News in brief
Watch out, cane about
NSW motorists are urged to be aware of blind and vision impaired pedestrians ahead of International White Cane Day on Tuesday October 15. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT revealed worrying new figures which showed one in two clients who are blind or vision impaired have had a near miss with a vehicle over the past five years. The figures also revealed one in 15 have actually been struck by a vehicle. “Crossing the road can be treacherous for anyone, but imagine what it’s like if you can’t see,” said Dr Graeme White, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. “All drivers need to be aware of the high level of near misses and accidents pedestrians with vision loss are experiencing.”
Greens fight Balmain wharf closure
Greens MP Jamie Parker has slammed the State Government’s plan to close Balmain West Wharf this month as part of a radical shake-up of public transport timetables. Mr Parker said the closure of a transport link between the CBD and Balmain made no sense, particularly in light of the new developments which would bring additional residents to the area. “This short-sighted decision follows the recent lodgement of [a DA] for the Nutrimetics site in Elliott St, which will see hundreds of new residents in need of transport connections,” said Mr Parker.
Gay life stories project
A new three-year project will aim to record the life stories of gay and lesbian Australians, in the first comprehensive national documentation of the experiences of gay and lesbian people. An initiative of the National Library of Australia and several Australian universities, the ‘Past in the Present: Australian Lesbian and Gay Life Stories’ project will record the experiences of 60 gay and lesbian people from various walks of life. Individuals wishing to take part can register their interest at www.australianlesbianandgaylifestories.org.au or by phoning (02) 9850 9678.
