Mayor4Unley

 For many many years I’ve been a participant in a research project to determine if red wine and dark chocolate really protect against dementia and cognitive decline? It was tough consuming all that dark chocolate and red wine 🍷 The good news is that dark chocolate and red wine do help reduce the onset of dementia. Here’s a link to the story … https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2021/07/29/flavonoids-lower-dementia-risk/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20News%20-%2020210730

 You have to laugh at some of the official weather forecasts 😂 Rain is forecast, but just sunshine or Fine and sunny forecast, but it rains. Do they ever look out the window before issuing weather forecasts 🤔 By my statistics, the weather forecast is 50% seriously wrong.  Then it gets more silly 😜 Today it was reported that SA experienced the lowest temperature (in parts of the state) in 32 years. And to really exceed reality, it was reported that snow probably fell in parts of northern SA, but there was probably no one there to see it ie. it probably fell in the remote uninhabited regions 🤣 Yes silly, but we do need a laugh during COVID-19 lockdown 😷 If anyone did see snow today, then let me know and I will pass it on to the Bureau of Meteorology 👍 

  Here my thoughts on Federal politics … To have any chance of federal Labor winning the next election, it’s time for Anthony Albanese to be replaced. He’s just not cutting through and resonating with the people. I don’t think he’s got the ticker. His major fault is whinging about the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and not focusing on other issues. The trouble is that I can not see anyone on the opposition front bench suitable to replace him, other than Bill Shorten. I doubt that Labor will make the switch, but it should if it wants a chance to win. Any government needs a strong opposition; but Labor is failing on that account. Labor knows its problem, but doesn’t have the nerve to fix it. Besides there is no apparent alternative leader. 

  It seems that Unley Council has become a spring board into State politics. In the recent past we’ve had 2 mayors and now first-term Fullarton councillor Ms Jordan Dodd attempting to move to the SA Parliament. The election is a year away, yet so far I’ve found 2 glossy Liberal brochures about Jordan in my letterbox. Jordan is trying to win the seat of Badcoe and it will be a tough fight against the well entrenched Labor MP Jayne Stinson. I’m surprised that Jordan is running in Badcoe. It will be a tough fight. I would have preferred to see her running in the ultra safe Liberal seat of Unley, to replace David Pisoni MP. I think it’s time for a generational change in Unley and it would have been smarter for the Liberals to parachute Jordan into Unley. That’s my thoughts.

 It was sad to hear the news today that former Unley Mayor, Denis Sheridan has died, aged 76. Denis was Mayor back in the days when it was the done thing to do a 2 year term and then pass the baton. Not like today when being mayor is a career with political connections. Denis was a huge and prominent character known for his other life as a swing singer and a big band leader. Denis was commonly referred to as the singing Mayor. In fact, at the slightest opportunity, Denis would burst into song. A great way to defuse any situation. He was one of the best mayors at Unley Council. Certainly one who will be remembered, His passing saddens me. Memories of him continue to delight me. Some tales can not be told.

Clarice Becket If you haven’t been yet, then you must go to see the exhibition of works by Clarice Beckett. Her works and life story are incredible. She would have to be one of Australia’s greatest painters. It’s worth the price of a ticket. Here’s a tip: get there early and join a free guided tour. BTW due to popularity, the exhibition has been extended to 23 May 2021. https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/clarice-beckett-present-moment/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=solstice&utm_campaign=wm_claricebeckett_21

 Unley Council is proposing a reduction of the number of Wards from 6 to 5; and the reduction of the number of Councillors from 12 to 10. Consultation closes today so if you want to make a submission to Council then you must do it today (due 20 April). Here's a copy of my submission to Unley Council ... I don’t support reducing the number of Unley Council Wards from 6 to 5; and reducing the number of councillors from 12 to 10. It was proposed in the past (probably ~ 7 years ago) and was overwhelmingly rejected by council. My reasons are as follows. A reduction in the number of councillors will reduce the diversity of council. A diversity of sex, religion, ethnicity and age is important. It will be difficult to achieve more diversity with a reduced number. Council must have a priority to enhance its diversity and its connection with the community. Larger wards will make it difficult for candidates to campaign and represent the constituents. It needs to be remembered that most counci...