are deeply connected even at these scales.

6. Potential Research Directions

• Investigating time and light at finer resolutions might deepen our understanding, but it’s not clear that slowing time (conceptually) would aid quantum theory. Time dilation is already a well-understood phenomenon in relativity. However, finding ways to measure time and quantum events more precisely could lead to breakthroughs in areas like quantum computing or gravitational wave detection.
• Combining nano-time resolution with quantum mechanics is a compelling idea but requires experimental evidence and theoretical frameworks that bridge these domains.

Conclusion
Your propositions touch on profound questions about the nature of time, light, and quantum mechanics. While some ideas are speculative, they highlight legitimate areas of inquiry. Refining these concepts with a clearer scientific basis—rooted in relativity, quantum mechanics, and advanced metrology—could pave the way for deeper exploration.'

Thank you for helping out, ChatGPT!

​Beverley Lee, Convenor

​Whilst I was growing up my mother volunteered at the school, the church, Red Cross, and raised nine children.

When I got married, I volunteered at the St James Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, the Church and at both schools my two children attended. 

​When they left school, I fantasised about all of the free time I was going to have, and all the wonderful things I was going to do. Like write a book, paint, garden and spend time having a coffee or two with my best friend.

Instead of that, I volunteered to write for grants to renovate the St James Hall, to appeal to the County Fire Authority (CFA) to build a new fire station as the old one was falling down. Then came the silo art, the notice board and restoration of a heritage jail, as well as reproducing the photographic history of St James and District. There were also the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) and the Victorian Rural Fire Brigades Association (VRFBA). All took time away from home and family.

While I don’t regret any of those things, I wonder what the future holds for the communities where most of the young people have gone away to university or to jobs

We, the present volunteers are reaching the end of our use by date.   I worry that we are not planning for the future by getting the younger people more involved in continuing the tradition of spending at least some of their time helping others.

Our Red Cross branch is over 80 years old, but now we only have one meeting a year, with about five dedicated members in total from Devenish and St James. The VFF Branch has folded. The Tennis Club has folded. The Fire Brigade is struggling to keep enough numbers to manage what is shaping up to be a bad fire year. Our Community Group is made up of the older population, mostly exceeding 80 years old, and it is the same couple who prepare the hall, make the coffee or tea, bring the morning tea, then clean up afterward.

As older members of the Community with a fair bit of experience over the years, some of the blame for the above problem lays at our feet. We need to move over a bit, and not hang on to control. Yes, we are good at what we do, but we need to share this with the younger generation. Encourage them to participate and praise them for their efforts. Show them that becoming a volunteer has great benefits. Job opportunities are increased with a CV that shows that they are prepared to give up some of their spare time to help others.

I have enjoyed my life as a volunteer but realise I’m running out of time if I want to write that book. So, here I am.
 

Kathy Beattie
November 2024

This story goes back to August this year when I discovered that the Federal Government had introduced taxation for not-for-profit community groups in the 2023/24 federal budget.

I was encouraged to investigate the matter after one of the clubs that I am a member of, was assessed for a taxation payment of $6,000 for the 2023/24 year. Not-for-profit groups are now required to pay tax on any profits over $416 or any funding that is contributed for the direct benefit of the members. In the above case the group provided a small subsidy for the annual membership fees.

I commenced my investigation by contacting a number of groups that I am a member of, to see if they were aware of these new taxation requirements. To my dismay almost all had no idea that these laws had been introduced.

In 2023 a report was issued by Prof. Ian Hickey advising that collectively, volunteer contributions to Australia’s social prosperity were valued at $287.86bn, equating to 14% of Australia’s GDP in 2021.

During my investigations I received adverse reactions from a number of volunteers who have taken exception to the requirement to provide their myGov details to confirm their identity. Many have stated that they will simply resign. These new regulations require one person to accept responsibility for reporting and compliance for a community group which will almost certainly be managed by a committee.  It is suggested volunteers will find this ‘all too hard’ and we will see a massive drain from this valuable resource. These taxes will go down in history as being the greatest disincentive for volunteers that Australia has ever seen.

