Being the ‘Chair’ of such a distinguished community service like the district Consumer Advisory Group and holding a Family Fun Day on World Mental Health Day is a huge undertaking…well done!

And yes, passion for the cause is an amazing thing, such a feel good factor. If more people volunteered to assist their local NGOs in delivering much needed social services, they may find it an exhilarating experience and one that will enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. In effect, they become part of the legacy to their community.

Nondenominational NGOs (new ones like the Utopia Research Institute) are almost always on the back foot when it comes to assistance from local government. It’s not a criticism – it’s a fact. We don’t have the kind of ‘clout’ that the better established NGOs do. Local councils are generally made up of ‘Officers’ that are entrenched in a position for life and ‘Counselors’ that most likely are climbing their way up the Party ladder.

I know it’s not the done thing to talk about the (local government) situation, but if you ask a selection of say, 100 locals, 95% would agree with the above statement, then shrug their shoulders and say, “that’s they way it’s always been, you can’t fight city hall.”

I have a different theory. “It is our social and moral duty to express discontent with those that have a responsibility to our community”.

And on that note, I commend our 2010 Australian of the Year, Patrick McGorry for his dedication to those individuals that this great nation will rely on in the near future – our youth.

Thank you Sharon for your comments and for supporting the Callan Park Festival.

Katherine (Kat) McCormick
CEO, Utopia Research Institute Limited
@CallanPark (Twitter)