Category: Fern Smith
Updates on Fern Smith’s art activities
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Art disruptors
Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee from the early 1970’s were creative disruptors to ‘art as usual’ in Australia. Like their Modernist sisters they went overseas bringing back the new wave of art practice and energy in their own unique Australian way. They shared creative visions and hold a deep spiritual connection that spans decades. Step into Paradise is a beautiful sensitive documentary currently airing on iview produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation – a Black Fella production – showcasing their art practice and personal lives. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/step-into-paradise/video/AC1906H001S00
“Australian women artists in the early 20th Century were pivotal in the shaping of Modernism as we know it today.” Leonard Joel.com 2021. Often looked over in the cannon of Australian art history. We can add Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee bringing a new energy and vibrancy to Australian art. I take my hat off to two pivotal art disruptors.
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too hot to handle- pay rate rise
letters sent 22/09/2021
Dear Councillor X, board member of Geelong Regional Library Corporation,
RE: Rise in wages and better conditions for our library workers
Well done, council for providing one of the best library service in Victoria. However, this has been achieved through the generosity of library staff implementing your/our vision on low wages and increased pressure on conditions.
This it comes at a cost. The library staff are paid 45th lowest salary in the state and lower than most regional libraries in Victoria. The library staff have requested wage increase from Geelong Regional Library Corporation board who are all Councilors.
I am an avid reader and access the great services of the library. I would not like to see this deteriorate as the library staff are working on minimum salary. Incentives please.
Please consider better wages and conditions for the library staff who are at the coal face of our community providing library services and engagement keeping our community connected safe and well. They are more than a library.
Regards
(members of the board received a letter)
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What safety measures do you have in place?
Sent 30/08/2021
RE: Concerned Australian citizen. Opening up too soon? What safety guards do you have in place?
I have read the Federal Governments four-page Road Map out of COVID lockdowns there is;- no stated ideal percentage of vaccinated population
- no actual time when to open the states up and contradicts
- nothing about stocking our hospitals
- nothing on supporting the states
- nothing on if it goes a rye
To date the Federal Government vaccine roll-out is not on track, with - Failure to get enough vaccines to rural NSW,
- Failure to get enough vaccines to GPs,
- Failure to get enough vaccines to Chemists,
- Failure to have the First Nation population full vaccinated
- Failure to have all Aged care workers vaccinated (19% 25 August 2021)
As it appears the Commonwealth Government unable to meet its own targets.
Why are you blaming the states in having a wait and see approach?
If you were so concerned about the population of Australia the Federal government would have met its targets by now and put in clear guidelines on if things don’t go to plan.
Is it good for Federal Government business to be haranguing the states to open when we are only 27% vaccinated?
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Postcards 3223 and My Horizon updates
Photograph by Fern Smith These photographic pages have been updated – both are ongoing observations of my local area.
https://fernartz.com/fern-smith-postcard/
https://fernartz.com/my-horizon/