Further investigation took place and to my dismay the whole process of the introduction was an absolute debacle. I assembled the information that I had, and sent a copy of this to our local MP Dr. Helen Haynes on 12th September. She assessed the content and then forwarded a copy to the Federal Treasurer Dr. Jim Chalmers, on the 16th September, asking him what could be done about the issues that I had raised.

After almost a month an undated response was received from the Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh on the 18th October. This reponse did not address any of the issues raised which will have adverse impact on the community, but simply stated the details of the current regulations. It was simply a ‘go away and don’t annoy me’ response.

Following this I received some further information about the processes introduced by the Federal Government. The main issue that arose from this was the fact that there was no provision within the regulations to allow for an off-set of volunteer hours contributed to running these community support organisations, any fundraising that they may undertake, or the time required to comply with the new taxation regulations. My response to this is:

Whilst the Federal Government is holding out its hand for the revenue raised, there appears to be no offset allowance for volunteer hours contributed, even at the minimal rate as assessed by the Governments in each state, each year. Does the Taxation Department think that somebody waves the ‘magic wand’ and the funds mysteriously appear in the community group’s bank account??

Three weeks ago a report from a Senate Inquiry was released which highlighted the issues that I had raised in my original submission of 12th September. However, the Senate report did not include the issue of off-set time allowance for volunteer input to community support functions.

The situation is perhaps encapsulated in a comment made to me recently by a fellow volunteer who said,

“I have no problems whatsoever volunteering my time for the benefit of the community, but having been a taxpayer all of my working life, I will not, under any circumstances, volunteer my time to raise money for the Taxation Department.”

I have prepared a media alert, highlighting the adverse impact on the community and other issues created by these new laws, which will be released to key media outlets and Federal Parliamentarians over the next two weeks.

To be continued………………..

Barry O’Connor.
14th November 2024.


References:
​
Ms Kristen Tran, A/Professor Jo-An Occhipinti, Professor John Buchanan, Dr Sebastian Rosenberg, Dr Christine Song, Professor Ian B. Hickie (2023)  A Contributing Life: A Snapshot of the Value of Social Production  The University of Sydney Brain and Mind Centre

Sydney University News (15 March 2023) - 'Australian unpaid social contributions valued at $287 billion' 

​I am writing this right here, right now before I forget what I am writing about.

Yes, that has been a large problem for me this year—getting older.

​In my seventy-second year on this planet, I forget which planet I was on previously to this one.

This year, I have noticed how I seem to be getting older each day. Well, there would be a problem if I wasn’t getting older each day. I would either be six feet (or about 1.8 metres, for the younger folk) underground. Or, I might even go up in smoke. I guess I will never know.

I once knew a man who, every time I said goodbye to him, would answer, “See you when you’re a bit older.” At first, I would think about it. Then I realized—yes, I would be older, even if it was only five minutes later.

I know I am getting older. A couple of things stand out—for example, I don’t work around the garden for as long as I used to. I get tired and exhausted long before I ever used to. I could work all day, with the occasional break for coffee and lunch, then get back into it. These days, it’s more of a lengthy coffee break and a short spell of work.

This reminds me of a job interview I went for many years ago. It wasn’t in a factory or an office building, just a few people sitting around a table. Over in the corner was a small shed with a workbench in it. A few tools sat on the bench, but not much action was going on.

I thought to myself, What sort of workplace is this? Anyway, I was directed to the manager’s office. A guy was sitting at his desk. He told me to come in and relax. He said my number one priority in this place was to relax—not to get too stressed and just enjoy myself.

He said he thought I would enjoy working at his business. He told me I would be tasting tea and coffee for eight hours each day. Then, for fifteen minutes in the morning, and again in the afternoon, I would have a break to go and work in the small shed. Lunch was wherever I wanted it.

I didn’t take the job because I was never meant to sit around all day. I liked to be busy, active, and doing something. Then I reached my seventy-second year—that’s when the memory of the tea-and-coffee job came back to me. It’s because I only have short-term memory loss at this stage.

It seems I finally started that job this year. I have no control over it.

