Festivals
It is Easter and families enjoy the Easter break while the Blairgowrie Yacht club hosts a race out on the Bay. The sun has been sparkling on the water. Even ‘though it is not as clear as pre-dredging and there are pockets of silt on the sea floor and uprooted seaweed floating in clumps – people still love it. I realised as I watched these children playing in the Bay that it is so safe for little ones. The ocean is not as safe. Another young man drowned at Blairgowrie back beach on the same day.
Back a few weeks and International Women’s Day (March 8th ) was celebrated down here in Rye. Early morn and a group of women held a meditation on the pier for innocent women and children who have for so long – and are still dying – in atrocious circumstances. We scattered our flowers on the sea in sacred recognition of their sacrifice. We prayed together knowing the water of the Bay would join the ocean and the oceans of the world and circulate our blessings around the globe.
Once again, the Bay has served us well. I honour its role in our lives.
Catherine Jones is organising a Sacred walk to Point Lonsdale next Sunday 30th March. Fliers are here for you to distribute.
Finally, the Petition organised by a concerned Mentone resident is circulating.
no-toxic-dump-in-our-bay-petition-2008.pdf
One interesting observation which strengthened my faith in the media. I know many journalists have been avidly investigating and researching. The Herald Sun on Saturday, page 9, had an article about the levels of contamination in the Bay being kept at ’safe’ levels:
I am still uneasy about it all – can we trust these ‘experts’ ? It is a lovely characteristic of the Aussie folk to want to to trust in their pollies and corporate folk and our ‘ she’ll be right, mate ‘ characteristic is a noble one.
I am not comfortable with the revolutionary approach – have been beaten and burned by the adversarial system too many times and as I age I am more protective of my vulnerability. This is partly why I personally have chosen the angle I have.
Next Saturday evening is Earth Hour* and during that time, I shall be at the beach with a candle. The template of love and respect we have anchored around the Bay is there for us all to use whenever we feel so inclined. This is a sanctuary. May we continue to treat it as such.
Happy Easter folks!