It’s technology and climate change. It’s ruined everything. I know it’s not just me—a lot of people at our weekly coffee meetings say the same thing. All sorts of weird things happen. Our keys are never where we leave them, things jump out in front of us... The list goes on.
The Sun is hotter. The Winters are colder. That’s a fact. Things are further away than they used to be—especially the toilet in the middle of the night.

One thing I do know: I’m Right Here, Right Now.


Tom Barnaby
​November 2024

Earlier in the year, a friend gave me a bookmark: “It’s Not Hoarding If It’s Books”.  So impressed was I with that sentiment, that I bought a t-shirt flouting the same message. To my mother and grandmother the idea that a collection of books, not matter how large, could ever be construed as hoarding, would have been bizarre. A collection of books equalled a library, size was irrelevant.

I remember when my grandmother migrated from Rome to Australia. She was in her early nineties and had finally acknowledged that she could no longer look after herself. This was the seventies, and she had come by boat, not aeroplane. At the docks we waited and waited for grandmother to emerge from customs. It turned out that all her belongings, the bulk of which were her books, had been packed in recycled wooden boxes. Because of biosecurity, they could not enter Australia. Everything had to be unpacked and repacked.

But I digress. Is it hoarding if it’s books? Generally, there is much more leniency towards a house overflowing with books than one overflowing with shoes. Think Imelda Marcos and the flack she bore for her shoe collection.  I’ve often wondered whether this is a remnant from the days when illiteracy was linked to poverty; books with education and comfort. Punch had a great cartoon: two obviously upper-class men looking at a bookshelf with three or four tablets leaning on it – “That’s a fine library you have there, Bertie.”

These meandering thoughts followed my failure earlier in the month to find a book which I had bought just a few days earlier. In the chaos that were my book piles, and the chaos that was my insomniac’s brain, I could no longer remember where I had put it. The more the book hid, the more that was the book I definitely wanted to read next; the more I searched, the more I began to doubt my personal  ‘holy writ’ that “if it’s books, it’s not hoarding”;  the more I looked, the less irritating became the frequent tactless question: “Have you read them all?” It also made me doubt my certainty that each book I bought, would of course be read.

That was my “Right Here, Right Now” “One Moment This Year” rolled into one. Hoarding is hoarding, I decided, and I would from that moment stop buying books. I would cull what I had and have a neat, immaculate, restrained library.

Pigs will of course fly. The next day I met a friend at Hyde’s for coffee and, needless to say, the devil made me look in Redb4’s window. The devil had also cunningly displayed a book which was on my “want to read” list. On a roll, it was the devil who forced me to buy three other books, which he insisted looked very interesting.
​
In my 30 years plus as a second-hand bookseller I have seen some amazing libraries. Two however hit me with fear. It was out and out hoarding. No matter how many people were invited to buy, or to help themselves to the books, the quantity never seemed to diminish. In one case the remnant books were eventually burnt in a Guy Fawkes type night; in the other case the books were simply taken to recycling.  In both cases we were talking quality, but the reality was that the families had no other choice. There were just too many volumes. Many municipalities now have a recycling shop at the tip. Benalla does not.

I also suspect that Imelda would not have had this problem selling/gifting her shoe collection.

So, this is really my fear. What will happen to my library, and to Good Reading’s stock? Both include rare volumes, some bought for the shop, others inherited from my mother’s and grandmother’s libraries.

As this was supposed to be about hoarding, I will finish with a story told me by a friend. When she shifted from number 33 to number 39 Striling Street, she decided to move the smaller stuff herself.  All day, as she moved from one house to the other, she was watched  by a neighbour, a young Vietnamese child leaning over the fence. When her mother eventually summoned her in, the child called out:

“Lady, you got too much stuff.”

From the mouth of babes…..
 
Postscript: ‘After Imelda left Malacañang Palace, press reports worldwide took note of her lavish wardrobe, said to include 15 mink coats, 508 gowns, 888 handbags, and 3,000 pairs of shoes.”

Who would quibble over 4411 books? Proving that if its books, it’s not hoarding.
 
Delfina Manor
November 2024